Hops substitution

[MrMethane]

OK I know this forum has had an abundance of belgian wit questions as of late, but searching for a Belgian wit recipe is how I found this forum in the first place. So here I go with another one.

I found a recipe for a Belgian wit on the White Labs website. It seemed like a decent one and I'm planning using it. The only problem is that my LHBS doesn't sell Libertey hops which the recipe calls for. I have read that Hallertau can be substituted for Libertey. But I have also read that Libertey is a bit spicier and I like some spice in my beer. I was considering ordering some Libertery hops from an online homebrew shop, however the shipping comes out to be twice the cost of the hops, even from shops located in the next state. I guess I could just buy some more stuff like cleaner and sanitizer to justify the shipping cost. What do you guys think? Is it worth odering libertey hops online or will I even notice the difference if I go with the Hallertau?

[Fast_Eddy]

I'd substitute Mt Hood.

[brewmonkey]

Originally posted by Fast_Eddy
I'd substitute Mt Hood.

I would agree with this. In fact Mt. Hood has been described as having more noble hop character then it's cousin Hallertau Mittlefruh.

Or if you are looking for some spice go with Polish lublin, one of my favorite hops. Very similar in character to Saaz and believed to be a cousin of it.

[MrMethane]

Thanks guys I might try that. My other thought was to use Saaz which I have seen in other Belgian wit recipes. I guess I'm just a little unclear as too how much affect the type of hops will have on this type of Ale. It seems to me that these wits get most of their flavor from the malt and spices rather than the hops. So am I being too picky for this particular Ale?

[Fast_Eddy]

Originally posted by MrMethane
... So am I being too picky for this particular Ale?

Only you can decide the answer to that - it's your beer ;)