Beer Forum

I have a Blichmann Hop Rocket that I've failed at using as a hopback (no pump). I've kegged a pale ale that didn't quite come out as hoppy as I wanted as I was using unknown wet hops. I'd really like to use the HopRocket as a randal and had a couple questions:

1) I haven't seen any 1/2"npt to 1/4"barb fittings to connect the HopRocket to the beer line. What connectors do most people use when connecting the HopRocket as a randal?
2) How long can dry whole leaf hops stay in the randal. I'm new to kegs, but will go through a 5 gallon corny in a few months. Is that too long to have hops sitting in-line?

I know many have opinions on randals vs. dry hopping vs. proper recipe formulation. Let's just say for the sake of argument that I'm committed to using a randal, and focus on working that out.

Thank you,
VA

I found plastic male thread to a barb that fits inside the beer line at more beer. I have them on both sides of the Hopback. You need a long beerline for it to work without foaming. I use it for my Black IPA and it sits on the beer for about a month. The thing I hate is the clean up while disconnecting the hopback.

Blickmann now makes some sort of quickconnect. It is on their site and its made for the hopback FYI

Thanks for the reply, Lewy.

As far as the foaming goes, is it better to position the hopback closer inline to the keg, or closer to the tap? In other words, should I have a long lead before or after the randal?

I'll definitely look into the Blichmann quick disconnects...