The Session 11-23-15 Hop Selection and Quality

Summary: Hops are still one of the most important ways to add a unique signature and complexity to a beer. Unfortunately hops are also one of the most variable ingredients, especially in the homebrew supply channels. Unlike craft brewers, the homebrewer is not going to Yakima to do selection! The homebrewer has less control. In this episode of The Session, Nathan Smith helps us discuss how to stay on target and find quality knowing that hops are highly variable. We investigate and discuss what we can do to identify the variables when it comes to deciding how to select and use hops, how to limit those variables, and how to adapt and be flexible when you cannot have ideal control over the variables. We're also joined by The Homebrew Chef, Sean Z. Paxton, to help us learn about ways to beer up our Thanksgiving menus.