2023 Comet $5/lb! Don't forget to try our taster packs if you are not sure on what hops to try.

Brewers Guide

Beginner’s Guide to Hop Selection for Homebrewers

Selecting hops shouldn’t be overwhelming—even with 120+ varieties available at Northwest Hops. This guide will help you understand hop basics, narrow down your choices, and make your first brewing experience a success.

What Are Hops and Why Do They Matter?

Hops are essential for:

  • Bitterness: Balancing the sweetness of malt.
  • Flavor and Aroma: Adding citrus, floral, pine, or earthy notes.
  • Preservation: Acting as a natural preservative.

The timing of when you add hops in the brewing process determines their impact:

  • Early Additions (60+ min): Mostly bitterness.
  • Mid-Boil (15–30 min): Flavor.
  • Late Additions (0–5 min) or Dry Hopping: Aroma.

For beginners, we recommend starting with T90 pellets—they’re easy to use and store well.

Understanding Hop Characteristics

  • Alpha Acid %: Indicates bittering strength. Moderate (4–8%) is beginner-friendly.
  • Flavor & Aroma: Ranges from citrus and tropical fruit to floral, earthy, or spicy.
  • Origin: Each region brings unique profiles. Explore hops from the US, UK, Germany, New Zealand, and more.

Top Beginner-Friendly Varieties at Northwest Hops

US-Grown:

  • Cascade: Classic, forgiving, citrusy—ideal for pale ales.
  • Centennial: Similar to Cascade, slightly more bitter.

UK-Grown:

  • East Kent Goldings: Mild, earthy—great for English ales.
  • Fuggle: Earthy and balanced.

Germany-Grown:

  • Hallertau: Spicy, floral—perfect for lagers.

New Zealand-Grown:

  • Motueka: Bright, tropical, and approachable.

All available in convenient 1oz packs for easy experimentation.

How to Choose Your First Hops

  • Start Small: Try 1oz packs to discover what you like.
  • Match to Style: Choose hops suited for the beer style you want to brew.
  • Watch for Specials: Check our Monthly Specials and Clearance for deals on quality varieties.
  • Ask for Help: Contact Phil at phil@northwesthops.ca or 250-408-8975 for personalized recommendations.

Build Your Knowledge

  • Read Our Blog: The Hop ‘n’ Beer Blog covers brewing tips, hop profiles, and industry insights.
  • Follow Us: Stay updated on new arrivals and brewing advice on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
  • Take Notes: Record what you brew, which hops you use, and the results. This helps you refine your preferences.

Conclusion

With Northwest Hops’ wide selection, fair prices, and personalized service, you can confidently start your brewing journey. Begin with proven, approachable varieties and reach out if you need advice.

Ready to get started?
Browse our full selection of hops or contact Phil for guidance on your first order.