Membership questions? Log in issues? Email info@brewersassociation.org

Author Topic: Pacific Jade Hops  (Read 5184 times)

Offline Mark G

  • Brewmaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 898
  • Huntley, IL
Pacific Jade Hops
« on: June 28, 2011, 05:06:34 pm »
Out of curiosity, I picked up 2 ounces of New Zealand Pacific Jade hops at my LHBS today.  The description is citrusy with black pepper notes. Has anyone tried these? I was thinking of using them in a saison.
Mark Gres

Offline gordonstrong

  • Senior Brewmaster
  • ******
  • Posts: 1355
    • BJCP
Re: Pacific Jade Hops
« Reply #1 on: June 28, 2011, 06:16:28 pm »
Out of curiosity, I picked up 2 ounces of New Zealand Pacific Jade hops at my LHBS today.  The description is citrusy with black pepper notes. Has anyone tried these? I was thinking of using them in a saison.

I haven't used them but that description matches extremely well with a saison; good call.  Saison Pipaix-like, I'd guess.
Gordon Strong • Beavercreek, Ohio • AHA Member since 1997 • Twitter: GordonStrong

Offline richardt

  • Senior Brewmaster
  • ******
  • Posts: 1227
Re: Pacific Jade Hops
« Reply #2 on: June 28, 2011, 07:22:17 pm »
I'm not so sure---while the Pacific Jade hop profile description (citrusy w/ black pepper notes) does suggest the profile of a Saison, one needs to remember that it is the saison yeast (e.g., WY3711 or WY3724) which contributes a substantial amount of this character already. 

While the use of Pacific Jade hops may be complimentary, it may also be masked, or outright clash.

If you're trying to investigate the characteristics of the Pacific Jade hop itself--I'd suggest using a less complex beer style (e.g., pale ale or blond ale) that uses yeast possessing a cleaner profile (e.g. WY 1056).

Offline EHall

  • Brewmaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 729
Re: Pacific Jade Hops
« Reply #3 on: June 29, 2011, 10:24:01 am »
I've been going thru and doing test batches for all the NZ hops... this one is on the list but I won't be able to get to it for a few more weeks. I'll put it to the top of the schedule. So far I'm very impressed with all the NZ hops.
Phoenix, AZ

Offline Mark G

  • Brewmaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 898
  • Huntley, IL
Re: Pacific Jade Hops
« Reply #4 on: June 29, 2011, 10:29:57 am »
Maybe I'll try a couple different beers with these. I'll start with an established saison recipe I've been making regularly and swap the hops out with Pacific Jade. That should help me differentiate the hop flavor contributions vs. yeast flavor contributions. Based on my experience with this recipe, I expect the hops to complement the flavors. I'll report back when it's done...
Mark Gres

Offline EHall

  • Brewmaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 729
Re: Pacific Jade Hops
« Reply #5 on: June 29, 2011, 12:26:42 pm »
when I 'test' a new hop and sometimes a specialty grain, I do 1gal batches. I use only pale malt and add the hops at 60m and 10m. Gives me a real good idea of how they bitter and flavor/aroma. From there I take notes and then start thinking where I could use them and what I could mix them with.
Phoenix, AZ

Offline thomasbarnes

  • Brewer
  • ****
  • Posts: 415
Re: Pacific Jade Hops
« Reply #6 on: July 05, 2011, 01:30:15 am »
They sound like they'd make an excellent Saison, but if you're wanting to get a sense of the hop character make an American Pale Ale with them instead.