Should I Dry Hop?

[Hangfire]

Hi everyone,

Have a couple of questions. I'm brewing the Brewers Best HopNog 2011 and was wondering if I should secondary and dry hop this one? I like pretty hoppy beers, and want to get an idea of what to expect if I do dry hop this (I've never tried dry-hopping). So, if I should....how would I go about doing this? Here's the hop schedule that was used:

(The recipe didn't say what type of hops these are. Just "bittering" and "HBC 342".

1. Bittering Hops 3/4 (60 min)
2. Flavoring Hops 1oz(20 min)
3. Flavoring Hops 1oz(10min)
4. Aroma Hops 1oz (at termination of boil)

Thanks!

 

[pwndabear]

i hate when they do that.

its all up to you man. youre gonna have a nice nose on the beer since youre hopping at 10min and flameout. but if you want it, do it.

 

[NordeastBrewer77]

i hate when they do that.
.

I know, right!

It's all up to YOU, the brewer. If you want a dry hopped beer, go for it. Personally, if I'm unsure if I want to dry hop I take make the decision when I taste/smell the FG sample. If I feel it needs more aroma, I dry hop. If the hops are already where I want 'em, I keg/bottle the beer.

 

[hopsalot]

If you want a dry hopped beer, go for it. Personally, if I'm unsure if I want to dry hop I take make the decision when I taste/smell the FG sample. If I feel it needs more aroma, I dry hop. If the hops are already where I want 'em, I keg/bottle the beer.

Good advise, also i would not purchase another kit form them. I have not purchased a kit in a while, but there are companies that disclose all ingredients.

 

[smokinj]

The hbc 342 is a newer 'experimental' hop. It's labeled as an aroma hop with aroma described as "pleasant, mild, citrus and watermelon." If you like hops, then I say dry hop it. Just one man's opinion, but I've never had a beer that I regretted dry hopping.

 

[smokinj]

My guess would be that the bittering hops were labeled as such because they don't have as large of an effect on the outcome of the beer, (other than bitterness, of course)and maybe they use different types based on availability. At least they told you what hop the flavor and aroma were coming from. When dry hopping I typically put the hops in my secondary vessel, then rack onto them. I like to use a couple oz. for around 7 days, but like everything with this hobby, opinions vary so do what you like.

 

[Hangfire]

Wow! Thanks everyone for the quick replies!

Yah, I usually order from Northern Brewer but this one was a gift. One thing i kind of liked (don't know if it makes a difference or not), but the hops did not come in pellets, they were almost whole hops. Kind of cool.

Anyway.....thanks for the advice! I think I'll pick up a couple of ounces and give it a shot!

Thanks!

 

[Brewchitect]

Do it! I dare you. Peer pressure.