INSTITUTE OF BREWING HOPS ADVISORY COMMITTEE BREWING TRIALS WITH WYE CHALLENGER, WYE TARGET AND NORTHERN BREWER HOPS

The Wye Challenger hops brewed in the 1972 trial had higher α‐acid contents but produced similar bitterness (EBU's) when brewed at similar α‐acid‐into‐brew rates as Northern Brewer hops. On average the Wye Challenger hopped beers drunk slightly less bitter than the Northern Brewer hopped beers but, overall, drinkers indicated no preference between these beers. The Wye Target hops used in the 1972 trial came from four growths of varying α‐acid contents. However, at similar α‐acid‐into‐brew rates as used for Northern Brewer hops similar levels of bitterness (EBU's) were obtained. On average, the drinkers thought the Wye Target hopped beers drank slightly less bitter but were equally preferred on general flavour grounds to the Northern Brewer hopped beers. All breweries thought Wye Challenger, Wye Target and Northern Brewer suitable as a copper hop for at least up to 50% of the hop grist.