Hi there, wondering what you guys think about using mesh hop balls at flame out for aroma hops. Im brewing this weekend and the recipe calls for hops at flame out, then more at 200, then more at 180 for 30 minutes. I want to use hop balls ( I guess thats what theyre called) to lower the amount of unusable sludge. Will using hop balls diminish the hops aroma and oils?
I think confining the hops in that manner will inevitably diminish the hop aroma and oils somewhat. But I think it would be a pretty minor effect unless the hops are really packed in there, which could make it difficult for fluid to move through the hops and pick up the oils. And tea steeping balls (which is what I've always thought of them as) are often pretty small, and hops take up more volume than you might think. So that would be my concern. If the hops are loosely packed, with plenty of room for fluid to move through/among them, I think it should be fine.
I personally add my end of boil hops commando style but if you would prefer to keep them contained I would suggest using muslin bags like: I would suggest that you tie the knot at the absolute end of the open bag since that would permit more free movement/circulation of the hops during the steep. Cheers!
I second Jacks' recommendation of hop socks, partially filled. I usually use an ounce of pellets per sock. No noticeable loss of hop flavor for me. And it keeps a lot of crap out of the fermenter. Speaking of, I use them in the fermenter as well, especially if I start dryhopping before fermentation ends. This way if fermentation goes longer than I want the hops to stay in, I can remove them. No so easy with a carboy, but great with a bucket (plastic or stainless).
I think it was scott janish that said mesh balls are like drying bed sheets. The outside is dry but the middle is usually wet meaning oils are trapped.
