Brewmaster: Andy Johnson
Brewing IPA Recipe alongside Brookmeade Brewing Company
Sup, I'm Andy Johnson! Welcome to Brookmeade Brewing Co. I moved to Colorado in 2017, where my beer-brewing journey kicked off. While cranking out MBA assignments and exploring my new home, I often found myself holed up in breweries. The unique culture that breweries offered went beyond pouring beers – each one had a distinct personality, yet they all shared a commitment to giving back to their community.
This concept, coupled with the rotating beer lists that hooked me, sparked my interest in home brewing. My loved ones gifted me my first homebrew kit, and I dived headfirst into it with enthusiasm! I started with some basic recipes and gradually upped my game, adding to my gear along the way. My wife, Nikki, has been my loyal taste tester throughout this journey. While it started off as a sacrifice, she now considers it a damn fine perk!
The Brew: IPA
Want more exclusive recipes, gear reviews, and all things beer-related? Check out The Garage – the birthplace of it all!
The Recipe: Head in the Strouds
INGREDIENTS
GRAIN::- 8 lbs Maris Otter- 1 lb Munich Malt 10L- 0.5 lb Flaked Oats- 0.5 lb Caramel Malt 40L
HOPS::- Boil hops: 1 oz Cascade - 60 min- Boil hops: 2 oz Cascade - 10 min- Boil hops: 1 oz Citra - 0 min- Dry hops: 1 oz Cascade - 14 Days- Dry hops: 1 oz Citra - 14 Days
YEAST::- Imperial Yeast A38 Juice
INSTRUCTIONS
BATCH SIZE: 5 gal
OG: 1.049
FG: 1.012
IBU: 45
ABV: 4.9%
EFFICIENCY: 67%
MASH TEMP: 152 oF
BOIL: 60 min
FERMENTATION: 64oF - 14 days (primary)
BREW SYSTEM: Spike Solo
Cheers!
Andy Johnson - *Brookmeade Brewing Co.***
The Lowdown on IPAs
Want to get loaded on hops? IPAs (India Pale Ales) have you covered! These hoppy, strong, and tasty beers have become craft beer favorites in recent times. The distinct flavors in IPAs come from the hops – more potent than those found in other beers.
There's a variety of categories when it comes to IPAs, like West Coast, East Coast, Session, Belgian, and Fruited IPAs. If you're in the market for a brew with a kickass hop forward taste, IPAs are your jam!
Why IPAs Rock
The robust hop-forward taste sets IPAs apart from other brews. The citrusy, floral, and herbal hops contribute to their unique flavor profile, often with hints of tropical fruit, citrus, pine, and herbal notes.
What Does an IPA Taste Like?
The taste of an IPA can vary depending on the type, but it typically comes with a bite of bitterness. You might detect a fruity, citrusy, or herbal punch and even pine, tropical fruit, and citrus.
The History of IPAs
The IPA originated in 19th-century England to supply beer to the troops stationed in India. It was high in alcohol and hops to preserve the beer during long journeys and quickly gained popularity in England before conquering the world as a beloved beer style. Nowadays, the IPAs you'll find are diverse, with various hop varieties and beer-brewing techniques, allowing brewers to create complex, unique brews.
IPA: How to Drink It
To get the most out of your IPA experience:
- Chill it slightly colder than other beers to bring out the hop flavors and aromas.
- Pour it slowly in a circular motion to produce a nice head and lock in the flavor and aroma. This operation also provides attractive lacing on the glass.
- Take your time when tasting an IPA, savoring the flavors and aromas. Don't rush – let it linger on your palate. Notice the hop flavors, aromas, and any other unique characteristics. Pay attention to the bitterness as it evolves as the beer warms.
Food Pairings for IPAs
When pairing food with an IPA, remember that its bitterness can overpower subtle flavors. It's best to match IPAs with bold dishes that can hold their own, like spicy Mexican or Indian food. A milder option is a sweeter IPA like a Belgian or fruited IPA.
Rich, savory dishes like a juicy steak or hearty stew are also great options. For a lighter pairing, go for a session IPA or lactose IPA, which are lower in hop bitterness and malt sweetness. For a sweet tooth, opt for a fruit-forward IPA like a fruited or sour IPA, which often contains fruit purees or juices, making them ideal for desserts and sweet dishes.
