After a [slow start](/article/two-out-of-three-aint-bad) to my series of six single hop and single malt (SMaSH) beers and a [small departure](/article/under-whelming) from the series, I returned to complete a very satisfying three brew days using some very popular hops. In order of appearance, I used Amarillo, Centennial and Mosaic.
Aside from having a strangely enticing name, the Amarillo hop is one which I've seen appear in a number of beers and recipes and is one which is described by hop book author Stan Heironymus as "intensely fruity (citrus, melon and stonefruits)". It was a very drinkable beer but due to the timing of the hop additions I missed the intensity, as such was my first choice hop in a short series of dry-hopped SMaSH IPAs.
Centennial seems largely to be a 'support' hop and I've not often seen it as a headliner, which is likely more a reflection of my novice stature rather than indicative of its actual commercial use, however I see it frequently and wanted to see how it faired by itself. It was described by Mr Heironymus in "For The love of Hops" as uniquely floral so I have an eye on it for a potential green tea ally in future creations. At this time I haven't really sampled it enough to write about..
The final hop in this series is Mosaic, and I've noticed that A LOT of brewers like to add this hop in the latter stages to really enhance the aroma of the beers, and though I have not yet tapped the beer, the aroma from the keg on transfer post fermentation was awesome, so I cannot wait to crack this one open. S H says "Rich in mango, lemon, citrus, pine and, notably, blueberry" so I have plans for this one rounding out a future stout idea that I have.
jk
3 years ago