Using a hop bag/spider instead of commando

[Beer-lord]

I've been a commando hopper all my life and recently went electric. I have a BoilCoil and both Blichmann and High Gravity say to use a hop bag. I even wrote Blichmann to be sure and they strongly suggested using one as they use one when they brew.

My first 3 brews in the new system were good. Maybe even above average but 2 of the brews were recipes I've done before and they are not as hoppy nor do they have the same aroma. Next time I'll compensate with adding a bit more hops.

So, users of hop bags, do you adjust by adding more hops and if so, roughly what percentage?

 

[Rodent]

how loose was your bag?

I'm 50/50 for if I do/don't bag, mostly depending on what I'm brewing and hop quantity in the boil. I haven't detected much difference between bagging (very loose) or commando. I did use a spider, but had issues with it clogging up on hop heavy 2xIPAs

 

[mongoose33]

Commando Hopper, eh? I've never heard that term before. I like it!

I used to use a spider, a bag that was tied off, even a screen cylinder that hangs on the side of the kettle. Never did I get the same hop utilization that I did when going "commando."

I suppose I should have increased the hops somehow, but it wasn't clear how much I'd have to do that, and the added expense, while not huge, offends my sense of fiscal restraint.

 

[Beer-lord]

Actually, I use a hop screen but I assume it's 350-400 micron based on what I now see online. Mine is a few years old.
I stir the hops often.
I also whirlpool and am thinking the amount of hops I use might clock the pump too.

 

[Jag75]

Just did a dbl hop NEIPA. My spider was clogged big time . I had to pour into a strainer for it to drain all the liquid . Even though some of the hop goop went through it wasnt that bad .

 

[day_trippr]

fwiw, one big problem I've found using a 6"d x 18"h 400 micron SS spider is hot break can plug it up right at the beginning of the boil, especially if there are oats or wheat involved. I've taken to doing a vigorous boil for five minutes and skimming the hot break before inserting the spider and dialing the boil back to just above a simmer, and it has made a big difference. I've actually used a digital 'scope to peer at the mesh before and after and the difference is huge...

Cheers!

 

[gnor]

Why listen to the manufacturer? Just go back to commando.

 

[day_trippr]

"Commando" is not PC friendly, ime...

Cheers!

 

[Rodent]

how about Mac - it work ok on iOS?

 

[day_trippr]

iOS is so effed up who could tell the difference?

 

[Soulshine2]

commando (pellet) hopper here. I roll the boil more at the end and most of it just sticks to the top of the pot . I put in the whirlfloc later than 15 minutes to go and cold break as fast and soon as possible . Most of what hops was left clumped up nice and settled to the bottom. I did have some pea soup looking stuff at the end but not nearly as much as previous but was fairly concentrated...if that makes sense. I ran that through a screen filtered funnel before going to the primary. Wort came out super clear.