This week the hop news focuses on Fire and hop creep. Virtual Harvest from Yakima Chief via Zoom… plus some extra notes from what competitor Hopsteiner has going…
- Wind blowing down bines was an issue as was smoke stopping work in Oregon
- The picking schedule had to be changed on the fly.
- Thankfully aroma hops were already picked. Alpha hops the last to get and are less sexy so small favors.
- Dara collection and access to that data are super important. Really trying to create a continuous (almost) feedback loop.
- Brewers can have access to lot specs nearly immediately.
- Hop terms – Dribble Belt and Money Belt. The first cleans matter away, the latter is just the hops being moved on.
- Hop Creep – secondary Fermentation brought on by hops. Causes off flavors and delays beer being done. Wasn’t really a problem until hazies and massive hop loads came into being.
- The Creep can be combatted in the brewing process by timing when hops go in and clearing yeast. Some hops may cause it more so variety selection is important.
- Before 2007 80% of hops were UN-contracted. Now 80% are contracted.
- In 2018, 154 hop varieties were used in beers per the Brewers Association.
- High Kiln hops might be a new term to look for.