How and when do I use the Hopper?Updated 3 days ago
When setting up your brew, make sure you set your Hopper aside - you won't need this yet!
Once you're done Fermenting (or Cold Crashing), but before you remove your Brewing Dock, unscrew the Hopping Cap from the back of the Pinter.
Take the Hopper, and remove the metal cap but do not remove the foil seal.
Firmly hold the Pinter down and screw the Hopper all the way in until it's flush. Allow a little time for the hop oils to fully go into the Pinter. You can also give your Pinter a gentle lean from side to side to help the Hopper drain into the Pinter.
Remove the Hopper and replace the Hopping Cap until flush with the back of the Pinter. You're now ready to Condition.
Please note a small amount of beer may escape during this process.
You can refer to the instructions for further details and a video on how to Hop.
You can hop your brew before or after removing your Brewing Dock - we usually recommend doing it beforehand for extra stability but either way is fine!
Here are some steps for you to follow:
Unscrew the Hopping Cap
Screw the Hopper fully and securely into the Hopping Inlet
Wait for around 3 minutes to allow the hop oil to fully drain into the Pinter
Gently tilt your Pinter from side to side. This helps release any air bubbles around the Hopping Inlet and encourages the hop oil to drain fully into the brew
Remove the Hopper carefully
Screw the Hopping Cap back on to the Pinter
Remove the Brewing Dock, then proceed to the Conditioning stage as usual
If you're brewing the regular Space Hopper style (not the West Coast Edition), this will not come with a Hopper - so don't worry, you're not missing anything!