Phoenix Hops
As Mike mentioned in his post about the lack of a hops shortage at the Modern Brewer (Cambridge, MA), Phoenix hops were available for purchase there. This variety seems pretty new since there doesn’t seem to be a lot of information online about it. So, I pulled together what I could from sites and I did some research offline too. Yes, information does live offline.
Origin: UK – specifically Wye College in Kent.
Aroma: Many sources did not have a description for Phoenix hops aroma. One said it had a pleasant English aroma. Other sources stated this variety is similar to UK Challenger, which has a mild to moderate aroma but quite spicy.
Alpha Acid: There were some discrepancies in the alpha acid levels. Some claim it has a range of 4.2 to 5.5%; others claim it was higher (9 – 13%). From the descriptions I read, I would say that the alpha acids were in the higher ranges
Typical Usage: Because it was bred as a replacement for Challenger (it is early-ripening and wilt resistant), it is a true dual purpose hop with bittering and aroma properties although a source claimed that “late hop additions for aroma have tended to be disappointing with only very mellow aromas coming through”.
Beer Styles: English Ales including porters, stouts, ESBs, and bitters.
on March 4th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Good for English style Ales!!!???
Crap I should have bought some. I’ll have to make a single hop pale ale and see what they are like.
on July 13th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Last night a buddy of mine and I brewed up his fist ever batch. Phoenix was the only bittering hop that was available. I have never brewed with them before so it will be interresting to see the outcome. For flavoring and aroma we used Willamette. We will see.
on July 16th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Corey – Post a comment here after you taste the beer and let us know how it worked out for you.
on September 16th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
we have used it in a few batches and itsa really nice actually. the phoenix we used was 13% AA and didn’t have the strongest flavor, but was very pleasant. For aroma we dry hopped with saaz so oue brew came out really nice