[madscientist]

Ive decided to brew a blonde ale for a local competition in march and was thinking of using a perle hops.  From what I've read I shouldn't go too heavy on the late additions but I'm wondering if it would be better to mix the perle with Saaz or hallertauer?  I think all perle would definitely be unique.  Thoughts?

[dmtaylor]

Blonde ale is a great opportunity to learn about hops.  If you're interesting in finding out what Perle hops taste like, go with all Perle.  I'm sure it will turn out excellent.

[madscientist]

Blonde ale is a great opportunity to learn about hops.  If you're interesting in finding out what Perle hops taste like, go with all Perle.  I'm sure it will turn out excellent.

Cool, thanks.  I really want to get away from the hops I usually use.  I may mix it with some saaz, not sure yet.  The grain bill will be 2-Row and Vienna so I'll see what my LHBS has in stock. 

[boulderbrewer]

Saaz plays well with Perle. but a blonde with all perle would be good, How did you roll?

[madscientist]

Saaz plays well with Perle. but a blonde with all perle would be good, How did you roll?

Decided to add some Saaz.  I got to my LHBS and it basically stared me in the face when I went to open the hop fridge so I took that as a sign I should add it lol. 

Just took a gravity reading and tasted the hydrometer sample.  I am very pleased.  It will make a tasty session beer.

[dtblank]

I did a cream ale with all perle hops and loved them in it.  Thinking of doing a pilsner with all perle.

[boulderbrewer]

I did a cream ale with all perle hops and loved them in it.  Thinking of doing a pilsner with all perle.

What type of pils, hoping to hear German or CAP?

[madscientist]

Update on this recipe. 

This beer carbed up and was drinkable in less time than I expected, and it's delicious.  You get a little up front hop flavor from some late addition Perle/Saaz, but it's not overpowering at all.  It's very smooth.  The Vienna malt gives it some nice depth.  The beer finishes really clean.  I've let a few people try it and they really like it.  At just over 4% ABV it's a good session beer.  Really happy with the way this one came out.  I may tweak a few things next time, but I will definately brew it again.

[euge]

I get alot of really earthy flavors with perle. Potting soil to be exact. I suggest a light hand unless you are familiar with this strain.

[madscientist]

I get alot of really earthy flavors with perle. Potting soil to be exact. I suggest a light hand unless you are familiar with this strain.

I used German Perle.  My LHBS told me I'd get some odd flavors with American Perle.  (Dirt and Mint i think were the terms he used). 

[richardt]

It may be OK for you--as long as you're not using 100% peated malt (reportedly tastes like an "open grave")

Personally, I stay away from any hop described as "earthy"--I just don't like the taste.