Am I the Only Guy Who Doesn't Like a Bunch of Hops?

[cricky101]

Originally Posted by bigliver

I'm hophead, I admit, but I do think some take it too far...Stone comes to mind. Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale and North Coast Red Seal Ale are my top two favorites. Been enjoying a rare (at least over here) find of Rogue Dead Guy Ale. In other words, for me, hops=goodness.

I love the Dead Guy Ale, and it's been getting easier to find around me at liquor stores and in some bars.

A couple months ago I had a couple pints of cask-conditioned Bell's Two-Hearted Ale. It was awesome: smooth and hoppy all at the same time.

Bring on the hops!

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by ninjavanish

.

Many of the American MicroBrews tend to overhop their beers in my opinion. (Sierra Nevada comes to mind)

That why I don't like SN, they don't hop enough. To me, their stuff is bland.

[RevSmoke]

Again, here is something that is based upon personal taste. Personally, I like hops. Sometimes, the hoppier the better. To say that a beer has to be balanced or it is no good is simply just one person's taste. To say that fruit in beer (I just don't get it personally) is wrong, is just a personal taste opinion (I won't drink it either).

So, in the spirit of friendliness and good cheer, grab a pint and sing along with me.
to the tune of "Do, a Deer" from Sound of Music

Dough, the stuff that buys good beer,
Ray, the guys who sells me beer,
Me, the guy who drinks the beer,
Fa', a long way to get beer,
So, let's have another beer,
La-ger, ale, or pilsner clear,
Tea, not thanks I'll have another beer,
And that brings us back to dough, dough, dough, dough,
Dough, the stuff that buys the beer....

Sorry, non-sequitor morning.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Jbailey]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

That why I don't like SN, they don't hop enough. To me, their stuff is bland.

I agree with bland. I haven't found a SN that I liked. The last one I tried was that first 30th anny bottle. Not saying SN is bad, just isn't my cup of tea.

It's like cigars, everyone's palate is different.

[ashtonlady]

Ok, I am not a guy. And I dont perfer hoppy beer. I like Scotch Ales, Porters, Stouts, Belgiam type ales. I like things that are complex. And hoppy beers dont do that for me. But like cigars we all have our own likes and dislikes. And I respect that.

[CasaDooley]

Originally Posted by ashtonlady

Ok, I am not a guy. And I dont perfer hoppy beer. I like Scotch Ales, Porters, Stouts, Belgium type ales. I like things that are complex. And hoppy beers dont do that for me. But like cigars we all have our own likes and dislikes. And I respect that.

I agree with Laura. I'm not a big fan of Hops (although I do like the "citrus" dimension they add to beer). I am an Ale kind of guy.

[BlackDog]

One point that hasn't been mentioned is that hops taste "hoppy" when they're out of balance with the malts. For example, Bell's Two Hearted Ale, which I love, is considered to be very hoppy by many because it has 52 IBU's. But North Coast Old Rasputin, which has 75 IBU's, is considered to me more balanced because the hops are more "hidden" behind the huge malt bill. You've got to take both in context when evaluating the "hoppiness" of a beer.

[kaisersozei]

Originally Posted by BlackDog

One point that hasn't been mentioned is that hops taste "hoppy" when they're out of balance with the malts. For example, Bell's Two Hearted Ale, which I love, is considered to be very hoppy by many because it has 52 IBU's. But North Coast Old Rasputin, which has 75 IBU's, is considered to me more balanced because the hops are more "hidden" behind the huge malt bill. You've got to take both in context when evaluating the "hoppiness" of a beer.

I'm just a few minutes late of making that same point.

It's all about the balance. I've been a hophead for years, meaning that I prefer a hoppier style beer, predominantly IPAs. Those are my "go to" beers and the ones I brew most often. However, I can certainly appreciate well-crafted beers of just about any style that actually meet the style guidelines--meaning, beers that taste the way they're supposed to.

I am starting to get a little annoyed with a lot of the craft brewers who are trying to push the edge of the envelope in hop usage. To me, a lot of it seems like a big waste--like they're trying to see just how big the balloon can get before it pops. Big deal. Some of these Imperial IPAs are clocking in at 100+ IBUs, and that's just crazy. Lagunitas has a beer out now that boasts something like "43 different hops were used." That's just plain stupid, and a waste of good hops coming out of a worldwide shortage.

