[dannyj621]

besides the obvious what it the difference when it comes to brewing?

[denny]

In terms of effect on the beer, not much if anything.  In terms of usage, it kinda depends on your system.  For one of my kettles, I need to bag whole hops, but pellets can go in loose.  For the other one, both need to be bagged.  For some people, neither need bagging.

[bluesman]

I also need to bag my whole hops as not to clog up in my system, but pellet hops can be boiled loose. I prefer whole hops over pellet hops. Not too sure if there is any significant difference between the two, but I believe whole hops are less oxidized due to processing of pellets.

[dontblake]

I prefer whole hops - pellets clog my screen.   However, you can expect a higher alpha acid utilization from pellets because the lupulin glands are ruptured in the pelletizing process.   Also, if you're making a big beer with lots of hops and you're using whole hops, you will lose some liquid as it is absorbed by the flowers.   So plan accordingly (i.e. when making a double IPA, plan for 7 gal vs 5)

[denny]

I also need to bag my whole hops as not to clog up in my system, but pellet hops can be boiled loose. I prefer whole hops over pellet hops. Not too sure if there is any significant difference between the two, but I believe whole hops are less oxidized due to processing of pellets.

If you have absolutely guaranteed fresh whole hops, I agree.  But in general I find pellets store better and stay fresher longer.  I always buy continental hops as pellets.

[bluesman]

I also need to bag my whole hops as not to clog up in my system, but pellet hops can be boiled loose. I prefer whole hops over pellet hops. Not too sure if there is any significant difference between the two, but I believe whole hops are less oxidized due to processing of pellets.

If you have absolutely guaranteed fresh whole hops, I agree.  But in general I find pellets store better and stay fresher longer.  I always buy continental hops as pellets.

Unless one knows the hop farmer, it's hard to do that, but I've started growing my own. I don't get quite enough yield to be self-sufficient yet so I buy from hop direct or fresh hops. I recently (last November) ordered some Centennial and Cascade hops from hops direct that were the freshest I have ever purchased. I mean they were a brighter green color and outstanding aroma. I am very pleased with them.

I vacuum seal and freeze my hops.

[homebrewgamecock]

I use both whole and pellet.  I agree with Denny for Continental hops - I prefer pellets for freshness.  Not saying you can't get good leaf hops that are Continental.  Recently I have been buying more pellet hops though.  Easier storage and very easy to use on my system.  Leaf hops also work on my system quite well.

[denny]

Unless one knows the hop farmer, it's hard to do that,

Around here, it's not as hard as in other places.  I call Dave Wills at Freshops, find out when he's picking up hops from the farmers, and order then!

[bluesman]

Unless one knows the hop farmer, it's hard to do that,

Around here, it's not as hard as in other places.  I call Dave Wills at Freshops, find out when he's picking up hops from the farmers, and order then!

Nice Denny. Could you let us know when that happens this fall.

[mikeypedersen]

I use mostly pellet hops, mainly because I buy hops in bulk and the storage space needed is much smaller with pellets.

[denny]

Nice Denny. Could you let us know when that happens this fall.

It actually happens several times, depending on variety and source.

[majorvices]

I prefer pellets becuase they are easier to use and won't clog my WP chiller. But I have a ketttle I use specifically for whole hops.

[bluesman]

I do like the ease of using pellets. They're easier to store and easier to weigh plus you don't need any bags. Alot of advantages with pellets.

[Thirsty_Monk]

I also use pallet hops most of the time.
If I use whole hops I have to use a bag as they would not plug my pump.

[BrewArk]

I prefer whole hops.  They provide something solid for all the hot break to get stuck to.

Equally important, I have an older (kinda rube goldberg) counter flow system with a 1/4" outlet.  Whole hops are screened out upstream, but pellets can make a muck that can clog the line if the flow is too slow.

It sounds bad but works pretty well in that I get good oxygenation during the slow run-out.