Alcohol Content of IPAs
Typically, India Pale Ales have an alcohol range of 5-7%, but this can differ based on the type of IPA. West Coast IPAs often feature higher alcohol levels, between 6-7.5%, while Session IPAs have a lower range of 4-5.5%. Double IPAs, also known as Imperial IPAs, are the strongest, clocking in at an ABV of 7-10%.
As the alcohol content goes up, so do the hop levels and malt used in the brewing process, resulting in more intense, bitter flavors. If you prefer bolder, more bitter beers, opt for an IPA with a higher ABV. Fancy something milder? Opt for a lower ABV IPA.
Main Types of IPAs
West Coast IPA
These beers are known for their intense hop flavor and aroma, with a prominent bitterness and hop taste, and a light malt profile.
East Coast IPA
East Coast IPAs are characterized by moderate to high bitterness, with a slightly sweeter taste due to a less prominent malt profile compared to West Coast IPAs. These brews have a light to medium body, a crisp finish, and might include fruit, wheat, or oats as adjunct ingredients.
Session IPA
Session IPAs are brewed to be enjoyed in sessions, with a lower alcohol content compared to traditional IPAs to allow for extended consumption without becoming overwhelming. The focus is on the hop aroma and flavor rather than intense bitterness, showcasing citrusy, floral, and herbal notes.
British IPA (English IPA)
England is where this style of IPA originated in the late 1700s. It's known for its floral and fruity aroma, balanced malt flavor, slightly bitter finish, and light to medium body. It usually has an ABV of 4.5-6.5%.
Lactose IPA Aka "Milkshake" IPA
This newcomer to the IPA scene uses lactose (a sugar derived from milk) to create a creamy, sweet flavor akin to a milkshake, as well as a smooth, full-bodied texture.
Oat IPA
Oat IPAs are distinguished by their higher oat content, which imparts a creamy, smooth mouthfeel.
Belgian IPA
Belgian IPAs have a unique spin on the IPA, incorporating Belgian yeast, which lends a unique taste. They're typically lighter in color but offer a pronounced floral and fruity aroma. They might exhibit a spicy and herbal taste, with a more balanced flavor profile compared to traditional IPAs.
Fruited IPA
Fruited IPAs have gained popularity, mixing traditional IPA styles with a touch of fruit, resulting in a beer with various fruit flavors, like pineapple, mango, passionfruit, and citrus.
Sour IPA
Sour IPAs, or sour ales, offer a tart, sour, or acidic taste due to their wild yeast strains, bacteria, and other microorganisms. These beers can range from light and fruity to dark and intense. They usually have a lower alcohol content compared to traditional IPAs.
Brett IPA
Brett IPAs, or Brettanomyces IPAs, boast a unique flavor profile due to the use of Brettanomyces yeast during fermentation.
Double IPA (Imperial IPA)
Double IPAs, or Imperial IPAs, boast higher amounts of hops, malt, and alcohol than traditional IPAs. These full-bodied beers offer a robust hop flavor and aroma, balanced by sweet maltiness, and a lingering finish.
Black IPA (Cascadian Dark Ale)
Black IPAs, or Cascadian Dark Ales, blend the hop-forward flavors of an IPA with the rich, dark maltiness of stouts or porters. This creates a bold, bitter beer with rich, roasted undertones.
Bitter Beer
Bitterness in beer comes from the hops. IPAs tend to have a low to moderate bitterness, with the hop aroma more prominent than the bitterness, resulting in fruity and juicy flavors.
Is IPA a Strong Beer?
IPAs tend to have a higher alcohol content than traditional beers and can range from 5-7% ABV. This is because IPAs use more hops, which contribute to a more intense flavor and bitterness, as well as more alcohol.
What is EPA Beer?
EPA stands for Extra Pale Ale, which is a type of beer that is similar to an IPA but lighter in color and body. It is also slightly less bitter and has a lower alcohol content compared to IPAs.
- Andy Johnson, the brewmaster at Brookmeade Brewing Co, discovered home brewing during his move to Colorado in 2017, excited by the unique culture and community commitment he found in local breweries.
- For exclusive insights into beer, recipes, gear reviews, and more, check out The Garage, the birthplace of these passions.
- This text includes a recipe for Head in the Strouds IPA, which uses ingredients like Maris Otter malt, Cascade and Citra hops, and Imperial Yeast A38 Juice.
- While exploring various types of IPAs, you might come across brewhouse favorites like West Coast, East Coast, Session, Belgian, Fruited, Sour, Brett, Double, and Black IPAs. Each offers a unique balance of flavors, often showcasing citrusy, floral, and herbal notes.