[ODLS1]

Originally Posted by ninjavanish

I can tolerate hops in balance with everything else... a beer with no hop flavor isn't worth drinking... (ie. Birra Moretti Doppio Malto) And a beer with no malt flavor is akin to the smell of horse piss and I can only imagine not too far off in flavor (ie. Dogfishhead 120 Minute IPA).

DFH 120 isn't really an IPA. It's more like a big Barley Wine. Any hop presence has been almost unnoticeable.

Originally Posted by ninjavanish

Many of the American MicroBrews tend to overhop their beers in my opinion. (Sierra Nevada comes to mind)

The other thing I find ruins a lot of the American MicroBrews for me is the tendency to have overly sweet beers. I assume from adding sugar during fermentation to keep the yeast happy. (This actually ruins quite a few of the high ABV Belgians for me as well... and I love Belgian Beer.)

The one thing I hate most is buying a nice expensive liter of something special from an American Micro Brew only to find an overly-sweet, unbalanced, hop syrup inside. I can't remember which of the members here has the tagline "What the matter, afraid you'll taste something?" But in this case... Yes... something awful. You can keep your Hop-syrup and pour me a nice, balanced Stella.

Adding sugar dries the beer out. The sweetness is from different malts. IPAs are drier beers, which gives the illusion of a more bitter beer as well. More malty sweetness will help balance out the bitterness.

Hops add bitterness, flavor, and aroma, but no sweetness. Many American hops have a citrusy flavor and aroma, while many European hops have a more earthy, grassy flavor and aroma.

Stella is like the Budweiser of Belgium. Please don't say you love Belgian Beer because you like that. Stella even tastes like Budweiser with a very very slight hint of Belgian yeast characteristics.

There are too many beer styles to list. It's sounds like you are throwing beer into 2 categories, IPAs and Pilsners.

I'll say I like anything done right, except "fizzy yellow beer". I like to enjoy my beer. I like it to have flavor. Light lagers tastes like piss to me.

Everyone has different opinions and tastes, this is mine.

Originally Posted by kaisersozei

I am starting to get a little annoyed with a lot of the craft brewers who are trying to push the edge of the envelope in hop usage. To me, a lot of it seems like a big waste. Some of these Imperial IPAs are clocking in at 100 IBUs, and that's just crazy. Lagunitas has a beer out now that boasts something like "43 different hops were used." That's just plain stupid, and a waste of good hops coming out of a worldwide shortage.

Imperials require more malt (and many times sugar to keep it from being overly sweet - remember sugar keeps the beer drier, lower final gravity than malt would) - so more hops are required. Now more varieties of hops just means more complexity in the hop flavor and aroma profiles. That doesn't translate into 43x MORE hops used. It all depends on the amounts of the hops used.

It's a shame so many people think light lagers is how beer is supposed to taste. I'm not saying hoppy beers (IPAs) are the best thing ever and everyone should drink them. I enjoy them but many people don't. However there are hundreds of other beer styles out there to enjoy. Hell try a good amber ale. Simple, sessionable, still with nice flavor, and most are not "hoppy".

[pektel]

Originally Posted by Snake Hips

Am I the Only Guy Who Doesn't Like a Bunch of Hops?

Yep. Hand over your man card, and go grab an appletini.

[ninjavanish]

Stella may be the Budweiser of Belgium... but go to Belgium and order a Budweiser.

As a matter of fact, go to almost any country outside of the US and order a Budweiser... many people here get the impression that Budweiser is not a respected beer worldwide... while in fact it remains one of the best selling beers world wide. Hence, you can literally order it in an inordinate number of bars and restaurants in the world... I don't personally think it's the best beer, far from it, but there is something about it's flavor profile and characteristics which appeal to a very wide variety of palates. (Guinness of course being the most widely sold pint on the planet, 10M Pints sold Worldwide DAILY!!! That's 2B per year)

