I've a couple of packets of 2013 hops leftover - motueka and cascade. I'm thinking of doing a pale ale, will older hops be ok to use? They've been kept in a fridge!
You can use them for bittering but I'd not use them late in the boil or for dryhopping. Personally, for the sake of a few quid I'd not risk it, especially for a pale ale were the hops are the key component. There's a thread here (http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.ie/forum/index.php/topic,14925.0.html) with a similar discussion.
Only spot for them is in the bin :(
I don't think I'd trust them if they've been in the fridge for around 2 years now? Were they vac packed? If not buy a vac packer and put them in the freezer, probably your best option. They'll keep longer that way!
If they're pellets they might be usable - some shops are still selling 2013 hops (or were till recently).
Its worth smelling them; this will show you how usable they are.
Agree with the others though - its not worth saving the few quid on the most important ingredient. Difference with really fresh hops is amazing - I used a pack of 2015 Citra recently that was sticky and stinking, which comes across fully in the beer.
Quote from: Will on January 30, 2016, 10:12:53 PM
I've a couple of packets of 2013 hops leftover - motueka and cascade. I'm thinking of doing a pale ale, will older hops be ok to use? They've been kept in a fridge!
Or a Lambic - style brew? I believe old hops are crucial to that particular brew?!
Also if they're beginning to smell in any way cheesey chuck em
Quote from: Will on January 30, 2016, 10:12:53 PM
I've a couple of packets of 2013 hops leftover - motueka and cascade. I'm thinking of doing a pale ale, will older hops be ok to use? They've been kept in a fridge!
Not for a hop forward style at all like an IPA/DIPA etc. Aged hops are preferred if you want to recreate historic recipes like brown porter and also if you want to make a geueze/oud bruin.
I've used old hops for porters no bother.
I brewed a pale ale on Saturday where I only used hops from 2013, sure feck it, I'm not entering it in to any competitions and I don't like waste.
It might taste like a tramps hole, but i'll choke it down regardless! Fermenting at the minute and it smells like a fruit basket, I'll be dry hopping with what ever I have left, about 50g of Chinook and 20g of Cascade.
Worth a read
http://brulosophy.com/2015/09/28/the-impact-of-age-hops-exbeeriment-results/ (http://brulosophy.com/2015/09/28/the-impact-of-age-hops-exbeeriment-results/)
Quote from: Acott on February 02, 2016, 09:58:53 AM
It might taste like a tramps hole
I'm passing on lunch today now where's me mints