How much does dry hopping fade over time?

[mrphillips]

I would like to dry hop an English IPA, but I'd also like to let the bittering hops and higher ABV meld together over several months. Is it worth dry hopping if I'm going to let it age for 3 months? I'm not sure how much of the aroma will dissipate, and I'd rather hang onto the hops if there wouldn't be a lot of change in the beer.

 

[strangegreenman]

It is worth dry hopping that beer. I find that hop flavor and aroma disappears as if someone turned a switch at around eight or nine months, but is vibrant at one to two months and strongly present at three, four and five.

 

[CRoth36]

Give it a try. Not gonna hurt and what are you out? Few ounces if hops? Go for it.

 

[mrphillips]

Solid advice. I was more concerned about it coming off TOO hoppy, and taking it out of the English IPA category. I plan on submitting this to a competition in the somewhat near future.

 

[opiate82]

Another option is to let it age in a secondary then do the dry hop a week or so before bottling.

 

[CrystalShip]

Another option is to let it age in a secondary then do the dry hop a week or so before bottling.

This is probably the best advice. Hop aroma does NOT benefit from time.

 

[CrystalShip]

Opiate, you still in mt vernon? are you a member of a homebrew club?

 

[opiate82]

Yeah, still in the MV but as of yet I am not a member of any homebrew club.

 

[Conan]

... I find that hop flavor and aroma disappears as if someone turned a switch at around eight or nine months, but is vibrant at one to two months and strongly present at three, four and five.

I agree here.

Another option is to let it age in a secondary then do the dry hop a week or so before bottling.

I also agree here. In either case the sweet spot is probably 2-3 months, in my experience. Gives the flavors enough time to blend well, but they haven't started to fade. Kyle

 

[CrystalShip]

Yeah, still in the MV but as of yet I am not a member of any homebrew club.

You should come and check out NorWa homebrewer's guild. We meet in MV.

http://www.wahomebrewers.org/community/clubs/277-northern-washington-homebrewers-guild-norwa