Hopbacks

[canuck]

Just wondering if anyone here has any experience with hopbacks? I've never used a hopback at home and we also don't use one at Big Tide, so my experience with them is zilch. I am debating on whether to purchase one for my nano, but having never used one before, I am wondering if they are worth it? Is the flavour and aroma using a hopback much different than dry hopping? I can pick up a 9.2 gal hopback from Stout Tanks for $359 so it's not really a lot of money.......however if they aren't worth the cost I don't want to spend the money either. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Shane

[CorneliusAlphonse]

My understanding is that you use them when you brew large amounts, and it takes a long time before all the wort gets a chance to cool. Wort runs through the hops just before the chiller, adding back aroma. So it would depend how long your wort takes to chill I guess?

[akr71]

I bet you could build one out of a pressure cooker for a lot cheaper than $360. It wouldn't be 9 gallons, but you would be able to get an idea if it is worth it to include in your setup. If the answer is yes, then fork out the $$ for the Stout Tanks hopback.