Questions tagged [alpha-acids]
Alpha acids (α acids) are a class of chemical compounds found in the resin glands of the flowers of the hop plant and are the main source of hop's bitterness contribution to beer. The Alpha Acids are isomerized during the boil, and it is the iso-alpha acids that contribute bitterness to the final product.
15 questions
1
vote
2
answers
52
views
Why are AAU not specified for dry hopping?
As title really - I just noticed a few different recipes, different sites and authors, that specify AAU for bittering and finishing hops, but dry hops just by mass.
Is it because the amount is ...
- 163
1
vote
2
answers
112
views
Need help to understand my hops analysis
Hello :) It is the first time I try to cultivate hops, and I'm not a homebrewer. I started planting about 1000 plants of Cascade and I made analysis to my hops. Now I have the analysis but I have not ...
- 13
4
votes
1
answer
832
views
Is using a large amount of low alpha hops for bittering a bad idea?
I'm going to brew a Kölsch soon with about 25 IBUs. I was planning on using Hallertau Hersbrucker for bittering. However, after I bought the hops I noticed they only have 2.3% alpha acid content. ...
- 439
1
vote
1
answer
131
views
Effect on a low gravity boil size on IBUs in the final batch
This question is a follow-up to the original one regarding the effect on boil size on IBUs.
(Effect of boil size on IBUs)
I understand that the boil gravity tends to lessen the utilisation of hops and ...
- 45
1
vote
2
answers
284
views
Cascade hops high alpha acid
I bought some hops off eBay and the alpha acid listed was 10%, the reading I've done said cascade hops are in the 4-6% range. Could it be this high? I'm not sure if i should change my recipe I'll be ...
1
vote
2
answers
172
views
Calculating hop replacement weights for different boil times
A question about utilisation calculations and hop replacements...
Here's the scenario... I've got a basic grain bill and I want to vary the hops each time I create the beer. Obviously, different hops ...
- 463
1
vote
2
answers
117
views
I am planning to brew a GRUIT
In the life of each home-brewer there is a moment when he decides to do something crazy (like gruit). I understand, that chances of me making a drinkable gruit are pretty low... But.. you know.
I ...
- 766
4
votes
1
answer
396
views
Wild hop alpha acid
I am going to harvest some wild hops I found. Is there any way of determining the characteristics like alpha acid? I was thinking of maybe just using them for flavor/aroma/dry, since I have no idea ...
- 2,178
5
votes
1
answer
204
views
Is there a distinction between flavoring (e.g. 30m) and aroma (late) hop additions
Boiling hops reduces the beta acids that are associated with aroma/flavor. Is there any other advantage to a 30 minute hop addition or could you just increase your 60 minute hop addition to achieve ...
- 53
2
votes
3
answers
117
views
Old homegrown hops
I have been growing and using my own hops for a couple of years now. after harvesting this year I left them out to dry, they have been drying now for a little to long (about two months) they are all ...
- 1,797
3
votes
1
answer
222
views
Help with Hop Analysis
I'll try this again. If you grow your own hops, would you pay to have them analyzed? If you have had your hops analyzed, did the analysis help you in subsequent brewing? Was it worth the cost (e.g. ...
- 2,137
3
votes
1
answer
173
views
Hop Analysis for Home Brewers - Interest Poll [closed]
My future stepson is growing hops this coming season here in WA state. I'm a chemist and am thinking of doing the hop analysis for him. I'd like to poll you all and see if there is much interest in ...
- 2,137
7
votes
2
answers
1k
views
What are alpha acids?
Can someone explain what exactly an alpha acid is and why should I care about the alpha acid "rating" on the hops I use.
- 647
6
votes
3
answers
388
views
Hop Utilization Resource
When substituting hops (both varieties and pellet/plug/whole)in a recipe, I would like to keep IBU as close to the recipe target as possible. However, the best utilization chart I can find is in "...
- 972
12
votes
4
answers
9k
views
Alpha acids vs. beta acids in aging?
Can someone explain the difference in hop bitterness between alpha acids in my wort vs. beta acids bittering during aging? And is it predictable enough to plan for in recipe formulation?
- 623