Hops come in three formats pellets, plugs and whole-leaf. Plugs are whole leaf hops that have been compressed into a little cake usually 0.5 ounces in size.

What are the ups and downs of using either type of hop format?
Answers should include:

1. Measuring
2. Utilization (bitterness primarily)
3. Storage
4. Availability and Variety
5. Kettle and Fermenter Implications