Secondary fermentation necessary for dry hopping?

[VoodooDoc]

I have heard a lot of different opinions on single versus two starge fermentation. I am currently brewing an IPA, and am planning on dry hopping with an ounce of centennial for 5 days. This will be the first time i have dry hopped. My original plan was to rack to a secondary after a week, then add the hops to the secondary 5 days prior to bottling. But after reading how many people on this site who think two stage fermentation is not really necessary, I am wondering if it is necessary to rack the beer at all. Or should I just dry hop in the primary? Any opinions would be welcome! TC

 

[tyzippers]

I'm pretty sure a quick search should get the opinions you're looking for...not the first time this question has been asked.

But in the spirit of helping a fellow brewer, and coming from a guy who's trying to break the habit of racking every brew to a secondary FV, there's really no need to rack. The only reasons i can think of would be if you are fermenting in a 6.5 gal carboy and want to free it up or if you are trying to wash and save your yeast cake. Your call either way.

 

[airdog_47]

Personally I see more hop aromatic and flavors the latter you dry hop. During active fermentation some of the aromatic of hops may release. It is really a preference on dry hopping in primary, secondary or keg. Do it your way and tell anyone who complains "No more for you!". Secondary will produce more aromatic but between bitterness little to no change should be seen.

 

[tyzippers]

I should have clarified. If you do dry hop in the primary vessel, definitely wait until fermentation is complete. If you throw hops in during active ferment, all those beautiful aromatics will be driven off. So, when your at your FG, then proceed to dry hop.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Wherever you choose to dry hop, I have heard that the beer should be as clear as reasonably possible...the settling of the yeast will strip some of the dry hop aromas. More a matter of timing than whether it's a primary, secondary , or keg.

 

[unionrdr]

Yes,def wait till FG is reached,then give the beer 3-7 days to settle out clear or slightly misty. the use hop sacks to dry hop for a week. you'll keep the hop bits contained & get plenty of aroma that won't go south. By that I mean if the beer is basically settled clear in primary,there won't be a ton of yeast cells & trub for the hop oils to coat & sink to the bottom with them.
So you want the beer settle clear or nearly so before dry hopping either way.