11 replies to this topic

[stellarbrew]

I just placed an order from Hop Directs for several varieties of hops. Having never used Styrian Goldings hops, I decided get a pound of them to try out. An exciting part of hobby brewing is trying new things. It seemed like they would be a good versatile variety that I could use to make European Lagers, English Ales, or Belgian Ales. I read that they are actually derived from Fuggles hops, not Goldings hops as the name would imply. I would be interested in hearing some opinions about this variety. Do you find it similar to Fuggles? Is it very distinctive from EKG or Fuggles? How would you describe the flavor, aroma, and bittering properties? Does it have any of the earthiness commonly associated with Fuggles? Is it really good for Pilsners? What is your favorite way to use this hop? Thanks in advance for any feedback you can share.

[drewseslu]

My favorite beers that I've brewed with SGs so far have been a Tripel and an Ordinary Bitter.

[MtnBrewer]

I think it's a terrific variety and it's good in ales and lagers alike. It has a mild, somewhat floral aroma and smooth bittering. It's just a small step down from true noble hops, in my opinion.

[Jimmy James]

I've got a Saison in primary right now that was all Styrian Goldings. I also tapped an ESB last night that was all SGs. I think they are great in both English and Belgian Ales which makes it a versatile hop for my brewing needs. I haven't used them in lagers yet but see no reason not to. I agree with MTN on the aroma/flavor/bittering characteristics.

[Big Nake]

I think it's a terrific variety and it's good in ales and lagers alike. It has a mild, somewhat floral aroma and smooth bittering. It's just a small step down from true noble hops, in my opinion.

+1. My thoughts exactly.I use them in pale lagers, Festbiers, English Ales and almost anything else. Very clean bittering, nice clean aroma, possibly a cross between floral & lemony aroma at times. They are usually grown in Slovenia and I usually have some on hand as they are very versatile. Cheers.

[stellarbrew]

Thanks everyone for the info. I'm glad to see that the the reviews are all good. Now I just need to decide what style of beer to brew with these first...maybe I'll brew my first Tripel to try them out, based on drewseslu's experience.

[drewseslu]

My favorite tripel has some rye and palm sugar, fyi.

[stellarbrew]

My favorite tripel has some rye and palm sugar, fyi.

Good to know, thanks. I don't suppose you'd care to share your recipe?

[3rd party JKor]

Palm sugar. That's a new one on me.

[siouxbrewer]

Late to the game but SG's along with saaz are my go-to hops for all things belgian. Also, I recently made a bitter with some late addition SG's and it turned out nicely spicy and floral. FWIW I like fuggles but don't sense a resemblance with SG's.

[djinkc]

Palm sugar. That's a new one on me.

That's a tasty brew, I'm pretty sure there are still several bombers of it in the basement.

[drewseslu]

Woohoo!! I just got a free sample at MBC...the sample is 11lbs!!Belgian-land here we come!!We also go 11lbs of Celeia, has anyone ever used this?