While I am waiting for the Chelmsford Pale Ale to finish fermenting, I did some research into the hop variety known as Northdown.
This is an English hop that was developed in the 1970s as a bittering hop. The alpha acid content was high for the times. Nowadays, with varieties having alpha acid percentages in the double digits, it’s not as impressive. Northdown hops live on because of their apparent excellent flavor profile. Every source said they have excellent flavor characteristics!
Origin: UK
Aroma/Flavor: Excellent! One source said very resiny.
Alpha Acid: 7.5 – 9.5%
Typical Usage: Dual purpose. Probably better suited for flavoring in the 21st century.
Beer Styles: English Ales. Porters were mentioned mostly.
Adam
I’ve been using Northdown for both bittering and flavoring. Mostly because I’m looking to buy the most economical and versatile hops in bulk. I’ve used it in a bunch of English style beers and seems to be doing a good job so far.
Hophead
I am growing hops and have been looking for information on yields and whether Northdown hops would fare well in Minnesota. I like the dual purpose bittering/aroma aspect but I guess I will have to brew a batch of homebrew using Northdown hops first to make sure I like them. So far I have not come across yield information (low/moderate/high) on Northdown hops or where I can buy Northdown hop rhizomes stateside. Can anyone point me in the right direction?