Pellets vs Leaf - What's the craic?

[Notlaw]

As geterbrewed do 50g packs of pellets, I'm thinking of stocking up with a selection of different varieties. I've only used leaf so far, so what's the difference in terms of using them? Do pellets break down to miniscule pieces that means a bag is essential? Do you add the same weight regardless of leaf or pellets? Do you still need to freeze the pellets if you aren't using them, of do they keep in just an airtight container? What are everyone's favoured type?

 

[clibit]

I didn't use pellets for ages but now I favour them. They seem to keep better and they take up less freezer space. They also absorb less wort, useful with my smaller batches. I don't use a bag. I choose the pellet option in my brewing software which then tells me the quantity needed. I believe you need about 10% fewer pellet hops than leaf hops for bittering purposes, I use the same quantity for flavour and aroma additions. If you use a boiler with an internal hop filter its likely that leaf hops will be better, necessary even, as pellets could clog the filter, whereas leaf hops will held to filter out the trub. So your system is likely to determine your choice.

 

[ManseMasher]

I put pellets loose in the copper, always bag them when dry hopping (but I do the same for leaf). I use exactly the same amounts. They do break down into a sludge, so even when dry hopping they will get through the mesh of the bag. My last brew was pellets only, it was cloudier than others, but I don't mind. Geterbrewed I believe have stopped, or are going to stop, stocking anything but pellets.

 

[Notlaw]

Good to know. I'll get a list together based on the recipes I e got on my list. Do we get a discount from Geterbrewed?

 

[ManseMasher]

5%. Check out the giveaways forum for the code.

 

[HebridesRob]

I use leaf as a first option but I'm not that bothered either way. I do think boiling with whole hops helps the hot break because of their mechanical activity in the wort.

 

[ManseMasher]

I use leaf as a first option but I'm not that bothered either way. I do think boiling with whole hops helps the hot break because of their mechanical activity in the wort.

Never noticed any difference, tbh. Had good breaks with both.

 

[mike-os]

With pellets try hop balls... but get big ones

 

[ManseMasher]

With pellets try hop balls... but get big ones

This is what I use....

 

[airymary]

I like to use leaf hops for the boil, and pellets for aroma etc post-boil. The leaf hop bed filters out the pellet particles, and the beer's no more hazy than using all leaf. The advantages of pellets already given - less space, long life etc.
Cheers,
Chris

 

[Hoppy]

Chris,

A lot of brewers use that method. It is good practice, the whole hops filter the pellets used late after the whole hop have settled after the boil, the hopped wort is then dragged through the fine sediment as pellet breaks down into small particulates and sinks quickly, this gives a better aroma. Leaf floats on the top, and there is only one way aroma will go from here.

I have mentioned in other posts, pellet does keep aroma and alpha better, as to extra utilisation for bittering, only expect 2-3% extra, if any for pellet. A 1- 1 1/2 hour boil will max out for leaf as it will with pellet.

WBR
Hoppy