Dry Hopping a Lager

I add the dry hops to the secondary (carboy) when I transfer from the primary to the secondary and dry hop for the duration of the lagering phase (6-7 weeks for me). This process works for me.

Cheers!

 

“I was considering doing that, too, but I have read that if the beer is too cold then it will not extract the flavors from the hops.” I have read that as well and there is probably some truth that cold temperatures ‘slow’ the extraction of the hop’s essential oils. Maybe the extended time of dry hopping (6-7 weeks for me) counteracts that? The extra time permits the essential oils to be ‘fully’ extracted?

“Do you feel like you get the amount of flavor/aroma from the dry-hops doing this method that you intended? Have you dry-hopped with fruity American hops before (I have Mosaic and Citra for this IPL)?” I have always been pleased with the aroma of the lagers that I have dry hopped. I have only dry hopped with Noble Hops (Saaz, Hallertau Mittelfruh). How hops like Mosaic and Citra will ‘behave’ for the conditions of cold temperature dry hopping I have no idea.

I suppose another method you could try is after you complete the lagering phase you can bring your beer up to room temperature for a week or so and dry hop then?

Cheers!

 

I usually dry hop at cold temps. It is definitely not true that cold temps prevent hop oil extraction. It may take longer, but in my experience the effect is marginal. I don't have direct comparison data, but I'd say it may take 10%-15% longer, as a guesstimate.

 

I would avoid playing around with a lager beer temperature, they are very prone to develop off flavors.
As others have said above I would do it in a steady cold temp.I personaly like my lagers crystal clear so I skip dryhopping, I rather add a bunch of flame out hops.

 

Esteban, my dry hopped Pilsners come out crystal clear. The lagering phase (6-7 weeks for me) permits lots of stuff to precipitate out including any ‘stuff’ that the dry hops might bring to the party.

Feel free to dry hop your lagers (or not).

Cheers!

Jack

 

Thanks for the advice Jack, gonna give it another try. It seems I am a bit absolutist

 

I dry hopped my new school American Pils / IPL with Mosaic, Calypso, and Simcoe in the keg, in the fridge, @ 10psi, carbing, dryhopping, and lagering all at one time. Came out nice, big burst of fruity hops in the nose. Too much Calypso, but still a good beer.

 

Can you use hop shots ?