first dry hop experiment

[pepperford]

So, I am on batch number 4 haven't screwed the pouch yet. So I am planning on my first attempt in dry hopping. I thought I would divide the batch into a couple of different carboys, and each one would get a different hop. casade, amarillo, and something to be determined. I am brewing a pale ale (sierra clone kit) that is in the primary and will be ready for the secondary this weekend. Is there a oz. per gallon that I can use, or does the alpha acids dictate the amount? And would a week in the secondary to dry hop be standard, or do I need to sample until I like it? thanks for helping the newbie.

[siwelwerd]

The alpha acid is irrelevant for dry hopping. As to amount, that depends on how strong a flavor/aroma you want to come through. I've used as much as 1 oz in 1 gallon before, but typically do 2 oz/5 gallon. As to the length of time, 5-10 days is what most people do. If you really want to know, split a 5 gallon batch into 5 1 gallons. 1 gallon cascade 5 days, 1 gallon cascade 10 days, 1 gallon amarillo 5 days, 1 gallon amarillo 10 days, 1 gallon no dry hopping (control).

[pepperford]

Thanks, because I am on a stovetop, I am only doing half batches. So I was thinking of a half gallon no hopping, and a gallon of each hop. Maybe the next half batch will be increasing the amount or the time hopping.

[pepperford]

I assume no one cares, but here is where I am at the moment. The 2 1/2 gallon 1/2 batch has been divided into 3 parts. 1/2 gal. is the control, so will not be dry hopped (sierra nevada kit). 1 gal with 1/2 oz. amarillo (plug), and 1 gal. with 1/2 oz. casada whole hops. I will let them sit for 6 or 7 days before bottling. FYI; basic brewing just had someone that did a dry hop experiment, if you want hear what happenend to theirs. The big suprise to me was that the dry hopped version had twice-three times the head of the non hopped version. I will let you know what happens to mine if anyone asks.

[Sent From My iPhone]

I assume no one cares.

I do, keep me posted

[HopRunner]

I assume no one cares.

I do, keep me posted

+1

[pepperford]

So, it's day 5 of dry hopping. I have had a few (Houblon, Rush River, Sierra Nevada, home brew triple), so this could get fun. I have read that most home brewers are using about 1-2 ounce per 5 gal. batch. I am adding 1/2 oz. per gal., so I am cutting it short in hopes of not over doing it. I tried to use a thief on one of the gallons on Tuesday, but it's bigger than the gal. opening, and was too ticked off to sanitice the siphon and go that route. The biggest problem is that I have divided a half batch into 2 one gallons, and a growler of no hopping, and I need to divide the priming sugar into fifths. And I don't want to rack into a bucket and transfer to the bottles, thinking I will waste too much product in the bottlom of the bucket. So I am going to rack to a gallon carboy and siphon into the bottles. Which just means that the bottles need to be right there, and ready to go. I am about to ready the bottles, so I will post again in a few. Ooohhh, the Bear Geek Breakfast is cold, back in a few.

[pepperford]

rule number one for racking, don't use the fucking measly 2 ft. hose that comes with the kit when racking to a gallon carboy. Starting the siphon pulls the hose out of the carboy. Precious beer spills on the floor. and it's only from a gallon carboy. Regroup, sip on the Beer Geek, stop playing on Poker Stars, and relax. Sanitise the longer hose and move on. Back in a few... refuckingsanitze the siphon again while I am at it. Back in a few..