I see a bunch of places selling 2014 hops at some god bulk prices and was interested, but I wasn't sure how good a 2014 harvest is after all this time has passed. What is the life expectancy of hops from some of the bulk resellers?
2014 hops
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Vacuum sealed in good packaging, I would be fine with using 2014 hops.
fixed the thread title
David_Trucks
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Shoot I have a bunch of 2012 hops still and they're fine. I account for a little less AA, but I'm happy with their results.
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!
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!
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That sounds promising. I picked up a vacuum sealer recently and was hoping to buy a couple of pounds on sale and reseal it as I use it. I always wondered how old the packaged hops were, sounds like they are older than I expected.
Thank you for the comments.
Thank you for the comments.
David_Trucks
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Speaking of cheap hops, Nikobrew is having another sale right now. I just ordered mine, I suggest you do the same. Shipping is fast, product is high quality. I've ordered a few times and they never disappoint.
cyanmonkey
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Just heard a story of Faction using hops from 2009.
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).
cyanmonkey
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Yeesh.
My point was the hops were stored well and prized because it a strain that has changed over the years. This was considered a good year for them and although they were 6 years old they were prized.
