I'm curious how other brewers sanitize mesh bags before using them for dry-hopping? I've been sanitizing them in a liquid, like everything else and then wringing them out, but always worry that the act of wringing them out is just getting them dirty again...Any tips/thoughts would be much appreciated!
Don't use a bag. Just chuck them hops in there. They'll float and, if you're a skilled siphoner, you can rack your beer right out from under them.
Used to just soak the bag in StarSan but changed the process to a boiling water bath followed by a StarSan rinse. Not sure the two-step is really necessary; however, there have not been any more instances of pesky pelliciles since. As for wringing the bag; I don't; although...as long as your hands are clean there shouldn't be a problem.
Dunk or spray with Starsan...on paper towel...with calm air...during a fullmoon : ) Edit: soak immediately after use with oxyclean and rinse thoroughly
I use boiling water. Star san would be reasonable too. But don't ring out the Starsan - it is a no rinse sanitizer.
I dryhop in a five gallon carboy so the taper at the top of the carboy holds everything below the liquid level. From the flavor and aroma of the beer I brew, I feel I am getting the most out of them. Also, You can sanitize your hop bag all you want, but doesn't it kind of defeat the purpose when you need to wad it up or otherwise manhandle it to get it into the neck of a carboy?
Every time (twice) I dry hopped with whole leaf hops they just stayed at the top and above the liquid level but that is with a 6.5 gal carboy. I haven't used a bag with a carboy. I agree, it would be hard to get it in and out of the neck. I am just curious how others do it.
I boil mine for 10 mins just to be safe. Had no problems. I use a weight in one bag then literally tie that in a knot w/ another w/ my hops to drop hop & it'll stay in the middle of a 5 gallon batch (using muslin bags of course). Works great. It's not on top of the beer, it's literally in the middle & when I rack it off, I have not have problems.
