Bittering Hops Matter?

[malangon]

Is it true to say that the type of bittering hops don't matter because all you're contributing to the brew is the alpha acid content?

Second part of that question is if it's better to go pellets because they have better quality control and more accurate specs?

[Michael Murphy]

As far as flavor from bittering hops it dosent matter, but you want to pick a high alpha/low co-humulone varitey, The higher the %alpha acid the more you risk to make the beer astringent.
I almost always use Hallertau Northern Brewer for bittering, its about 10+/- AA%

Pellets are able to keep better than whole hops or plugs, but if you plan on using whole hops you would need a hop strainer in your kettle or a hop back.They dont whirlpool out.

I think there are advantages to fresh hops as far as flavor and aroma, but you can achive the same results with pellets.