General Description

A well known hop that can be used in the majority of European styles of beer, Northern Brewer owes its versatility to both a moderately high Alpha Acid percentage and its refreshing, woody, piney, minty and resinous aromatic descriptors.

Characteristics

Alpha Acids: 8 – 10%

Beta Acids: 3.5 – 5.5% 

Primary usage: Dual Purpose (Aroma and Bittering)

Aromatic character: Woody, piney, minty, resinous.

Complimentary beer styles

This hop strain is best used in beer styles such as:

Lambic

Porter

California Common

European Ales

Stout

Due to its moderately high Alpha Acids and pleasant, refreshing aromatics.

Substitutes

Chinook

Columbus

Galena

Magnum

Brewer's Gold

Keep in mind that alpha acid differences in substitutes may need to be accounted for when weighing out your quantities.

Storage

Colder is better when storing hops as the rate of loss halves for every 15°C lowered in temperature. Optimal storage conditions for hops are between -21°C - 0°C in a sealed, airtight environment.

Shelf life

If stored in ideal conditions your hops will only experience a rate of deterioration of about 10% for every 6 months stored. An unopened packet of hop pellets can effectively last up to 4 years in ideal conditions, though keep in mind that the rate of deterioration increases at higher temperatures and unsealed environments.