[erockrph]

So I brewed a batch of IPA last night and used a hefty amount of whole leaf hops (6 oz in 5 gallons). I didn't want to waste any precious wort, so when I transferred to my fermenter I dumped the hops into a strainer over the bucket and smashed the bejeezus out of them with a sanitized spoon.

I know some people are of the opinion that you should never squeeze a grain bag otherwise you risk extracting tannins. Is this an issue with hops? Aside from possibly getting more hops bits in the fermenter, is there any issue with squeezing the cooled wort out of hops?

[ccfoo242]

I don't know but I prefer my beer free of any bajeezus. 

-Sent from the future.

[jamminbrew]

I do it too, but while the wort is still hot, to help avoid infection.  I have not noticed any problems in my beer from doing this, but I don't know for sure whether or not it can be a problem.

[jmcamerlengo]

Squeezing a grain bag is an issue with tannins.

I originally did not squeeze hop bags, but now I do, and I have noticed no difference in the same beer brewed with the same hop schedule. So from my experience I would say squeezing hops is not an issue. No tannins to extract really...just make sure you're sanitary about it.

[hamiltont]

Squeeze away! It would be a shame to throw all those great hops flavors & aromas in the trash. I do it all the time.  Cheers!!!

[erockrph]

Squeeze away! It would be a shame to throw all those great hops flavors & aromas in the trash. I do it all the time.  Cheers!!!

Especially since this was a good chunk of my stash of Simcoe, Amarillo and Citra. Hate to see it go to waste.

Thanks for the reassurance.

[hopfenundmalz]

When I saw the hop press under the boil kettle at Sierra Nevada, I lost my fear of squeezing the wort out of the hops.

[Slowbrew]

I don't squeeze the juice out but I do let the bag hang on the side to drain out while I chill.

Paul

*** Edited to fix my typo.  Bag makes a lot more sense than back.   

[richardt]

You're making a hoppresso.

[DrewG]

I'm reading Gordons new book, and IIRC he attributes the one bad batch of beer he's brewed to wringing out hops 

[majorvices]

When I saw the hop press under the boil kettle at Sierra Nevada, I lost my fear of squeezing the wort out of the hops.

That's what I needed to hear! Thanks!

[Alewyfe]

I don't know but I prefer my beer free of any bajeezus. 

-Sent from the future.

LOL

[ccfoo242]

I don't know but I prefer my beer free of any bajeezus. 

-Sent from the future.

LOL

Finally, I get a LOL! 

[davidgzach]

I don't squeeze the juice out but I do let the bag hang on the side to drain out while I chill.

Paul

*** Edited to fix my typo.  Bag makes a lot more sense than back.   

+1.  But I used to squeeze the bags until I read it was not a good idea.  Forget where.  Now hearing that Sierra has a hop press changes that.....

Dave

[jmcamerlengo]

I'm reading Gordons new book, and IIRC he attributes the one bad batch of beer he's brewed to wringing out hops 

I dont recall reading that. But if it is in there, Id like to know his reasoning for thinking that.

I cant logically think of any reason that squeezing your hop bag would cause issues...maybe if it were pellets and some of the material got through the bag from squeezing but certainly not leaf hops....