old hops?

[madiba]

I have some extra Cascade hop pellets leftover from brewing in late January. They've been in a ziploc baggy in the fridge this whole time. I'll be brewing this Saturday, and was wondering if these hops will be too old. The smell is definitely not as strong as before. Will probably be using to dry hop. Any thoughts?

 

[rsmith179]

They should be just fine. If you know the original AA% for your hops, you can use the link below to calculate an estimated amount of AA in your hops now.

Brewer's Lair: Calculators: Hop Alpha Acid Loss

Another thing you could always do is continue to hold onto those hops, or any additional hops for that matter, and keep them for at least a year. Once you've aged them for a year or longer, they'll be ready to be used in a lambic if you're ever interested in brewing one of those.

 

[ifishsum]

I agree, if they've been stored properly I wouldn't consider them old hops. Several times I've bought a pound and split it up (vacuum sealer) for use over a few months.

 

[david_42]

Consider that hops are harvested once a year. So 'new' hops you buy today are probably from last August or September.

 

[conpewter]

Yes, especially if they've been stored airtight and in the fridge/freezer I'd not consider them old until they are 1 year old or more. They are still find for bittering/flavor/aroma whatever you want to use them for.