which hops to choose?

[bazooka]

I am going to brew a "traditional ale" from a malt extract kit which is already hopped, however, I was thinking about adding my own hops to the wort. My question is, which hops go well with this type of ale, or is just a matter of personal taste? I've never added my own hops before, so this will be the first time.....

[fuji6100]

"traditional ale" can have varying meanings to different brewers. You are pretty much free to go with what you like.

Try this link for some hop descriptions.

http://www.brewery.org/brewery/library/Hopprofs0497.html

If it doesn't load, just wait 5 minutes and try again. It's a busy server.

Keep in mind that the higher Alpha Acid hops will be more bitter, while the lower AA ones are more often used for flavor and aroma. The stage in the boil (or dry hopping) greatly determines how the hop affects your taste.

Early in the boil lends bitterness, near the end leads flavor/aroma. Dry hopping gives more aroma.

Good luck!

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

I agree with fuji6100. I would just add that if you get your hops from a local brewshop you should just smell'em all and find the freshest. If it's a high a.a. hop you just buy less. If you get it online or mailed to you then I'm sure the website above would help a lot. I still think you should find a way to get the aroma so you can pick what you'd like.