Dry hopping question

I usually do just what you did, dump pellets right in the secondary. Most of the hop particles will drop in a week or two...When moving to the keg, you could tie a grain bag (or panty hose) to the end of the raking cane to catch any of the loosies that may not have fallen.

I made an IPA that required dry hopping. I did not use pellets but I used dry hop cones. The cones were placed in a material like "cheese cloth" that was tied and formed something like a large tea bag. My home brew supplier had everything I needed. And I gotta say, it came our real nice.

I think if I were in your situation I'd do like you mentioned and siphon thru a strainer or transfer to a bucket before kegging. I wouldn't worry too much.

Hope this helps, Tom

I also tried dry hopping directly into the carboy the first and only time I did it. Besides it foaming up and requiring a blow-off, the 'crap' that sat at the top eventually dropped...anywhere from five days to two weeks.

awa

I don't use a bag to dry-hop in secondary. I just wait 2 weeks and rack a third time. If you are in a hurry--use a bag.

I do not use a hop bag. I tend to use fresh whole leaf hops in the secondary for approx. 2 weeks. If you are worried about bits getting transferred to the keg you can use a piece of cheesecloth on the end of the racking cane.

I have also found good results using a hop bag in the keg itself! Hop Plugs have been the best to use in the keg. I don't really like pellets in any stage of the brew!

I hope this Helps~!

All the posts have helped, thanks to all. Im not advanced enough (still very beginner) to be comfortable with attempting brews without pellet hops, but in time my friend... in time.