As far as Budweisers of Belgium... you could look to a brand called Bavik. Yellow, frothy, virtually flavorless... But oh man is it good ice cold on a hot day. This was a beer fridge staple of mine when I lived in Tucson. (125 degree days necessitate clear, cold brews) And at less than $6 per 6-pack... it's in line with some of even the most generic of american beers. (Yuengling)

You're right, ODLS, Dogfishhead 120 is in fact a very high ABV and yes... is probably more akin to a barleywine... but at 120 ibu's... come on... where does one draw the line? I clearly draw mine a little more to the middle of the road... preferring balance and refreshment as a trump to extravagantly intense flavor... MOST of the time... (La Fin Du Monde however sweet and intense it may be still reigns as an all time fav) If I'm looking for something that flavorful...Most of the time I'll switch to a nice single malt. (DAMN THE TORPEDOES!!! RAMMING SPEED!)

And before I forget, While Stella remains my Belgian mistress (however promiscuous she may be) my all time favorite is in fact probably a close tie between Westmalle Trippel, Corsendonk Abbey Brown Ale, or Orval Trappist (Which smells like pee but tastes like heaven... at least to me).

[kaisersozei]

Originally Posted by ODLS1

Imperials require more malt (and many times sugar to keep it from being overly sweet - remember sugar keeps the beer drier, lower final gravity than malt would) - so more hops are required. Now more varieties of hops just means more complexity in the hop flavor and aroma profiles. That doesn't translate into 43x MORE hops used. It all depends on the amounts of the hops used.

Right, but the same complexity can be obtained by using something slightly less than "43 different varieties," and by changing the infusion schedule. This is where Lagunitas goes overboard and seems to be more concerned with the marketing aspect of their beer. I think most people aren't able to discern one hop from the other anyway, so it strikes me as a bit of overkill in order to slap one more thing on their label.

[jkim05]

I like hops, a lot, but there are many people who don't. I think it may be an acquired taste, but that doesn't mean everyone acquires it nor should they.

[ODLS1]

Originally Posted by ninjavanish

Stella may be the Budweiser of Belgium... but go to Belgium and order a Budweiser.

As a matter of fact, go to almost any country outside of the US and order a Budweiser... many people here get the impression that Budweiser is not a respected beer worldwide... while in fact it remains one of the best selling beers world wide. Hence, you can literally order it in an inordinate number of bars and restaurants in the world... I don't personally think it's the best beer, far from it, but there is something about it's flavor profile and characteristics which appeal to a very wide variety of palates. (Guinness of course being the most widely sold pint on the planet, 10M Pints sold Worldwide DAILY!!! That's 2B per year)

That's called marketing and money - owning over half of the beer market share in the US (and probably the world now that AB merged with InBev, but I don't know the stats on that). You continuously tell people what they like and they will believe it. They can afford to spread their crap all over the world. People say beer is an acquired taste - that's only because it takes awhile to get used to crap. I've met tons of people, including girls, that say they don't like beer. I let them try a few beers of mine and they fall in love. I gave one girl a Stout and she was like "This is beer?!?" and loved it. Now I can't say for sure since I have never been out of the country (trust me I would love to), but I've heard many places it's just like us ordering a cheap beer from another country. It's an import and something different. I never liked beer until I tried Sam Adams Boston Lager and Guinness. I was amazed at the flavor potential in beer. I started looking for high rated beers around here and it's been a snowball effect since.

I don't want to sound like a complete snob/douchebag/asshole or seem to be putting down anybody. I also understand cost is an issue many times (although here you can get a 6pk of Founder Dirty Bastard cheaper than a 12pk of Bud Light, and the Dirty Bastard has more alcohol than the whole 12pk of BL). I will say Yuengling is not half bad for the price. We don't get it here yet though.

Originally Posted by ninjavanish

You're right, ODLS, Dogfishhead 120 is in fact a very high ABV and yes... is probably more akin to a barleywine... but at 120 ibu's... come on... where does one draw the line? I clearly draw mine a little more to the middle of the road... preferring balance and refreshment as a trump to extravagantly intense flavor... MOST of the time... (La Fin Du Monde however sweet and intense it may be still reigns as an all time fav) If I'm looking for something that flavorful...Most of the time I'll switch to a nice single malt. (DAMN THE TORPEDOES!!! RAMMING SPEED!)

