jrhammonds

Recipes 

I had a quick question about UV rays and hop oils. Can you get skunky reactions with UV rays and hops before fermentation? I brew outside and have never had a problem, but I was curious? Can skunking occur before fermentation, or is this only after fermentation (e.g., in the bottles)? Thanks!

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Primary 1: Foreign Extra Stout
Secondary: Summer 08 Cider
Bottled: Imperial Red Rye Ale, Bourbon Oak Strong Ale

llazy_llama

Recipes 

If that was the case, we'd all have to start growing hops in the dark. I don't imagine they'd grow very well like that.

Edited: Nevermind, I read your post wrong. I thought you meant hop cones still on the vine. My bad.

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jrhammonds

Recipes 

No worries. But once the hops are isomerized into the wort, can skunking occur then? .. or after fermentation?

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Primary 1: Foreign Extra Stout
Secondary: Summer 08 Cider
Bottled: Imperial Red Rye Ale, Bourbon Oak Strong Ale

llazy_llama

Recipes 

After fermentation, sure. That's why we advocate the dark t-shirt over the carboy, and tend to use brown beer bottles. I brew outside as well, and I've never noticed a problem with skunking during the brew, but I sure do cover up my carboy and keep my bottled beer in a dark place.

Before the boil, I think you're more worried about the hops going stale or growing mold, which is why most people vacuum seal their hops.

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