Hops for Lambics

[filmlabrat]

If I let the hops I'm growing, dry on the vine, would they be a suitable replacement for "aged hops" for use in Lambics?

[Brandon]

If I let the hops I'm growing, dry on the vine, would they be a suitable replacement for "aged hops" for use in Lambics?

Most likely no. Heat and time are really the only things to drive off the aromas and oil flavors. There is always the old oven bake method to simulate the aging process

[brewinhard]

I do use aged hops (think 8 year old pellets) for my lambics, but I have also used the lowest possible AA% hops I could find as well. Just use a small amount and you will be fine (like .5-1 oz).

[foomench]

If I let the hops I'm growing, dry on the vine, would they be a suitable replacement for "aged hops" for use in Lambics?

If they dry on the vine they will probably get more brown and deteriorated as opposed to aged. Harvest and dry them as normal, then let them age somewhere less preserving than usual.

[Cody]

I was just listening to the Session from 4/6/2008 with Mike Milemm on Homebrewing Sour Beer, and he says he ages all of his hops for his lambics in the fridge, I believe. Obviously, this will take longer, but that's his preferred method. Not sure you need to do it that way, though.