How to Get Hops: Homebrewing Guide & Where to Buy

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So, you’re ready to take your homebrewing game to the next level and wondering how to get hops! The American Homebrewers Association offers amazing resources for brewers like you, and conveniently, many local Homebrew Supply Shops are excellent sources. Different hop varieties exhibit unique alpha acid levels, significantly impacting your beer’s bitterness and flavor. Now, with the rise of online retailers, the Yakima Valley in Washington, a major hop-growing region, ships fresh hops directly to your door. So, whether it’s perusing online catalogs or getting advice from your local expert, learning how to get hops is the first step toward crafting your best beer yet!

Unlocking Hoppy Goodness: Your Guide to Getting Hops!

So, you’re ready to dive into the wonderful world of homebrewing and craft your own delicious, hoppy creations? Awesome! Getting your hands on quality hops is a crucial step. But where do you even start? Don’t worry, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to get hops, covering sourcing, storage, and what to look for.

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Let’s break it down:

1. Understanding Your Hop Needs

Before you even think about buying hops, it’s super important to figure out what you need. Think of it like grocery shopping – you wouldn’t go without a list, right?

• Recipe is King: What style are you brewing? An IPA will need different hops than a Pilsner. Consult your recipe!
• Alpha Acids Matter: The alpha acid percentage determines the bitterness. This will be listed on the hop packaging.
• Hop Form: Hops come in different forms: pellets, whole cone, and extracts. Pellets are the most common for homebrewing because they store well and have a consistent alpha acid content. Whole cone are great for aroma. Extracts are best left to the experts to scale a recipe.
• Amount Required: Your recipe will tell you how many ounces or grams you need for each hop addition.

2. Where to Buy Hops: Your Options

Now for the exciting part – finding your precious hops! You have several avenues to explore:

• Local Homebrew Supply Stores: This is often the best place to start. You’ll get expert advice, see the hops in person (if they allow it), and support a local business. The staff can also guide you on the aroma profiles of each hop.
• Online Retailers: A massive selection is available online. Sites like MoreBeer!, Northern Brewer, and Amazon carry a huge range of hops.
• Hop Growers (Directly): For the freshest hops possible, consider buying directly from a hop farm! This is more common if you’re buying in bulk.
• Brewing Clubs: Sometimes brewing clubs will make group orders to share the cost. This is a great option if you need a little.

Source	Pros	Cons
Local Homebrew Store	Expert advice, immediate access, supports local business, can often see/smell hops before buying	Potentially limited selection, may be more expensive than online, hours may be restricted
Online Retailer	Huge selection, often lower prices, convenient, can comparison shop easily	Can’t inspect hops before buying, shipping costs, risk of damage during shipping, wait time for shipping
Hop Grower (Directly)	Freshest hops possible, supports farmers, can often get bulk discounts	Requires larger orders, may not be convenient, seasonal availability
Brewing Clubs	Share the cost, great way to network with other brewers.	May not be the hops you’re looking for, typically group orders so more planning involved and less flexibility.

3. Picking the Right Hops: What to Look For

So, you’ve found a source, now how do you ensure you’re getting quality hops? Here’s the lowdown:

• Packaging Matters: Hops should be packaged in oxygen-barrier bags, ideally vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-flushed. This prevents oxidation, which can ruin their aroma and bitterness.
• Alpha Acid Percentage: Check the package for the alpha acid percentage. Make sure it matches your recipe’s requirements and is within the expected range for that hop variety.
• Harvest Date: Fresher is always better. Look for a recent harvest date. Hops degrade over time, so the fresher they are, the more vibrant their flavor and aroma will be.
• Aroma (If Possible): If you’re buying from a local homebrew store, ask if you can smell the hops. They should have a strong, pleasant aroma characteristic of the variety.

4. Storing Your Hops Like a Pro

Okay, you’ve got your hops. Now, protect your investment! Proper storage is vital.

1. Keep them cold: Store your hops in the freezer (ideally) or refrigerator.
2. Minimize oxygen exposure: Ensure they’re in airtight packaging. If the original packaging isn’t airtight, transfer them to a vacuum-sealed bag or a tightly sealed container.
3. Protect from light: Store them in a dark place to prevent light degradation.

By following these steps, you’ll be sure to buy the best and keep your hops fresh. Your next beer will be delicious!

So, there you have it – everything you need to know about how to get hops and get started brewing! Whether you’re growing your own, ordering online, or hitting up your local homebrew supply store, fresh, quality hops are the key to a fantastic beer. Now go forth and brew something awesome!