nutty_gnome

Recipes 

I sniffed at a 1/2 ounce bag of cascades in my fridge last night. The hops have been in a ziplock bag there since mid November (I guess). In addition to the usual hops smell I thought I caught a whiff of something vaguely cheesy. So the question is, is that slight scent an indication that the hops are degrading? If it is, could I still use them as a 60 min bittering addition without worrying?

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N_G
It could be worse.

Suthrncomfrt1884

Recipes 

They're bad hops. If it's only a 1/2 oz, just throw them out. Or, you could leave them alone for a few more months and use them for a lambic. Ziploc bags won't cut it for saving hops...you'll need something that's 100% airtight.

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He who drinks beer sleeps well. He who sleeps well cannot sin. He who does not sin goes to heaven.

Another HERMS rig...

Dr Malt

Recipes 

Agreed, they are not worth saving. Next time, seal the saved hops as best you can with the minimum of air in a sealed bag (Seal Ameal vacuum is great for this) and wrap them in foil. Light is also damaging to hops in storage.

Dr Malt