Hop Dropper - Oxygen-Free Dry Hopping

Hop Dropper – oxygen-free dry hopping under pressure

A hop dropper is a clever way to add hops and other ingredients to the fermenter without exposing the contents to oxygen. It comes with a 3" to 1.5" Tri-Clamp reducer, so it fits tanks with either a 3" or a 1.5" Tri-Clamp connection.

The sturdy 3" sight glass lets you see the contents as you add them and holds approx. 0.44 L, enough for up to 200 g of hops at a time. If you want to add more, simply repeat the process.

How to use the Hop Dropper

1. Open the lid and add the hops. Put the lid back on.
2. Connect CO2 and apply pressure while purging by opening the safety valve. The sight glass then fills with CO2 instead of O2.
3. Finally, open the butterfly valve and the hops drop into the tank without exposing the contents to oxygen.

Included

• 1 lid with ball lock gas connection and safety valve
• 3 x 3" Tri-Clamp silicone gasket
• 3 x 3" Tri-Clamp clamp
• 1 x 3" Tri-Clamp sight glass
• 1 x 3" butterfly valve with trigger handle
• 1 x Tri-Clamp reducer 3" to 1.5"

Technical data

• Material: 304 stainless steel and silicone
• Sight glass: 3" Tri-Clamp, holds approx. 0.44 L (up to 200 g of hops)
• Connection: 3" Tri-Clamp, with reducer to 1.5" Tri-Clamp
• Height with reducer: 36 cm
• Height without reducer: 28.5 cm

Frequently asked questions about the Hop Dropper

Why use a hop dropper instead of opening the tank?

Opening the tank lets CO2 out and oxygen in. Oxygen after fermentation gives oxidised beer that loses its hop aroma. With the hop dropper you purge the hops with CO2 before dropping them in, and the tank can stay under pressure. Dry hopping under pressure requires a hop dropper.

Will the Hop Dropper fit my tank?

The Hop Dropper has a 3" Tri-Clamp and comes with a reducer to 1.5" Tri-Clamp, so it fits tanks with a 3" or 1.5" Tri-Clamp connection.

How many hops can I add at a time?

The sight glass holds approx. 0.44 litres, enough for up to 200 g of hops. If you need more, repeat the process.

When should I dry hop?

Dry hopping is usually done around day 7–9. NEIPA is often dry hopped earlier, while the yeast is still active.

Related

• Tri-Clamp
• Fermentation equipment
• 1.5" Tri-Clamp Spunding Valve with gauge 2.2 bar
• Pressure fermentation
• Brewing with hops