Hops - Leaf vs Pellets

[donnchadhc]

Just wondering, from people's experiences, what are the differences/pros and cons between using leaf and pellet hops? Have only ever used leaf so would be interested to see people's opinions.

[Ciderhead]

Ditto and now I'm all pellets,
Easier to handle and manage, last longer
Better for dry hopping
Make a sludge though v's leaf

[mr hoppy]

Interesting, was going to say I've now gone all leaf for dry hopping as I can dry hop in the keg with teaballs now, whereas my first attempt to dry hop in a keg with pellets was a disaster (the dip tube got clogged and I had to rack to another keg).

[DEMPSEY]

Moved to pellets because they are easier to use,easier to control the quantity's added and easier to store. Also they are less likely to have gone off and all yellow.

[Ciderhead]

Interesting, was going to say I've now gone all leaf for dry hopping as I can dry hop in the keg with teaballs now, whereas my first attempt to dry hop in a keg with pellets was a disaster (the dip tube got clogged and I had to rack to another keg).

Leaf was a pain to dh with
Sterilised Nylon tights initially, now water grade gauze with an elastic band over the end of siphon tube
Much better flavour profile with 3-max 7 day exposure

[DEMPSEY]

As far as I know most commercial guys (the good ones ) are only dry hopping the fermenters and not the casks

[LordEoin]

dry hopping in the cask/cornie would be a right balls. I'd imagine lots of grassy beer after hops sat around in it for months.

also, add 1/3 extra if using leaf.

[Ciderhead]

I thought it was 10%, that explains a lot!

[LordEoin]

you shouldn't be dryhopping cider anyway!! 

[donnchadhc]

Thanks lads, food for thought. Might try pellets, do they stay fresher longer?

[Ciderhead]

yes, you get less loss as them are compacted, still good idea to vac seal and freeze

[sub82]

Pellets are also supposed to produce more consistent results as the everything is compacted as one, whereas it is much easier for the lupulin glands to fall out of the bales of leaves and cones.