[dmtaylor]

Dave, two things:

(1) I don't think you _can_ really ignore beta.  It oxidizes to soluble form at essentially the same rate that alpha is lost, so it offsets alpha loss to a significant degree.  (This explains how landrace varieties were selected: they exhibit near 1:1 alpha:beta and so had _apparently_ better storage stability.)

(2) Why are we still awake and on this forum, man?

Yup and yup, I agree and I agree.

The IBU totally ignores alpha, so why shouldn't we.

I was up till 11pm and now here I am up for work at 5:44am.  Icky.  But at least I don't have to work tomorrow. 

[Robert]

I've always read (someone confirm or correct this?) that we humans just can't distinguish a difference of +/- 5 IBU.  Therefore,  the upshot of this should be, keep your hops in the freezer, and for years you can just act like the alpha on the label is real. Tell Beersmith to RDWHAHB.

[dmtaylor]

I've always read (someone confirm or correct this?) that we humans just can't distinguish a difference of +/- 5 IBU.  Therefore,  the upshot of this should be, keep your hops in the freezer, and for years you can just act like the alpha on the label is real. Tell Beersmith to RDWHAHB.

I've heard the detectability notches are anywhere from 2-5 IBUs apart.  Personally I believe the notches spread every 3 IBUs... but I haven't done lab analysis or blind tastings to prove this either.  Numbers like 2-3 IBUs have been thrown around in more recent years.  4-5 IBUs are the "older" numbers, if that means anything (heh... thinking back on homebrewers in 1993!).

But you're right.  A loss of a fraction of a percent of alpha over a year or two is not going to make a huge difference, assuming we store the hops cold and well sealed.  Conversely, if not stored well, then all bets are off.

[Robert]

As to that last point, everything starts with buying from a source whose handling and storage you can trust, or all bets are off before we even get started.

[denny]

HSI is never listed on packages for homebrewers.   IBU is a mythical WAG unless you have a professional lab and a large number of trials to calibrate your system. Then it's almost SWAG.  Go on experience, and adjust recipe based on evidence from your taste buds.

Actually, YCH lists it on their packaging.

[Robert]

HSI is never listed on packages for homebrewers.   IBU is a mythical WAG unless you have a professional lab and a large number of trials to calibrate your system. Then it's almost SWAG.  Go on experience, and adjust recipe based on evidence from your taste buds.

Actually, YCH lists it on their packaging.

Haven't spotted it on the packaging at LHBS before,  I'll keep an eye out.  But I usually just order from a trusted source (they would count) and assume no rough treatment has occurred and the alpha listed is close enough.

Welcome back, Denny!

[denny]

HSI is never listed on packages for homebrewers.   IBU is a mythical WAG unless you have a professional lab and a large number of trials to calibrate your system. Then it's almost SWAG.  Go on experience, and adjust recipe based on evidence from your taste buds.

Actually, YCH lists it on their packaging.

Haven't spotted it on the packaging at LHBS before,  I'll keep an eye out.  But I usually just order from a trusted source (they would count) and assume no rough treatment has occurred and the alpha listed is close enough.

Welcome back, Denny!

Well, damn, now neither am I!  I know it was on there at one point.  I'll have to ask them about it.

Thanks for the welcome back.  New Zealand was awesome beyond words.