It seems like not too long ago I posted about my first batch (I guess it really wasn't that long ago). Anywho, I have graduated to all-grain brewing for my fourth batch. The brew day and primary went great and the beer (Simcoe/Mosaic IPA) has finished and has been dry hopped once already with 1.5 oz simcoe and 1.5 oz mosaic. When I measured out the hops for the first dry hop i put another 1.5 oz of each in a ziplock bag in the freezer to use for the second dry hop. Then I had a thought... Since i removed the hops from the original sealed packaging is it still safe to put in the beer? I'd rather throw out 3 oz of hops than a batch of beer later on. Thanks in Advanced!
Some people swear by a multiple dry hopping regimen, but I am just too lazy to dry hop twice...one big addition...properly timed (not too early) has worked well for me...AND negates having to answer your question ...seriously, put them in if they still pass the smell test (I'm sure they do). I just realized you were asking about the sanitation aspect...not a problem...hops are anti-microbal.
You'll be just fine. Hops have an antibacterial effect . . . it's one ingredient you don't have to worry about infecting your brew. Keep it cool, dark, and as oxygen free as possible to preserve aroma and flavor and all will be well. What's style are you brewing?
I appreciate the replies, glad to hear i can still dry hop again. @PortLargo its an IPA with simcoe and mosaic. The other day I racked some off to bottle and rush it off to a local comp and it was pretty good. Its a grapefruit bomb, that's for sure!
