Beer Forum

So I've got a IIPA on tap right now, and for the most part I am extremely happy with it. Here's the recipe:

Recipe Specifications
--------------------------
Batch Size: 6.00 gal
Boil Size: 7.10 gal
Estimated OG: 1.078 SG
Estimated Color: 8.9 SRM
Estimated IBU: 105.5 IBU
Brewhouse Efficiency: 69.00 %
Boil Time: 60 Minutes

Ingredients:
------------

15.00 lb Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM) 85.71 %
0.50 lb Caramel/Crystal Malt - 40L (40.0 SRM) 2.86 %
0.50 lb Caramel/Crystal Malt - 60L (60.0 SRM) 2.86 %
1.50 lb Sugar, Table (Sucrose) (1.0 SRM) 8.57 %

1.50 oz Magnum [12.90 %] (60 min) 66.9 IBU
1.50 oz Centennial [8.00 %] (20 min) 14.0 IBU
2.00 oz Centennial [8.00 %] (15 min) 14.7 IBU
1.00 oz Centennial [8.00 %] (10 min) 5.5 IBU
0.50 oz Centennial [8.00 %] (5 min) 2.3 IBU
0.50 oz Cascade [7.50 %] (5 min) 2.2 IBU
1.50 oz Cascade [7.50 %] (0 min)
2.00 oz Cascade [7.50 %] (Dry Hop 7 days)

1.20 items Whirlfloc Tablet (Boil 15.0 min)
1 Pkgs California Ale (White Labs #WLP001) 2L Starter

Mash at 148ish.

Hit all my temps. Hit my FG (1.075). Fermented down to 1.010. Dryhopped in keg for 14 days.

The aroma and flavor are excellent. My only negative with this beer is the initial hop bitterness seems pretty low. With a IIPA, you expect a hop slap in the face when you first drink it, and this doesn't have it. Now, do you think I need just a bigger 60 min addition next time, or should I go with a harsher bittering hop like Horizon or Glacier or something instead of Magnum. I love using Magnum because of the smoothness of the bittering I get with it, but that seems like it's the problem with this beer...

Thanks for your help and thoughts.

Recipe looks good to me. The problem might be with the water. If I remember right, sulfates will accentuate the hops. A little gypsum might help with the bitterness. Before messing with the water, however, you need to figure out what your water really does have in it. It may be another problem entirely.

Wayne

Smoothness is a common characteristic of magnum. I'd blend it with Galena/Chinook to get a good bite. Not Horizon.

That looks nice! I'm gonna snag a copy of your recipe and try it out after the SNPA clone and the Evil Twin.

Does it have a name?

Charlie

I think it may be two things... both previously stated... Probably the magnum is just too smooth, and/or it could be your water.

I never got my water report (long story)... but I started making VERY minor mineral adjustments over time to styles that I feel might benefit from adjustment, and have noticed a little improvement. Don't hestitate to through in a little gypsum or calc. cloride.. but just a little talking .2oz or so. You'll only start getting minerally off flavors if you really go bonkers or your water is already extremely hard. I think this could help a touch. Every time you brew it, bump it by .2oz or so, and see if you catch a difference.

Anyway, the easiest solution is to add some other more slap you in the face bittering hops in at 60.... I agree w/ the above recommendations. Maybe drop your magnum to 1 oz. and add an oz. of another.

Charlie wrote:That looks nice! I'm gonna snag a copy of your recipe and try it out after the SNPA clone and the Evil Twin.

Does it have a name?

Charlie

Last Paycheck Double IPA.

It was the first brew I made after I got laid off. So I made a strong one to last me a while until I had the cash to brew again.

Nightfalke wrote:Last Paycheck Double IPA.

It was the first brew I made after I got laid off. So I made a strong one to last me a while until I had the cash to brew again.

Cool!

It looks tasty! Yeah, I'm a hop freak. I'll report back when it's in the can (about 3 weeks).

Charlie