I did my first BIAB batch yesterday, and I had seen this issue coming but wasn't sure how to solve it. I scaled down a 5 gallon recipe to 3 gallons but I have left over hop pellets. I put then in a zip lock and got as much air out as possible then threw them in the freezer. Will they be ok to dry hop with after 3 or so weeks? I know they will definitely loose a lot of their potency, Im not worried about that, I just want to know if they will produce any off flavors. I would guess that they wouldn't, but I figured I would ask around first before making that assumption. Best Regards, Chris
"Will they be ok to dry hop with after 3 or so weeks?" Absolutely! For pellet hops stored at freezer temperatures, 3 weeks is basically nothing. Cheers!
Assuming these are domestic pellets, they're already six months old. And that's assuming they're from the most recent crop. Even stored at room temperature for 3 weeks, they'll be fine. Jack is right - 3 weeks is nothing. I wouldn't sweat it.
You can always use a Foodsaver and reseal most bags/satchels that hops come in. I use Foodsaver ziplocks and a hand held vacuum device to get all of the air out of the ziplock to reduce oxidation/air exposure. And as you and many others have mentioned, storing in the freezer well ensure optimum lifespan.
I have unopened hop pellet packs that have been in the freezer and are about 3 years old. What are the chances those hops are still good?
If they are a "factory" sealed package, then you should be fine. It really depends on the type of hops, some have better storage properties. If you bought them from a LHBS that repackages hops, then chances are they have lost a lot of "hoppiness".
I bought them from Northern Brewer. They had a grab bag special where the hops were half priced. I am guessing these are repackaged?
I don't know, if the packaging is plain or doesn't have "branding" then I would assume they were repackaged. They might be fine for bittering, but I would not plan on using them for late additions. When you open them, you will have a much better idea.
Do hops lose bittering power over time, or is it mostly just flavor/aroma? I have a bit of EKG in my feezer that is not very well sealed, wondering if it would be OK for a bittering addition some time in the future.
They lose both. When you age, you can use a ziplock bag, a mason jar, or a vacuum sealer. I'd say that a ziplock bag will breathe the most, but have no proof that a vac sealer bag isn't going to as well. Open your hops back up before brew day and give them a sniff. If they still smell fresh and healthy, use them. If they have freezer burn and smell like freezer plastic, toss them. Calculators exist, but you'd have to contact the company to find out how old the hops actually are: http://brewerslog.appspot.com/HopAlphaCalc
The loss of Alpha Acids over time can be estimated/calculated. I have not seen any technical papers which estimate the loss of essential oils over time. I have no doubt that essential oils will diminish over time but I have no way to quantify that aspect. Cheers!
Hops stored in oxygen barrier bags in a freezer will lose essentially nothing for about 2 years. Hops in a Ziploc bag at room temperature will be worthless after a few weeks. In between conditions give in between results. I keep opened hops in mason jars and purge with CO2 after every opening. They stay semi-fresh for about 6-9 months, depending on variety and good for bittering for at least 18 months (the longest any have stuck around).
