Wet vs Dry Hopping: What’s The Difference?

If you’ve done any research into the different homebrewing techniques and methods, you’ve probably come across wet hopping and dry hopping. Some homebrewers prefer the simplistic approach of dry hopping, while others prefer the flavor variations offered with wet hopping. But what exactly do these terms refer to? And which technique should you choose? To learn the answers to these questions and more, keep reading.

It’s All In The Hops…

Dry hopping refers to the process of adding dried up hops to your brew once it’s finished fermenting. This technique is generally the preferred method for first-time brewers due to its simplistic approach. You can purchase bags of dried hops to use in your brew, and since there’s no moisture content, you don’t have to worry about them spoiling or going bad. Just add the appropriate amount of hops to your brew in between fermenting and racking. The dried hops will infuse your beer with more flavor and ‘bite,’ which ultimately translates into a better tasting, more enjoyable beer.

Wet hopping, as you may have guessed, refers to the process of adding fresh — not dried — hops to brewed beer. Locating fresh, wet hops is certainly more difficult than purchasing dried hops, but the payoff is well worth it for some brewers. Fresh hops have a stronger, more desirable flavor than their counterpart. In addition, you’ll likely experience a lowerInternational Bittering Units (IBU) rating with fresh hops. Fresh hops are more hearty and have better all-around flavors than dried hops, which is why most seasoned brewers choose them. If you’re thinking about taking a shot at wet hopping, check out some of the tips listed below to get you started on the right track.

A Few Tips On Wet Hopping

• Freeze your hops overnight to kill any insects, microbes or other pests.
• Remember, fresh hops weigh a considerable amount more than dried hops; therefore, you need to adjust your measurements appropriately. If a recipe calls for 1 oz dried hops, multiple is by 5-6 (use 5-6 oz fresh hops).
• Fresh hops also contain more water content, which can alter your beer flavor if you aren’t careful.
• Wet hopping is a technique that requires trial and error to master. Don’t be afraid to play around with some different measurements to determine the best recipe for your ‘wet hop’ beer.
• Note: using fresh hops oftentimes infuses beer with a green plant-like flavor.