Beer Forum

I found a 1oz packet of 2010 noble hops in my fridge (not freezer) that have been there just over a year. Will they still be suitable for use or should I toss them? I usually buy hops batch by batch and never store them. I know a lot of brewers buy a 1 year supply but they usually keep them in a freezer so I am wondering if there is a significant difference if I kept this packet in the fridge.

My LHBS seals their hops in those dark grey packets that look like the ones you buy computer hardware in. I assume the packaging will block oxygen penetration and light but what do I know?

Peace,

G!

They are probably a bit weak.
I can tell you one way to find out for sure.

Prepare to use them if they smell good, but buy a new pack of hops to have on hand just in case.

I've had hops in the fridge for a long time like that that were just fine. These probably are, too if properly sealed.

There are styles that are good with old hops maybe look into one of those what kind of hops are they? That might make up my mind about them

If they are the bags I'm thinking of, they have limited oxy protection (and may or may not have been purged at filling), and moderate light protection. Although I haven't tried it, I've heard that you can 'age' hops by baking them at low temp (200F) for an hour or so (stinky) and then putting them in a paper bag to off gas for a number of days before brewing a lambic. Alternately, if they still smell good, they are usable, as mentioned above.

Thanks for the info guys...I will just try the smell check and use them if they still smell good. I will save them for dry hopping I guess and use the fresher hops for bittering so I still hit my numbers.

Try a software program to estimate the AA% given the age and temp they were stored at. ProMash has an app that can calulate the estimated AA% given the age and storage temp.

hth,