Cone hops

[Hillman]

Hi guys -- I'm a New Zealander moving back home from the US in the near future. I'm bringing my brewing gear with me, so have been lurking around here for a while, trying to figure out what to expect, in terms of ingredients and equipment.

What I can't figure out is cone hops. I know it's fairly late in the season, but it seems to me that the only cone hops available at retail stores are high alpha bittering hops. As I have a hop back, I'd like to get some aroma hops like Riwaka and Cascade. Is it possible to do this more like April or May? Or are they never available? I'm happy to spend a bit of coin buying a few varieties to use through the year and just keep them in a freezer, but I'd like to know the best time to stock up, if it's possible.

[Smiffy]

I would expect a full selection to be available shortly after the harvest (March/April), but the people to ask are NZ Hops: [e-mail]

They are no longer shipping directly to individuals, so they may just refer you to their list of preferred retailers.

I would imagine that getting an order in before the harvest would be the best way to secure what you want.

[Hillman]

Thanks Smiffy. Are there any threads on this forum that review the various hops? I've read nzhops description and am familiar with a few of them from drinking NZ craft beers, but any info on how they work for brewers would be appreciated.

[Hillman]

I mainly brew American-style ales and IPAs, as well as porters, if that helps.

[Grant R Baker]

We would all like some Riwaka hops... but have to wait until March before the next crop (large breweries brought up most of last years crop).

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As for cones best keep your eye on the various NZ beer supplies sites... but that is one of the many I haven't seen in Cone form.