Short Bus IPA

[DrDonkie]

This beer just scored 36.5 at the War of the Worts (Imperial IPA category).

The only criticism I got from the judges was that the beer could have been a little maltier. I think I should have entered it into the American IPA category. When I brewed this, I just wanted to make a BIG-ASS HOP BOMB!

Hope you Enjoy it!

Malts:

Am. 2-Row - 88%
Am. 20L Crystal - 12%

Single Infusion Mash - Target 152 degrees F (67 C)

Hops: (Hop additions based on 5 gallon batch)

Columbus (15 %AA) .25 oz @ 90, 80, 60 mins / Dry Hop 1 oz (in Primary for 1 week)
Chinook (12 %AA) .25 oz @ 90, 80, 60, 10 mins / Dry Hop 1 oz (in Primary for 1 week)
Centennial (11 %AA) .25 oz @ 40, 30, 15 mins / Dry Hop 1 oz (in Secondary for 1 week)
Cascade (7 %AA) .25 oz @ 15 mins / Dry Hop 1 oz (in Secondary for 1 week)
Amarillo (10 %AA) .25 oz @ 40, 30, 15 mins / Dry Hop 1 oz (in Secondary for 1 week)
Simcoe (13 %AA) .5 oz @ 5 mins
* %AA may vary

Yeast:

2 Vials of WLP001 California Ale (no starter)

Notes: Both Primary and Secondary at 68 F (20 C)

If you should have any question, don't hesitate to ask. Also, any suggestions to make this a better beer, are surely appreciated.

Happy Brewing!

Dave

[DrDonkie]

Stats:
OG: 1.074
FG: 1.012
8% ABV
7-9 SRM
110 - 125 IBU

[BDawg]

The judges are saying that the beer is all hops and needs some malt flavors to help balance all those hops.

I'd replace 3 lbs of the 2 row for Munich 10L and a 1/2 lb for Victory.

HTH-

[Jbug]

+1 for Munich. I've been brewing all grain for a year and a half and just started to use Munich in my IPA IIPA and Imperial red and I have to say it gives my beer that little sumpin' extra that previous brews were lacking...


Josh

[Jbug]

I do like all the dry hops though! I can remember the last time I didn't dry hop a ale!

[DrDonkie]

The next time I brew this IPA, I will definitely play around with my grain bill and I was thinking about using WLP002 as opposed to WLP001.

It is an awesome beer that will just get better from here on out!

Thanks for the input!

Happy Brewing!

Dave

[Hoser]

You could also just sub-out the american 2-row for Marris Otter or some other English floor malted variety?

I think I would leave the yeast as WLP001 for now, but that being said I am not a huge fan of WLP002 (just my personal preference).

Only make one change at a time so you can dial in your recipe and know the effect that one change has on the finished beer.

[DrDonkie]

I am a HUGE Marris Otter fan! I have done blends with 2-row and Marris, in the past, with good results.

Something else I was thinking about was instead of just adding a little bit of 20 or 40 crystal, maybe I can mix a small amount of 60 or 80 and 10 or 20. 3:1 (10 or 20 to 60 or 80) It should add a little complexity. A little bit of toffee will be a good addition to this beer.

I want to stay away from the Victory Malt with this beer. It is just a little too roasty for this beer. I have and will continue to use it in other recipes.

What could I expect out of the flavor if I should use some Munich Malt? Does it really effect the flavor or will it just add body to the beer? Can I get the same results out of using CaraPils?

Thanks for the help, everyone!

Happy Brewing!

Dave