As an experienced sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that hops do indeed lose alpha acids over time. This is an important factor to consider when using hops in brewing, as the alpha acids contribute to the bitterness of the beer.
When hops are harvested, they contain a certain percentage of alpha acids, which are responsible for the bitter taste in beer. This percentage is usually indicated on the label of the hop package. However, over time, these alpha acids can degrade and become less effective in providing bitterness during the brewing process.
The degradation of alpha acids in hops is a natural process that occurs as the hops age. Factors such as exposure to light, heat, and oxygen can accelerate this degradation. Therefore, it is crucial to store hops properly to minimize the loss of alpha acids.
I have personally experienced the impact of aging hops on the bitterness of beer. In one instance, I used hops that were past their prime, and the resulting beer had a significantly milder bitterness than intended. This taught me the importance of using fresh hops with a higher alpha acid content to achieve the desired level of bitterness in my brews.
It's important to note that while the loss of alpha acids over time is inevitable, it doesn't mean that aged hops are completely useless. In fact, they can still contribute to the aroma and flavor of the beer, even if their bitterness is diminished. Some brewers even intentionally use aged hops for their unique characteristics in certain beer styles.
To mitigate the loss of alpha acids, it is recommended to store hops in a cool, dark, and airtight container. This helps to minimize exposure to light, heat, and oxygen, which can degrade the alpha acids more rapidly. Additionally, using hops within a reasonable timeframe from their harvest date is advisable to ensure maximum freshness and bitterness.
Hops do lose alpha acids over time, leading to a decrease in their effectiveness in providing bitterness to beer. Proper storage and using fresh hops can help maintain the desired level of bitterness in your brews.