Dry Hopping - How and When?

[Muttley]

Hi Guys,

I've done quite a number of brews over the last few years but something I have never done is to dry hop. So here's the question, how and when is it done? Do you add the hops at the same time as pitching the yeast, part way through the fermentation or when you keg the beer? Also, is it necessary to ensure that the hops (and hop bag, if used) are sterile, and if so, how is that done?

I would be really grateful of any advice as I'd love to get that fresh hoppy flavour in my beer.

Many thanks,

Peter

[BrannigansLove]

Typically people dry hop after fermentation has completed, though people are experimenting with dry hopping whilst fermentation is still ongoing. There is no need to sterilise them before adding to your beer, but if you're using a bag, soak it in starsan, or boil it before using.

[gobuchul]

I tend to dry hop after primary fermentation is complete, after the Krausen has fromed and then dropped away. Normally 3 - 5 days after pitching the yeast.

[Muttley]

Thanks for the replies.

BrannigansLove - Do you mean adding the dry hops into the keg and leaving them there until the keg is finished, or dry hopping just after the primary fermentation has completed, as Gobuchul mentioned.

Gobuchul - How long do you leave the dry hops in the fermentation vessel after the primary fermentation? I normally leave the beer to settle for a further 7 days after the primary fermentation before kegging.

[gobuchul]

How long do you leave the dry hops in the fermentation vessel after the primary fermentation

Good question! There are lots of opinions on this.

I tend to leave for between 2 - 4 days. However, I tend to keg after only 7 - 10 days total in the FV, after that it goes in a corny keg with no priming sugar.

Depending on the style of beer I might only leave for another week before crash cooling and carbing.

Apparently, If you leave the dry hops too long you can get off and grassy flavours.

[BenB]

Actively fermenting yeast can pull the hop oils out of suspension so best to wait until finished. No need to secondary unless using a low floc yeast. I use a cheap "rice ball" about 10cm in diameter. 3-4 days usually if only because I want the fermentation chamber back! Must admit I've noticed some advantage in removing the dry hop and leaving it to chill for a week so should learn to be patient... drops much clearer...

[Muttley]

Guys,

Thanks very much for the advice. I've got a much clearer idea of the process now. I'll give it a go with my next brew.

Peter

[BrannigansLove]

Thanks for the replies.

BrannigansLove - Do you mean adding the dry hops into the keg and leaving them there until the keg is finished, or dry hopping just after the primary fermentation has completed, as Gobuchul mentioned.

Gobuchul - How long do you leave the dry hops in the fermentation vessel after the primary fermentation? I normally leave the beer to settle for a further 7 days after the primary fermentation before kegging.

Hi Muttley, I meant in your FV. People do dry hop in the keg, and leave until the keg is finished, but I've never done this (don't own a keg). Ive left hops in for 14 days, but the norm seems to be in the 3-7 day range. I've never had any issues with a vegetal taste which some people report with extended dry hopping.

[WalesAles]

Muttley,
Don`t forget that the Hop Bag will have to be weighted down to hold it below the beer surface.
I use a small bag of marbles for hops less than 50gr and a large bag of marbles for hops more than 50gr.
Hop bag is tied to the FV handle so that it is just below the surface of the beer but not deep enough that it is touching the FV base.
Marbles and string sterilised and rinsed before use.

WA

[guypettigrew]

My technique is to dry hop in the keg.

I throw about 25g of hops (more sometimes) into the King Keg before dropping the finished beer into it.

Never had any problems with often mentioned 'grassy flavour'.

Guy

[Muttley]

Thanks for all the information. It seems as though there are two schools of thought - to dry hop in the FV or, alternatively, in the keg. I think I'll try the former with my next brew and see how it goes.

WakesAles - thanks for the tip about the marbles; I'm going to try the stainless steel rice ball, which I presume will weigh down the hops in the FV.

Thanks again - very helpful!

Peter


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[BenB]

Ebay 252591578192 is what I use. Nice...... Fast show anyone?