9 month old hops

[BadgerHound]

I have some Magnum pellet hops (AA 13.1%) that have been in the freezer for about 9 months. They have been in a zip lock bag. Any idea what the AA % might be now?

Thanks

 

[davesrose]

There isn't an adequate calculator for figuring out AA loss because all the variables are still debated. One thing that is for sure: if you want to store for a longer time, you need to make sure the hops are stored without O2 and as cold as possible. As long as you did try to get out as much air in your ziplock, you'll probably be OK. Recently, I was pretty surprised that a LHBS around me keeps their hops in large open containers at room temperature If you're really concerned about AA loss, you could up the schedule a bit.

 

[jmferris]

I have heard people say that they have stored frozen hops pellets for over a year with no noticeable impact on bittering or aroma qualities. I am sure part of it would be how it was frozen, as well. Assuming it is pellet, was the air evacuated from the storage container/bag and do you see any signs of freezerburn?

There was a question posed to Brew Wizard in BYO back in 2002 that states they can remain "fresh" for two to three years. I would assume that this is implying that proper storage would see no noticable degredation of the alphas, but hopefully someone here can confirm that.

I am planning on vacuum sealing soon, so this would be of interest to me, as well.

The article: Brew Wizard: How should you store hop pellets to extend their freshness?

 

[Baldy_Beer_Brewery]

I think there is more of an impact from oxidation than there is perceived bitterness. I have a brew that I keep on tap at all times, and as the hops I buy in bulk age, I've noticed a flavor change, but not so much a bitterness change.

FWIW, Beersmith claims that there is a 15% Alpa loss over 6 months.

 

[Calder]

Beersmith estimates 12.5% for 9 months in a plastic bag at 0 F.

I found a pound of Cascade and 4 ozs Willamette at the bottom of my freezer yesterday. I think they have been there for over 8 years. I wonder what their AA's will be. Will probably mix them in with some fresh, and make a couple of big IPAs to use them up.

 

[Calder]

FWIW, Beersmith claims that there is a 15% Alpa loss over 6 months.

That is a standard measure, and I think that is the loss when left in the open at 60 F (I might have the temperature wrong). At colder temperatures and in sealed containers, the loss is a lot less.

 

[jmferris]

Beersmith estimates 12.5% for 9 months in a plastic bag at 0 F.

Ah... Completely forgot about the Hops Age calculator. Vacuum sealing makes a monstrous difference. Answers my question as well. Cheers!