Bulk hops

[Sea_of_Shells]

I recently completed my first AG recipe for a DIPA, and I realized that the hops alone are going to be close to $40 (7oz. Nelson, 6oz. Centennial, 1oz. Cascade) if I buy by the ounce. I've never used 14oz of hops before, so I'm thinking I should start buying in bulk. I've seen several online bulk hop retailers, but I was just wondering if one is better than the other.

 

[cyclonite]

HopsDirect.com (Peterbaugh Farms). Impeccable quality, good variety and "heavy" pounds (18-22 oz of hops per pound package typically).

I also like FarmhouseBrewingSupply.com since HopsDirect often sells out of popular varieties early in the season.

Both are very reasonable on shipping as well.

 

[bobbrews]

The other big one would be Freshops.com, which only offers leaf hops. I prefer pellets myself.

 

[nicklepickles]

I really like farmhousebrewingsuppy.com, good selection and prices, an you can buy 4 oz packages to sample new types if youre into that.

 

[Sea_of_Shells]

Thanks for the info and cheers!

 

[Xpertskir]

Graintoglass has been my go to this year. I have used farmhouse in the past.

 

[E-Mursed]

You realize that once you start to buy in bulk....you will never buy hops by the ounce again.

Best be planning on a place to store your extras.

 

[gbarron]

I have bought bulk hops from all of these vendors and satisfied with each:

Hops Direct
Freshops (leaf only)
Yakima Valley Hops
Farmhouse Brewing
Label Peelers
Nikobrew

 

[brettg20]

Would it be ok to vacuum seal different hop varieties together, say in a mason jar if each variety was in its own bag? Would the hop aromas mesh together? Or would it be better to give each variety its own jar?

 

[bobbrews]

You can put them in the same covered container in your freezer, but bag and seal them separately.

 

[jjw5015]

http://www.willamettevalleyhops.com/pellets-by-the-pound/

got a pound of cascade and a pound of Columbus for $19 plus $5 for shipping. can't beat that. 2 lbs allowed for usps flat rate $5. anything more was $11 through ups

 

[jjw5015]

http://www.willamettevalleyhops.com/pellets-by-the-pound/

This place has great prices and very reasonable shipping. Got a pound of cascade and a pound of Columbus for $19 plus 5.50 for shipping. Any more and the shipping doubled, still a good price though. I ordered these on Friday and they were at my door today (Monday) traveling from California to PA.

 

[wilserbrewer]

http://www.willamettevalleyhops.com/pellets-by-the-pound/

This place has great prices and very reasonable shipping. Got a pound of cascade and a pound of Columbus for $19 plus 5.50 for shipping. Any more and the shipping doubled, still a good price though. I ordered these on Friday and they were at my door today (Monday) traveling from California to PA.

Yes agreed on the above...my last few orders have been from williamettevalleyhops and I have been very please!

 

[inthesound]

My brew-mate and I bought 6 or 7 pounds recently. We got whole leaf from northern brewer. Definitely cheaper than by the ounce. Though, I'm not totally crazy about the quality of all the hops. Some varieties are a little less green than others, and seem like they may have been picked too late? They all smell great, but that was really the only complaint. Oh! And why the hell are hop union not putting zip-lock seals on their bulk bags? It seems dumb, but of course, I'd end up paying more for my hops if they did.

Bulk is definitely the way to go, the trick is having the freezer space, and not hanging on to them for too long. Though, if you're resealing the packages by the ounce it's probably not that much of an issue, but you then you have the hidden costs of your vacuum seal bags and your labor.

I just recently put together an IIPA recipe and thought the same thing, though. I have 14oz going into it. It'll definitely be a very special brew.