Wild hops?
Wild hops?
Hi folks. I've seen what I reckon are wild hops growing locally. Has anyone got advice on using them. I.e when to harvest, how to dry, how to guess AA content etc etc?
Re: Wild hops?
There's a section on using wild hops in Dave Line's Big Book of Brewing if you have access to that - he dries them with his wife's hair drier!
There are a few grow-your-own-hops threads kicking about on here if you do a search - I'm sure that the same advice goes for either wild or cultivated hops.
There are a few grow-your-own-hops threads kicking about on here if you do a search - I'm sure that the same advice goes for either wild or cultivated hops.
-
- Falling off the Barstool
- Posts: 3550
- Joined: Fri Nov 23, 2007 5:30 pm
- Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Re: Wild hops?
Harvesting and drying would be the same as the ones in your back yard. Guessing at the AA is all you can do, even if you were able to figure out what variety they are.screwybrewy wrote:Hi folks. I've seen what I reckon are wild hops growing locally. Has anyone got advice on using them. I.e when to harvest, how to dry, how to guess AA content etc etc?
If I had some wild hops I'd brew a small batch of simple beer (one malt and a slight bittering with a nuetral hop) and dry hop with the wild hops which would, at least, give you an idea on the flavor and aroma.
I'm just here for the beer.
- scuppeteer
- Under the Table
- Posts: 1512
- Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 7:32 pm
- Location: Brenchley, Kent (Birthplace of Fuggles... or is it?)
Re: Wild hops?
First rule is: If they smell like onions or garlic then don't bother.
I have done several wild brews and they have all been great. If you don't want to gamble on AA% then as Rookie says use a known variety for bittering and use the wild ones late. I like a gamble and so base the AA% around 5-6% they are rarely higher because the real high alpha hops are newer generation so unlikely to be found growing wild.
If they are local enough to keep an eye on in September then check every few days, but normally once they start to brown off you can tell. Rub one in your fingers and the stickier they are, the riper they are. For drying I use a large roasting tin with a cooling rack. If kept somewhere warm, like an airing cupboard or greenhouse they will dry in a few days.
I have done several wild brews and they have all been great. If you don't want to gamble on AA% then as Rookie says use a known variety for bittering and use the wild ones late. I like a gamble and so base the AA% around 5-6% they are rarely higher because the real high alpha hops are newer generation so unlikely to be found growing wild.
If they are local enough to keep an eye on in September then check every few days, but normally once they start to brown off you can tell. Rub one in your fingers and the stickier they are, the riper they are. For drying I use a large roasting tin with a cooling rack. If kept somewhere warm, like an airing cupboard or greenhouse they will dry in a few days.
Dave Berry
Can't be arsed to keep changing this bit, so, drinking some beer and wanting to brew many more!
Sir, you are drunk! Yes madam, and you are ugly, but in the morning I shall be sober! - WSC
Can't be arsed to keep changing this bit, so, drinking some beer and wanting to brew many more!
Sir, you are drunk! Yes madam, and you are ugly, but in the morning I shall be sober! - WSC
-
- Falling off the Barstool
- Posts: 3899
- Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2013 11:07 pm
- Location: South Wales UK.
Re: Wild hops?
Sorry Screwyb,screwybrewy wrote:That's great, thanks chaps. Roll on September then...
Just Google Earthed and picked all the Mature Plants you found and took them home!
WA