The hops: the king of the brewery
When we talk about quality beers, hops play a leading role worthy of Hollywood. This humble ingredient brings with it an explosion of flavors and aromas, turning common beers into authentic masterpieces. But what happens when we talk about fresh and humid hops? We are going to crumble this sparkling issue.
Fresh hops vs. Wet hops: It’s not the same!
The terms ‘fresh hops’ and ‘wet hops’ are often confused in the beer world, but they are quite different. Imagine that the fresh hops is like a delicious baked bread, while the wet hop is that bread fresh from the oven that still retains some moisture. Fresh hops is used just after drying, while wets are used as soon as it is harvested, retaining up to 80% water.
The secrets of flavor
Vinnie Cilurzo, by Russian River Brewing, mentions that wet hops offer fresher aromas, although they require more to balance the presence of water. So if you think that an ounce of dry hops is enough for your recipe, prepare four to six ounces of damp hops.
All about the freshness of hops
Did you know that freshness is the king in the world of hops? When Ken Grossman, the guru behind Sierra Nevada, began his beer Andanza, the quality of hops was a challenge. It was like looking for a unicorn in a forest … without luck. However, the 2008 crisis caused a resurrection in hops cultivation, making it more accessible even for homemade brewers.
Using hops on time
The fresh hops has a short useful life. It is recommended to use it within 24 hours after harvest to prevent ‘rancid’. You don’t want your beer to have a taste similar to a withered salad!
Less is more: moderation in the use of hops
Let’s admit it: using wet hops can become a double -edged sword if we get carried away. Although vibrant flavors provide, an excessive amount can result in a flavor profile that reminds more of a garden than a good beer. The key is to find balance.
A touch of bitterness
For bitter notes, it is better to reserve the dry hops. This not only brings stability to IBU levels, but also offers you precise control over your desired profile of your beer.
The fascinating hops life cycle in wet hop beers
The life of hops in the elaboration process is almost poetic. Since they are harvested, until they reach the boiler, every step matters. Essential oils are key to flavor, and the temperature in boiled significantly modifies these compounds.
Hops intervention in fermenters
Adding hops during fermentation results in different flavors, creating a profile that is transformed over time. In the early stages, very green notes are noted, and as mature beer, the complexity of oils is revealed with subtlety.
The bottling dilemma
Unfortunately, many homemade beers end with unwanted pieces of hops, which can compromise the taste over time. But not everything is lost; With good control during bottling, the ravage can be minimized.
Useful tips for beer lovers!
If you decide to venture in the world of fresh or wet hops, be sure to take into account its freshness, the right amount and the formation form to really take advantage of its potential. With practice and patience, your beer can become the star of the bar.
