A hop schedule is a detailed plan that brewers use to determine when and how to add hops (a key ingredient in beer making) during the brewing process. Think of it like a recipe's timing instructions - it tells brewers exactly when to add specific types of hops and how much to use. This is crucial because the timing of hop additions greatly affects the beer's flavor, aroma, and bitterness. When looking at resumes, you might see this term used to show that a candidate understands brewing processes and can follow or create detailed production plans.
Developed and implemented Hop Schedule modifications that improved IPA flavor consistency
Created new Hop Schedules for seasonal beer varieties
Managed and optimized Hop Schedule timing for multiple beer styles
Trained junior brewers on proper Hop Addition Schedule execution
Typical job title: "Brewers"
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Q: How would you develop a hop schedule for a new IPA recipe?
Expected Answer: A senior brewer should explain the process of planning hop additions throughout brewing, considering factors like alpha acid content, hop variety characteristics, and target IBU levels. They should mention testing procedures and how to adjust schedules based on results.
Q: How do you manage hop inventory and scheduling across multiple beer styles?
Expected Answer: Should discuss inventory management systems, hop storage requirements, and how to coordinate hop schedules across different recipes while maintaining consistency and managing costs.
Q: What factors influence your decisions when adjusting a hop schedule?
Expected Answer: Should mention considerations like hop freshness, alpha acid content, beer style requirements, equipment capabilities, and how changes in timing affect final beer characteristics.
Q: How do you ensure consistency in hop schedule execution across different batches?
Expected Answer: Should explain documentation procedures, training methods, quality control measures, and how to maintain timing accuracy during the brewing process.
Q: Can you explain the basic parts of a hop schedule?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the main hop addition times (bittering, flavor, aroma) and why timing matters in the brewing process.
Q: What safety considerations do you take when adding hops during brewing?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic safety procedures, proper protective equipment, and awareness of hot liquid hazards during hop additions.