What's the best way to sample hops - without brewing beer?

[BrewStew]

I was thinking of ways i could sample the flavours and aromas of hops, without actually brewing them in beer.

do you reckon i could make something like a cup of hop tea with a small pinch of them to get the flavour?

or would i have to boil the hops in water for an hour like brewing... is just steeping them enough?

is this gunna taste like **** or do you reckon it'll be effective

 

[J_P]

Have you thought of seeking out single hop variety commercial beer?

Summer Lightening - Goldings
Bluebird - Challenger
Saltaire Cascade, Fuggles and Goldings - Cascade, Fuggles and Goldings (Dur)!

Or you could try these chaps they do a couple of single hop variety beers

 

[BrewStew]

yeah i thought about it but there must be an easier way hehe

i dont like the "excessively hoppy" comment on that website... i'm the complete opposite of a hop-head :hmm:

 

[Vossy1]

I've tried a lot of those beers, and they are very good single varietal ales.
The Bobek pale principally put me off Bobeks as a Styrian replacement....just glad I hadn't bought any.

 

[MEB]

Don't be tempted to make hop tea. I tried putting a tiny bit of hops into boiling water and let it infuse. I then tasted it and almost lost the enamel from my teeth. I had to drink a few pints of beer to get rid of the taste and the memory brings a shiver down my spine. :sick:

 

[BrewStew]

haha! ok mate, point taken