Hop storage questions

[rmchair]

So the new harvest is out. Is it better to order hops for the year and store in a freezer or simply order them as needed?
In other words is my freezer as good a storage option as the distributer employs?
Will the timing of shipping to brew day affect the analysis?

Also if last year’s hops are on sale- what is the percentage of degradation? If they cost 25% less is it worth it for year-old hops that may be degraded by 25%?

 

[OakIslandBrewery]

So the new harvest is out. Is it better to order hops for the year and store in a freezer or simply order them as needed?
In other words is my freezer as good a storage option as the distributer employs?
Will the timing of shipping to brew day affect the analysis?

Also if last year’s hops are on sale- what is the percentage of degradation? If they cost 25% less is it worth it for year-old hops that may be degraded by 25%?

I buy hops that are a year or two old and use without issues. If they are properly handled and packaged there shouldn't be an issue. That said buy from a reputable seller or from a home brew store you know you can trust.

If you're in doubt about discounted purchases you can add a little extra to your brew. You're still saving money.

I buy one pound packages then reseal after opening. A vacuum sealer is a good investment. I store them in the freezer.

 

[ncbrewer]

I would only buy hops that are vacuum sealed or nitrogen flushed - not all hops are. I've had good luck with 3 year old hops that way.

 

[mac_1103]

I would only buy hops that are vacuum sealed or nitrogen flushed - not all hops are.

Yeah, be careful about vendors who repackage hops. They can't be counted on to do it right. I buy prior year hops in bulk from YVH, keep them in the freezer and vacuum seal after opening. Haven't had a problem yet.

 

[Yesfan]

I've got some old hops that still smell good in my freezer. I agree with the others about where you get your hops. Most of mine have came from YVH. I like them because their bags are resealable. Once I take what I need, I bleed the air out, seal the bag, roll it up and stick it in my freezer.

One of my past few brews had Cascade hops from 2020. The beer still came out great.