When it comes to brewing an Ordinary Bitter, a classic British style, the choice of hops is crucial in achieving the desired flavor profile. Traditionally, British hops such as Fuggle or East Kent Goldings are used in this style. These hops impart a distinctive earthy, floral, and slightly spicy character that complements the malt backbone of the beer.
To create a well-balanced Ordinary Bitter, I recommend incorporating bittering, flavor, and aroma hops at different stages of the brewing process. This will contribute to a complex and layered hop character in the final product.
For bittering, I prefer using Fuggles as they provide a clean bitterness without overpowering the other flavors in the beer. Fuggles have a pleasant earthy and woody profile, which adds a subtle depth to the brew.
Moving on to flavor and aroma additions, I find that East Kent Goldings work wonderfully in an Ordinary Bitter. They have a delicate floral and fruity aroma, with hints of spice and honey. These characteristics can greatly enhance the overall complexity and aroma of the beer.
When it comes to the timing of hop additions, it's best to reserve the Fuggles for the beginning of the boil, typically around 60 minutes, to extract the desired bitterness. This allows the flavors and aromas of the Fuggles to meld with the malt during the extended boiling process.
For the East Kent Goldings, I recommend adding them towards the end of the boil, around 10-15 minutes remaining, to preserve their delicate flavors and aromas. This will contribute to a more pronounced hop character in the finished beer.
Additionally, dry hopping with East Kent Goldings can further enhance the hop aroma and provide a subtle hoppy kick. Dry hopping involves adding hops directly to the fermenter after primary fermentation, allowing the hops to infuse their flavors without contributing much bitterness.
To summarize, using British hops like Fuggle and East Kent Goldings in an Ordinary Bitter can create a well-rounded beer with a pleasing hop character. Incorporating Fuggles for bittering and East Kent Goldings for flavor and aroma additions at different stages of the brewing process will result in a complex and enjoyable brew.