2013 Nugget Hops Deal

[pshankstar]

Is it worth buying 2013 Nugget hops at this price? I would probably buy another pound or two at the same time given the shipping and all. I already have a pound of Warrior and Bravo sealed (1 oz foods aver bags) and in the freezer.

http://www.homebrewfinds.com/2016/02/nikobrew-2013-nugget-hop-pellets-7lb.html

BTW - I mainly brew Pale Ales and IPAs so I'm trying to build a nice stock pile of hops to come up with my own recipes and what not. Thanks in advance!

 

[IslandLizard]

As long as they have been stored at deep freeze temps they should be fine. I have 2013 harvest Nugget (from HopsDirect) and it's as potent as can be. NikoBrew has a good reputation. Hops are their only business.

 

[Calder]

The hops should not be a problem. But is that really the hop you want. You have Warrior and Bravo, all 3 are primarily bittering hops. Yes, you can use them for late additions, but none make really exciting IPAs.

I think you would probably be better off looking for hops that will give you the flavor you want.

 

[pshankstar]

@calder good point. I do need to get aroma hops.

@IslandLizard you think any 2013 hops from NikoBrew are fine to buy? I'll keep my eye open on similar good deals.

 

[IslandLizard]

Agreed, you already seem to have a decent amount of bittering hops for at least 6-12 (double) IPA batches. Stock up on some aroma hops.

I haven't bought from NikoBrew (yet), but have always seen good feedback. They are a vendor here. Some others are HopsDirect, Yakima Valley Hops, Farmhouse Brewing Supply.

According to a few posts some 2015 hops have not been that good, e.g., oniony/garlicky Mosaic, and low aroma Amarillo. Not sure if these are merely incidental cases or across the board from certain suppliers.

Again, if properly stored, 2013 hops should be fine. I have (deep frozed, -4-0°F) hops from 2011 and 2012 that perform as well today as they did 3 years back. I have been adding 10% per year for age, but that seems a bit too much already, going to add only 5% now.