Measuring Dry Hops

[Jeffro74]

How does one go about measuring the amount and effect a dry hop has on the brew?

I've read that it adds no bittering, only aroma... and that can translate to sweetness. Is that correct? And how can I measure it the way I would, say, IBU's..?

 

[stpug]

No actual IBUs from dry hops; only aroma and (to some extent) flavor. However, the aromatic and flavor additions may affect your perception of the bitterness.

 

[nukebrewer]

You don't really measure dry hops in the sense that X amount of dry hops equals Y amount flavor/aroma. It's really just something you learn with time and experience. I'd start with 1-2 oz for a PA, 3-4 oz for an IPA and 5+ oz for IIPA as a base. If there's other styles you'd like to dry hop, use the aforementioned guidelines based on the strength of the beer. For example, if you wanted to dry hop a barleywine, use the IIPA guideline.

 

[Yooper]

Since you don't get bittering or sweetness from dryhopping, think of it more like a spice in cooking.

You know how some salt is good, but to tell you that XX teaspoons is perfect is probably not going to work for every taste? It's sort of like that with dryhopping in a way. Normally 1-2 ounces is good for everybody, while 3-4 ounces would be loved by a few. Just like with salt, start small until you know where YOUR sweet spot for dryhopping is.

And different hops varieties make a big impact as well. An ounce of simcoe or chinook is far more overpowering than an ounce of willamette. Once you get comfortable with hops varieties that you love, you'll get the hang of it. You can always add more if you don't have enough, so that's something to think about.

 

[Apendecto]

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