Dry-Hopping in Secondary with Kit?

Northern Brewer General
1

I just started my first batch of beer yesterday. I went with the Irish Red Ale with the starter kit because it sounded like the one that I would like the most out of the three. I’m a big fan of BIG HOPS and loved holding my nose in the bag that the hops pellets came in.

I was wondering if I could (or should) try adding hops during the secondary fermentation to bring out more of that. If so, are there hops that would go better/worse with this kit or should I pick out some based on recommendations and aroma descriptions?

If people think I’d be better to leave this one alone, I will. I am just anxious to get to making something that I love and wondered if this was something worth trying on my first batch or something that would be better to leave for a second attempt.

I should note that I have a second carboy (third) to do a primary in so I’ll be able to start another one to tinker with if I want to do so. I’m less worried about ruining at batch of beer and more concerned with learning how things work and how they apply as I’m working through the process (or enjoying the result!)

2

Being your 1st beer, I would recommend making it as is. Then tinker with it the next time you make it.

Usually you would dry hop with the same hops that are used at the end of the boil.

3

I would also recommend that you skip the secondary and just let it sit in primary for 3 weeks…especially since this is your first kit.

Many of the kits call for a secondary, but it really isn’t necessary - unless you’re dry hopping or adding a fruit puree, oak chips, etc.

We did secondaries for our first half a dozen or so batches because the instructions said to. It wasn’t until after reading on here hat secondaries can be a bigger hassle than they’re worth unless you’re trying to add something to the beer.

A secondary fermentation requires a vessel transfer, which opens up the risk for contamination, oxidization (that was our problem), and just plain old spillage!

Let it sit for three weeks in primary. You won’t notice the difference.