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Author Topic: Hop spider/hop bags effect on hop utilization  (Read 5839 times)

Offline ANDREW.GROGAN1

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Hop spider/hop bags effect on hop utilization
« on: March 03, 2017, 08:46:47 am »
I know this is a topic that's been discussed before, but I am wondering if anyone has any actual results of testing that show the effect of a hop spider on hop utilization.  I have always used a large hop bags in my brews but generally brew low to moderately hopping beers.

I am currently designing a NE IPA recipe that has a total of 7 oz of hops in the kettle.  1 for 60, 3oz at flame out and an additional 3oz as the temp of the wort drops to 160.

I would like to use a bag or spider as I usually do, because it keep my kettle and pump clean but I don't want to lose any hoppy goodness.     

Offline EnkAMania

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Re: Hop spider/hop bags effect on hop utilization
« Reply #1 on: March 03, 2017, 08:57:26 am »
There was an experiment on brulosphy and it was about 8% less with bagged hops.http://brulosophy.com/2016/03/21/kettle-hops-loose-vs-bagged-exbeeriment-results/
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Offline denny

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Re: Hop spider/hop bags effect on hop utilization
« Reply #2 on: March 03, 2017, 09:15:21 am »
The ROT for bags is that they reduce utilization by about 10%.  When I use them I increase all hops before 20 min. by 10% to compensate.  Testing has found that to be pretty accurate.
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Offline HoosierBrew

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Re: Hop spider/hop bags effect on hop utilization
« Reply #3 on: March 03, 2017, 09:22:59 am »
I don't have any hard data, but I use a 10" SS spider. I think the size of the spider together with frequent, gentle stirring inside the spider brings my utilization loss down to very little. I make hoppy beers frequently and get great results.
Jon H.

Offline ANDREW.GROGAN1

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Re: Hop spider/hop bags effect on hop utilization
« Reply #4 on: March 03, 2017, 09:30:22 am »
The ROT for bags is that they reduce utilization by about 10%.  When I use them I increase all hops before 20 min. by 10% to compensate.  Testing has found that to be pretty accurate.

I assume anything under 20, you don't worry about?

Offline denny

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Re: Hop spider/hop bags effect on hop utilization
« Reply #5 on: March 03, 2017, 09:57:02 am »
The ROT for bags is that they reduce utilization by about 10%.  When I use them I increase all hops before 20 min. by 10% to compensate.  Testing has found that to be pretty accurate.

I assume anything under 20, you don't worry about?

Correct.
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Offline denny

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Re: Hop spider/hop bags effect on hop utilization
« Reply #6 on: March 03, 2017, 09:57:29 am »
I don't have any hard data, but I use a 10" SS spider. I think the size of the spider together with frequent, gentle stirring inside the spider brings my utilization loss down to very little. I make hoppy beers frequently and get great results.

I'd say that's a good guess.
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Offline Jkrehbielp

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Re: Hop spider/hop bags effect on hop utilization
« Reply #7 on: March 03, 2017, 02:58:55 pm »
When using Beersmith I use pellet hops in hip bags, but enter them as leaf hops to adjust for the lower utilization. I've had good results that way.

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Offline coolman26

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Hop spider/hop bags effect on hop utilization
« Reply #8 on: March 03, 2017, 05:31:14 pm »
I will say, if I had to do it over, mine would be the ID of my BK. Thanks guys, I didn't know the figure. Mine is 10", but could tell utilization was a little less. Man it makes cleanup on hoppy days so much easier.


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Offline rblack90

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Re: Hop spider/hop bags effect on hop utilization
« Reply #9 on: March 04, 2017, 11:30:54 am »
I use pellet hops in cheesecloth. I have not noticed any effect on my beer's bitterness or balance since switching from just tossing in . No hard data just my experience. I also do this when dry hopping.

Offline denny

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Re: Hop spider/hop bags effect on hop utilization
« Reply #10 on: March 04, 2017, 01:49:09 pm »
I use pellet hops in cheesecloth. I have not noticed any effect on my beer's bitterness or balance since switching from just tossing in . No hard data just my experience. I also do this when dry hopping.

Yeah, AFAIK the bag ROT is for whole hops only.
Life begins at 60.....1.060, that is!

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The best, sharpest, funniest, weirdest and most knowledgable minds in home brewing contribute on the AHA forum. - Alewyfe

"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts." - Bertrand Russell