Homebrewer Hops

[jmacdonald]

I came across a few sites talking about a homebrewer hop shortage. Does anyone know much about it? What it will mean for hop availability?

One Linked to this in the US.
http://us8.campaign-archive2.com/?u=fa4 ... b89c7e10f9

Looks like a big hop supplier is favoring the commercial market over the homebrewing market.

Curious as to what others think.

[mumblecrunch]

I've only been brewing for a couple of years but if I'm not mistaken there have been a few "homebrewer hop shortages" in the last fifteen or twenty years. And while it may be a bit of a lean year this year, at least for certain varieties, the explosion of craft brewing means more and more capacity is coming on line every year, so to speak. And more and more hop varieties are being introduced. Look at the number of hop growers in NS alone compared to 10 years ago. That trend is likely to continue.

It makes sense for YCH to favour the commercial market. Or continue to favour it; they always have, and for good reason.

I wouldn't worry too much; hops will be available. You might pay a little more, or have to order from away to get certain varieties, but I don't expect you'll see total unavailability except possibly "flavour of the month" hops: newer varieties that have a hot run like Mosaic or Nelson Sauvin in the last year or two.



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[amartin]

This is the first I've heard of anything recently. But, if it happens, it happens. And it does on occasion, like it did six or seven years ago when I decided that growing hops was such a brilliant idea. I wouldn't worry though. The classics are usually still around, and it's a good time to explore less popular varieties, not to mention all of the beer styles that aren't as hop heavy.

[MitchK]

There are plenty of options for hops - Yakima valley I'm pretty sure prioritizes homebrew, plus if you just vacuum seal and deep freeze hops will last a long time... Just stock up when things are good and eat at your stores when things are bad.