Yea but 120min isn't a beer marketed to drink multiple in one sitting. It's high abv and expensive. The 120ibus are completely hidden by the mass quantity of sugars. When I have had it it's been all sweetness, no bitterness. Big beers need more IBUs to balance out the sweetness. Honestly that beer could use more IBUs. Although when you get to a certain point (probably around there) there's debate on whether it makes a difference at all. Some say the bitterness just flatlines. I have no idea though.

Have you had DFH World Wide Stout? That is 18% and only 70 IBUs. Talk about a sweet stout. If not, try that.

Originally Posted by ninjavanish

And before I forget, While Stella remains my Belgian mistress (however promiscuous she may be) my all time favorite is in fact probably a close tie between Westmalle Trippel, Corsendonk Abbey Brown Ale, or Orval Trappist (Which smells like pee but tastes like heaven... at least to me).

At least you like Westmalle and Orval . Orval is a little funky because it is bottled with Brettanomyces, an acid producing yeast/bacteria. Creates all sorts of awesome funk

Originally Posted by kaisersozei

Right, but the same complexity can be obtained by using something slightly less than "43 different varieties," and by changing the infusion schedule. This is where Lagunitas goes overboard and seems to be more concerned with the marketing aspect of their beer. I think most people aren't able to discern one hop from the other anyway, so it strikes me as a bit of overkill in order to slap one more thing on their label.

Yea after mentioning complexity, I meant to say 43 is a little overkill and ridiculous, haha. Many things are done over the top just for that reason - it's gets people talking and trying it and spending the money on it (ie DFH 120, Sam Adams Utopias).

[ninjavanish]

Originally Posted by ODLS1

Have you had DFH World Wide Stout? That is 18% and only 70 IBUs. Talk about a sweet stout. If not, try that.

Have not tried that. 18% sounds like it has some horsepower.

I do enjoy a good high ABV stout from time to time, I will check it out... but I still find myself unable to fully accept a carbonated stout for some reason! Guinness has spoiled me! I want my nitrogen!

I may be the only one but it just feels... wrong! My brain tells me "This isn't a stout... watch the bubbles... they are going the wrong direction! They should be settling DOWN... not UP!"

[Bill86]

DFH 120 minute IPA is great
DFH WWS Is the best DFH beer period it is awesome. If I could get a case.......I would buy it in a heartbeat.

[ODLS1]

Originally Posted by ninjavanish

Have not tried that. 18% sounds like it has some horsepower.

I do enjoy a good high ABV stout from time to time, I will check it out... but I still find myself unable to fully accept a carbonated stout for some reason! Guinness has spoiled me! I want my nitrogen!

I may be the only one but it just feels... wrong! My brain tells me "This isn't a stout... watch the bubbles... they are going the wrong direction! They should be settling DOWN... not UP!"

Haha, I love both equally. I have my own Extra Stout recipe on "beer gas" (75% Nitrogen, 25% CO2, same as Guinness) through a Guinness faucet. It's awesome. Silky smooth, chocolately (from the grains), aweomeness.

Here is a terrible video of it. It is perfect if you can see it in real life. Wish I could get a better video camera.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN5LFVEODkk

[ninjavanish]

Originally Posted by Bill86

DFH 120 minute IPA is great
DFH WWS Is the best DFH beer period it is awesome. If I could get a case.......I would buy it in a heartbeat.

Just don't ever ever tell me that Midas' Touch is the best beer ever... I'll go off on you like a Spider Monkey.

[BlackDog]

Personally, I dislike Guinness, or any other stout, on nitro or from a nitro can. Nitro mutes the aroma of the beer. I do, though, like Guinness Extra Stout from the bottles with no widget.

[ninjavanish]

Originally Posted by ODLS1

Haha, I love both equally. I have my own Extra Stout recipe on "beer gas" (75% Nitrogen, 25% CO2, same as Guinness) through a Guinness faucet. It's awesome. Silky smooth, chocolately (from the grains), aweomeness.

Here is a terrible video of it. It is perfect if you can see it in real life. Wish I could get a better video camera.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN5LFVEODkk

I could totally see it. The video was fine! Now to me... THAT looks like a proper stout! Bubble direction and everything! Haha