I just read the article in BYO on home hop growing and processing. Of most interest, the author claimed to have great success with drying fresh hops in a hot attic, placed in a thin layer on some spare window screens. While informative, the article still leaves a lot to be desired in determining the AA% of homegrown hops. I have read this thread, but I want an easy home/DIY approach. Here's my proposal:
Buy/acquire some small quantities of whole hops at widely varying known AA%. Make hop teas from VERY carefully measured identical amounts of the different hop varieties, including the homegrown varieties. Boil the measured hops under identical conditions and in identical quantities of water (perhaps with a small amount of DME to enhance the utilization) for at least 30 minutes. When cool, taste each tea. Compare and contrast each known AA% tea with the unknowns, and estimate the AA% of the unknowns based on perceived bitterness. Some crackers, parsley, or other palate cleansing foods may be helpful during the process.
Is there any merit to this, or do you guys think it's still just a shot in the dark?
Buy/acquire some small quantities of whole hops at widely varying known AA%. Make hop teas from VERY carefully measured identical amounts of the different hop varieties, including the homegrown varieties. Boil the measured hops under identical conditions and in identical quantities of water (perhaps with a small amount of DME to enhance the utilization) for at least 30 minutes. When cool, taste each tea. Compare and contrast each known AA% tea with the unknowns, and estimate the AA% of the unknowns based on perceived bitterness. Some crackers, parsley, or other palate cleansing foods may be helpful during the process.
Is there any merit to this, or do you guys think it's still just a shot in the dark?