Hop Best Before Date

[bobsbeer]

I have been given a pack of 100g Amarillo (Brupaks) hops that are vac packed and still have a good seal. However the pack states the best before date is end January 2012. Will they be ok? Does alpha acid content decay over time? They haven't been stored in a freezer as far as I know. The Alpha acid content is stated as 9.5%. So the question is. Are they worth using and if I do what will be the result? Should I add more/different hops to account for degredation? For the sake of a few quid I don't want to spoil a brew.

Thanks.

 

[dennisking]

The owner of my local shop has given me a few bags of brewpacs hops past their date as he can't sell them. Never had any problems. I believe one pack was over 9 months past it's date.

 

[bobsbeer]

Thanks Dennis I will give them a go. :

 

[paulpj26]

I've just used some saaz hops that were over 2 years old (albeit kept in the fridge) and they were great! ( they weren't sealed properly either!) they'll be fine!!!!

 

[bobsbeer]

Thanks, thats reassuring. :

 

[RobWalker]

Maybe lacking in aroma so overdo them if aroma/dry hopping, but like everyones said, they're fine! Vac packing basically makes them invincible.

 

[evanvine]

Vac packing basically makes them invincible.

+ in the dark and in the freezer!