Hop storage: how old is too old?

[humblesea]

Just wanted various opinions on using older hops. I used some whole hops in a recent pale ale, that are over a year old, but have been kept in the freezer. I tasted it after two weeks of fermenting and it tastes just a little leafy. Seems like pellet hops would store longer in the freezer. Any thoughts or similar experiences?

 

[BierMuncher]

At two weeks...any hoppy beer will taste leafy. They're fine.

 

[weirdboy]

If the hops smell like old, musty cheese when you pull them out of the freezer, you should reconsider using them. Or consider doing a lambic, or donating them to an HBTer who makes lambics.

 

[humblesea]

awesome thanks