10 replies to this topic

[Hooperjetcar]

I have about 5 lbs of assorted leaf hops that are now over three years old. My brewing has slowed way down, so I am just not getting through them as fast as I wanted to, and I am starting to taste it in the beers I am producing. I was thinking of just doubling up till they are gone (that should use them pretty quick) but was wondering if anyone had any other suggestions. They have been vacuum sealed and stored in a standard freezer.

[RommelMagic]

Lots of Lambic? Maybe a huge high gravity batch

[MolBasser]

Belgium is your friend.BrewBasser

[ncbeerbrewer]

+1 on the Belgian Beers. Any different flavors and I doubt it would be noticed. Find a style you like and hop away.

[notwoohoo]

I had a difficult time recently finding aged hops for a lambic...

[rockon]

I also have a pound or so in my freezer that are about 2 years old. I guess I'll start looking at some belgian recipes. I've been brewing with them and haven't noticed any bad effect yet, but I've also been making maltier beers. I just kegged up a pale ale that I used them in. I'll see how it turns out.

Edited by rockon, 28 March 2009 - 07:27 AM.

[Lagerdemain]

Don't assume that just because hops have a few years under their belt, that they are somehow automatically unusable in your regular beers. I've got hops going back to the 2004 crop that are still in great shape and which I'm using in my beers. Of course, I've vacuum sealed them and kept them in a chest freezer. So.......before deciding to abandon hops just because they aren't last year's crop, see what condition they're in first.

[Mashman]

Don't assume that just because hops have a few years under their belt, that they are somehow automatically unusable in your regular beers. I've got hops going back to the 2004 crop that are still in great shape and which I'm using in my beers. Of course, I've vacuum sealed them and kept them in a chest freezer. So.......before deciding to abandon hops just because they aren't last year's crop, see what condition they're in first.

I agree with Lager. They may not be in the best shape, but they aren't ready for Lambics either. Hops for lambics are aged at room temp. and exposed to O2 for a couple years. Mashman

[onthekeg]

Hops don't go bad IMHO just because the calendar says they are. Smell them. Are they cheesy? If not use them as new! If they are losing their aroma, I believe they are still good for bitterness additions, just not flavor or aroma.Boil them. Make some Golden Strong or barleywine. Hate to see you not use them!

[DaKine]

I agree with the bittering opinion. I've used pellet hops a few years old, just ziplock in the freezer. no problemo, but I'm not a beer judge, either.

[Greatfookin]

You could always send them to me for proper disposal.