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Refrigerate or freeze hop pellets?




I've got an open package of Cascades I want to use for dry hopping - can I keep them in the refrigerator since it's only going to be a week or so before they get used, or should I freeze them?

I know pellets aren't the best option for dry hopping, and I may yet be able to find the leaf version before it goes into the secondary, but it's all they had at the time... hmm



 

I'd freeze them

 

I'd freeze too...you may want to run an extra week in the Primary...the guy who owns my LHBS says it's pushing it to go past seven days...but most of the brewers on this site say seven days is an absolute minnimum...many say they leave in the primary for two and sometimes four weeks.

 

I think the important thing is to be sure you wrap them up tight regardless of where you store them.  Hops willl absorb weird flavors from the fridge or the freezer.  So wrap up the original package well, then double bag them, pressing all the air out as best you can.

I guess I vote for freezer too.  Although if its only a week I wouldn't worry one way or another.

FWIW, I primary for 14 days as a rule, although I usually end up at 21 days in primary.  No secondary.  If I dry hop they go in around day 4-5.



 

I did find a 1oz package (will use half) of Cascade leaves after all.  The other ones are frozen but not wrapped super air tight - I do see how they may take on odd flavors.  Might just throw them out...only a buck or two worth in there anyways.

@brewchez - I was going to go about 7 days with a day or two of diacetyl rest at 70-72º, per a lot of recommendations in regards to the London ESB 1968 yeast we're using.  Then I was going to go about two weeks in the secondary and dry hop at the time of racking.

This is for a 1.060 OG Pale Ale.  Do you think that sounds ok?  I still have not been able to see any real difference in racking vs. not except for personal preference and possibly a clearer final product.  I'm not really worried about the contamination aspect b/c I'm pretty OCD about sanitization...but all the guys I know personally that brew all rack and swear by it.  What's the deal!?!

 

I only use primaries now. when i dry hop it's 3 days into initial fermentation. then I let it be. total time in primary start to finish is 2 weeks. then I bottle.

DC

 

I dry hop in the primary too. Usually after a week, then let it set for at least a week before I bottle. Longer if I'm short on ambition. I don't see the point of racking to a secondary unless you are making a fruit beer.

 

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