2014 hops

Vacuum sealed in good packaging, I would be fine with using 2014 hops.

 

fixed the thread title

 

Remember, up till September/October this year everyone was still using 2014 hops. And many still may.

From what I gathered, most warehouses and vendors store them cold, but AFAIK not frozen. Deep frozen is the best to retain freshness, aroma, and bitterness over time as chemical processes and breakdown slows down with lower temps. If you're buying 2013 harvest hops now, chances are they will be fine but may have lost some character over 2 years. I think you can easily afford to use a bit more.

I still have quite a few 2012 harvest hops left, and thinking about it, some maybe even from 2011 since there's no date on them. I bought those in 2013 (HopsDirect) and they've been deep frozen (-4F) since I got them. They're all pellets and still smell and taste as good as the first time I used them. There's no yellowing or browning anywhere to be found. I have no doubts when using them now.

In recipes, after adjusting for %AA, I add an additional 10% of weight for each year of age, and that off the cuff formula seems to work fine. I haven't had any issues with lack of flavor, aroma, or bittering.

Go for it, there are some great deals to be had!

 

Yes? And...

+1^
I've always seen good feedback about NikoBrew, and they only do hops. Apparently they buy them frozen and store them that way. Perhaps all wholesalers do that now. Way to go!

Farmhouse Brewing also has pounds and some are on sale. Even the 4 oz packages are reasonably priced.

HopsDirect still has a decent selection, but you've got to order at least 4-8 pounds to make the shipping palatable. They used to have "yard sales" a couple times a year, to clear out their older stock.

Whatever you do, don't go overboard or you'll end up with a freezer full of hops you don't know what to do with. Unless you brew Double IPAs every month, splitting with a couple other brewers makes it easier to digest the pounds (and shipping).