Hops theory

[dbenjami]

So I am currently in the process of brewing a high gravity (O.G. - 1.072) dark, and fairly hoppy ale.

At the very outset of fermentation I ended up needing to dunk my entire arm into the primary fermenter (plastic bucket) to fish out the rubber seal. I was quite worried about the risk of infection (as posted in the Sanitization forum), but everyone set my mind at ease that everything would probably be okay.

I truly appears that everything will be okay as I just took a S.G. reading and in the process I gave it a taste. At this point, I sure do not get any hint of an infection, but it is darn hoppy (which I imagine will mellow through the process).

So here is the theory (and I am basing this on some research I have been doing on hops), the more hop alpha acid concentration you use the less chance of any infection.

I would be interested to hear from people that ended up with infected beer if they used less hops or hops with a low alpha acid content.

[brewmonkey]

Hops are naturally aseptic as well as a bittering device for the beer. Their aseptic properties are a big reason for hoppy beers such as the IPA's.

During the British Raj in India, the Crown would send beer to the troops but the long journey would ruin most of the beer. The brewers came up with the idea to brew to a higher gravity as well as add more hops in hopes that it would help the beer survive the passage. From there I have heard several stories but the most popular one or so it seems is that the beer when it reached the port was supposed to be "topped off" bringing it back to the Pale Ale style (how true this is I am not sure of), but the troops recieved the beer in its brewed form. When they left India and returned to Britain they had fallen in love with this beer which they then demanded, thus a style is born.

Imperial Stouts are said to have similar origins except it was brewed for the Russian Imperial Court. Brewed to a higher gravity and hop level for the long journey to Moscow.

Like I said though, I cannot validate the actual stories themselves but the truth behind higher alcohol content and hop usage lending an aseptic nature to the beer are proven true.

[evilredlight]

I have also heard that using a hop tea
can sanitise buckets and equipment.
If you are afraid of using chemicals!

[Caffinehog]

Originally posted by evilredlight
I have also heard that using a hop tea
can sanitise buckets and equipment.
If you are afraid of using chemicals!

It may be great for bacteria, but it won't do anything about wild yeasts.