German Brewing

I just can't bring myself to ever do that!

Though I used to use vanguard quite a bit in some bastardized German styles that a local brewery to me uses to make a "Vienna" lager.

Mt Hood is pretty good, I've also heard Liberty but never tried.

I haven't tried very many, but Mt Hood is pretty similar to Mittelfrüh IME

Mt. Hood. It's genetically a Hallertau type and I've used it and liked it in a number of beers. The other hops in the family, Ultra and Liberty are supposed to be very similar but for some reason they didn't do it for me.

I've used Santium with really good success.
It's listed as a sub for Spalt. A bit higher AA (it is an American hop after all) and does a good job in the Kolsch I brew.

I just ordered some Sterling from Yakima valley hops. They say it's the 2015 harvest so I opted for freshness. It's supposed to be saaz-like and I believe saaz is one of its parents. No experience with this hop yet, but thought I'd give it a try at least for the bittering addition to my next round of lagers. I'll let you know how they turn out.

I think sterling is a really nice hop. Saaz like with a bit more lemon.