I have some loose hops that a mate gave me 6 months ago and I'm wondering if they still would be any good. They have been stored in a dry cool(ish) place over the winter but not refridgerated. How long are they good for? Do they degrade much with time? Would they ever get stale and give a brew a stale taste?
And another thing, would you use loose hops from a completely unsealed bag for dry hopping? They are totally open to whatever germs so I would be a bit concerned about sanitation. I know there is supposed to be no problem with the hops you buy in a sealed bag but these are oen and have been handled by hands. Is it true that hops are self-sanitising?
How long do hops last for?
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boingy
Re: How long do hops last for?
They will have deteriorated but you can probably still use them for bittering assuming they don't smell musty or bad. You might want to boost the quantities to allow for lower %AA.
No point using them for aroma or dry hopping though. The fresher the better for that.
No point using them for aroma or dry hopping though. The fresher the better for that.
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scuppeteer
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Re: How long do hops last for?
On the other hand I used hops kept in the garage, in an open plastic bag that were 2 years old and was one of the best beers I've done. As you're in Nelson your quality of hop is superior anyway, no pests or disease I mean. If they are not obviously mouldy they'll be fine. Do you know what variety they are as they may only be good for the copper anyway. 
Dave Berry
Can't be arsed to keep changing this bit, so, drinking some beer and wanting to brew many more!
Sir, you are drunk! Yes madam, and you are ugly, but in the morning I shall be sober! - WSC
Can't be arsed to keep changing this bit, so, drinking some beer and wanting to brew many more!
Sir, you are drunk! Yes madam, and you are ugly, but in the morning I shall be sober! - WSC
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beerandgarden
Re: How long do hops last for?
Thanks guys. Well I don't even know the variety so I think I'll give up on them this time.
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scuppeteer
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Re: How long do hops last for?
NOOOOO, don't give up! Be adventurous. Try a single hop for brewings sake.
Depending on how much you have try 40g in the copper @ 60mins, 10g @ 10mins, 10g at 1 min. Then 50g or so @ 80o steep for an hour. You might be pleasantly surprised. You may luck in and they could be Sauvins. Failing that send them to my Uncle-in-law in Christchurch!
Depending on how much you have try 40g in the copper @ 60mins, 10g @ 10mins, 10g at 1 min. Then 50g or so @ 80o steep for an hour. You might be pleasantly surprised. You may luck in and they could be Sauvins. Failing that send them to my Uncle-in-law in Christchurch!
Dave Berry
Can't be arsed to keep changing this bit, so, drinking some beer and wanting to brew many more!
Sir, you are drunk! Yes madam, and you are ugly, but in the morning I shall be sober! - WSC
Can't be arsed to keep changing this bit, so, drinking some beer and wanting to brew many more!
Sir, you are drunk! Yes madam, and you are ugly, but in the morning I shall be sober! - WSC
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beerandgarden
Re: How long do hops last for?
Hey you're seriously giving me second thoughts, maybe a half batch might be in order. I have about 100g.scuppeteer wrote:NOOOOO, don't give up! Be adventurous. Try a single hop for brewings sake.
Depending on how much you have try 40g in the copper @ 60mins, 10g @ 10mins, 10g at 1 min. Then 50g or so @ 80o steep for an hour. You might be pleasantly surprised. You may luck in and they could be Sauvins. Failing that send them to my Uncle-in-law in Christchurch!
Can you explain the 50g addition, steep for 1 hr?
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scuppeteer
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Re: How long do hops last for?
If you're a bit short on weight reduce the first hops in the copper. Assuming a brewlength of 23l of course.
80o steep - let the copper cool to 80 degrees C after the 60 min boil, then add the hops but try to keep it at that temperature in order to extract the aroma's and flavours. Or you could let it drop to 80o add the hops and just leave them to soak for 60mins without maintaining the temp. Alternatively you could dry hop after fermentation instead. The choices are endless!
80o steep - let the copper cool to 80 degrees C after the 60 min boil, then add the hops but try to keep it at that temperature in order to extract the aroma's and flavours. Or you could let it drop to 80o add the hops and just leave them to soak for 60mins without maintaining the temp. Alternatively you could dry hop after fermentation instead. The choices are endless!
Dave Berry
Can't be arsed to keep changing this bit, so, drinking some beer and wanting to brew many more!
Sir, you are drunk! Yes madam, and you are ugly, but in the morning I shall be sober! - WSC
Can't be arsed to keep changing this bit, so, drinking some beer and wanting to brew many more!
Sir, you are drunk! Yes madam, and you are ugly, but in the morning I shall be sober! - WSC
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Rookie
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Re: How long do hops last for?
What do they smell like?
If they smell hoppy they're okay, if they smell cheesy they're not.
If they smell hoppy they're okay, if they smell cheesy they're not.
I'm just here for the beer.