I am a bad boy

[Beer-lord]

I said I wasn't buying any hops but I saw some 2013 El Dorado and have been wanting to buy a pound so I did. With the 2014 crops coming out soon, you can find great deals on 2013 hops. Normally $21.99, it went down to $19.99 and then $16.99 so I grabbed it. This time I had to pay shipping but I still think I got a good deal on them.
Now, what should I do with them?

[bucknut]

Been hearing alot about that hop lately, and surprised that's it's been around since 2010. You got a great price for them, maybe do a PTE colne and use ALL El Dorado hops!

[Beer-lord]

I've read that SMaSH with El Dorado or and all ED beer taste like "a mouthfull of Jolly Ranchers" so I don't want that. I'll try a batch with a small amount at bittering and finishing and blend with a few other hops. I think they blend well with Simcoe, Amarillo and Citra but I'll do a bit more searching to see what others have to say about it.

[BigPapaG]

I did a Dark Saison with Williamette and El dorado, using the former for bittering and the atter for flavor and aroma.

Early tasting was very candy-like... After a month or two it has mellowed a bit and tastes pretty good now...

I didn't specifically get a jolly rancher perception, but definitely it was candy-like.

[Beer-lord]

So your suggestion would be to keep it to a small amount? Depending on the beer style of course. I might just end up trying a little in late additions and dry hopping as I think I would prefer more of a candy aroma than a candy taste if it was over powering.

[BigPapaG]

Uhmm... Nope...

Not suggesting anything other than it might not be a great bittering hop...

I think the candy-like nature could work very well in some Belgian styles, some APAs and IPAs (in addition to C hops maybe)... Some stouts and maybe a blond...

I think it could be combined effectively with certain noble hops as well!

I'm just not familar enough with it yetin various scenarios to really have a feel for it yet...

[Beer-lord]

No worries, I like living on the edge.