A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Hops Online

If you're new to brewing or simply new to ordering hops straight from the source, welcome! 

We're Hops Direct, a fifth-generation family farm nestled in the heart of the Yakima Valley, and we’ve been growing hops since 1932. So, you could say we know a thing or two about hops.

Whether you're gearing up for your first batch of homebrew or stocking up for your next big brew day at the brewery, buying hops online doesn’t have to feel like wandering into a foreign country without a translator. This guide breaks it down in farmer-friendly terms: no fluff, just real-deal info to help you find the hops you need with confidence.

First Things First: Whole Cone vs. Pellet Hops

There are two main forms of hops you’ll come across online:

Pellet Hops

• Most common form used by home and commercial brewers alike.
  
  

• Made by grinding dried whole cone hops into powder and pressing them into pellets.
  
  

• Easy to store, measure, and use.
  
  

• Typically have a longer shelf life.
  
  

Whole Leaf Hops (aka Whole Cone)

• The full hop cone, just dried and packaged.
  
  

• Preferred by some traditionalists for dry hopping or more delicate flavor extraction.
  
  

• Bulkier to store and can soak up more wort—but some folks swear by them.
  
  

Which is better? It depends on your brewing setup and style, but if you’re just getting started, pellet hops are a safe (and popular) bet.

At Hops Direct, we also offer 

Understanding Hop Descriptions

Every hop variety has its own flavor, aroma, and bitterness profile. When you’re shopping online, look out for the following:

• Alpha Acids (AA%) – This tells you how bitter the hop is. Higher AA% = more bittering power.
  
  

• Aroma Notes – Citrus, pine, stone fruit, spice, herbal, floral… these give you a peek into the hop’s personality.
  
  

• Use – Some hops are great for bittering, others for aroma, and many can do both.
  
  

• Substitutes – Helpful if your top pick is sold out or you want to try something similar.
  
  

For example:

Citra® might be described like this:
“Strong citrus and tropical fruit character. Great for IPAs, Pale Ales, and Hazies. Alpha acids 11-13%. Use in late boil or dry hop. Substitutes: Mosaic®, Galaxy®.”

How Much to Order?

If you're homebrewing 5-gallon batches, start with 1 to 4 oz per variety, depending on your recipe.

If you’re a commercial brewer, we sell up to 11 lb bags and larger bulk formats—just check our wholesale info.

Quick tip: It’s always smart to buy a little extra for experimentation or adjusting on brew day. Trust us, no one has ever said, “Wow, I wish I had fewer hops.”

Storing Your Hops

We vacuum-seal and nitrogen-flush all our packaged hops to keep them fresh, but once they arrive at your doorstep, treat them right:

• Keep 'em cold: Store hops in the freezer.
  
  

• Seal them up tight: Use vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers.
  
  

• Use within a year for best flavor and aroma (though some keep longer when frozen).
  
  

Picking Hops for Your Brew

Still unsure what hops to get for your recipe? Here’s a crash course:

You can also shop by aroma profile, beer style, or alpha acids on our site. We’ve made it easy for you to browse like a brewer—not just like a shopper.

[BUTTON] Shop Hops

Why Buy Direct From the Farm?

When you buy hops from Hops Direct, you’re not just buying a product—you’re buying a story, a process, and a promise:

• Freshness – No middlemen, no mystery. Just hops straight from our family farm to your door.
  
  

• Selection – We grow and source dozens of varieties, from old-school classics to the latest experimental hops.
  
  

• Transparency – We tell you when it was harvested, how it was processed, and what to expect.
  
  

Plus, we’re always here if you’ve got questions—hop-related or otherwise. Seriously, hit us up anytime. We love talking shop.

Final Words From the Field

At the end of the day, brewing should be fun—and your hop-buying experience should be too. Don’t stress about picking the “perfect” hop. Try a few, experiment, and get to know their personalities. Over time, you’ll figure out your go-to faves and your wildcards.

And if you ever get stuck or overwhelmed by the choices, shoot us a message. We’re happy to point you in the right direction—or just chat about beer.

Cheers to fresh hops and better brews,

The Puterbaugh Family
Hops Direct | Farm Fresh Hops Since 1932