I'm sure this question would have been discussed a lot, but somehow I have been unable to find a satisfactory answer.
I am a relatively new brewer, just into my second kit. For my next attempt, I want to try hopping my kit. ( I don't think I am ready to move to AG)
How do I use the often mentioned hop tea? And can I use both hop tea as well as dry hopping for the same brew?
I'm sorry if this question is a repeat. Maybe just a link in the right direction would be enough.
Thanks!
Hopping kit brews
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tricky_dicky
Re: Hopping kit brews
Hi Maiacetus
I have done brews with bth Hop Tea and Dry Hopping - they perform different functions in the final beer.
Adding a Hop Tea to your wort, simply involves putting an amount of hops (20g -30g in most cases) in some just bolied water and leaving to steep for 30mins or so - you can actually do this quite well in a cafieterrie. You then strain the liquid only into the FV when mixing up your kit. This will add flavour and a modest amount of aroma to your kit, but will not add bitterness.
Dry Hopping involves chucking some fresh hops (Flowers or Pellets) straight into the wort after the initial fermentation has died down (5 days or so should be about right). This should impart aroma into your kit, and really freshen it up.
You will find plenty of suggestions of what hops to use for what kits, I have done a couple that didn't quite work, but the beer will still be drinkable!
One thing I found useful was using the Flavapaks from Brupacks - these are ready mixed Hops & Grains in large Tea Bags - you simply steep these in some water as per Hop Tea and add to the FV - saves a lot of messing about.
Hope this helps
I have done brews with bth Hop Tea and Dry Hopping - they perform different functions in the final beer.
Adding a Hop Tea to your wort, simply involves putting an amount of hops (20g -30g in most cases) in some just bolied water and leaving to steep for 30mins or so - you can actually do this quite well in a cafieterrie. You then strain the liquid only into the FV when mixing up your kit. This will add flavour and a modest amount of aroma to your kit, but will not add bitterness.
Dry Hopping involves chucking some fresh hops (Flowers or Pellets) straight into the wort after the initial fermentation has died down (5 days or so should be about right). This should impart aroma into your kit, and really freshen it up.
You will find plenty of suggestions of what hops to use for what kits, I have done a couple that didn't quite work, but the beer will still be drinkable!
One thing I found useful was using the Flavapaks from Brupacks - these are ready mixed Hops & Grains in large Tea Bags - you simply steep these in some water as per Hop Tea and add to the FV - saves a lot of messing about.
Hope this helps
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Maiacetus
Re: Hopping kit brews
Thank you so much tricky. That was exactly the information I was looking for. Will have to look into the flavapaks. Sounds perfect.