Fiden's Brewing is Making IPA with Character and Distinction
Mar 27, 2024
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Steve Parker is a representative from New York's Fiden’s Brewery, known for its innovative and flavorful IPAs. He dives deep into the artistry of brewing, explaining how Fiden's creates hazy IPAs with distinctive flavors and creamy mouthfeel. The conversation covers hop selection, especially the significance of Mosaic hops, and the brewery's exploration of new beer styles like Rauk beer. Parker also highlights the importance of pH levels in brewing, the social aspects of beer, and the excitement that comes from experimenting with different hop varieties.
Fiden's Brewery emphasizes intentional brewing to create unique, flavorful IPAs that stand out in a saturated market.
The brewery's exploration of diverse beer styles, including collaboration on a smoked beer, fosters creativity and skill refinement among brewers.
Deep dives
Crafting Exceptional IPAs
The podcast discusses the key elements that contribute to making exceptional India Pale Ales (IPAs), particularly focusing on the approach taken by Fiden's Brewery. The head brewer, Steve Parker, emphasizes that while many breweries produce hazy IPAs, the standout beers are those crafted with intention and depth of flavor. Fiden's IPAs have garnered attention for their unique combinations and balanced profiles, making them distinct in an oversaturated market. The brewer's passion for hops is evident, as he believes they are the heart of their innovative brewing process.
Expansion Beyond IPAs
Fiden's Brewery is starting to venture into other beer styles, like Rauch beer, while maintaining their reputation for IPAs. Steve shares his experience experimenting with different beer styles, including a collaboration with another brewery that resulted in a unique smoked beer. This expansion into diverse styles offers an opportunity to refine skills and learn from other brewers. Such collaborations also foster a learning environment, enabling brewers to explore and develop their creativity outside the IPA realm.
The Evolution of West Coast IPAs
A significant focus is placed on modern interpretations of West Coast IPAs, with an emphasis on lighter malt profiles and showcasing hop flavor rather than bitterness. Steve Parker explains how his experiences with West Coast breweries and their innovative recipes inspired him to shift the brewery's approach to this style. The incorporation of contemporary hops like Mosaic and Idaho 7 allows Fiden's to create a West Coast IPA that emphasizes hop characteristics in a refreshing and drinkable format. This desire to reinvent West Coast IPAs illustrates an evolving trend within craft beer, focusing on nuanced flavors rather than traditional heavy bitterness.
Signature Beer and Drinkability
The discussion narrows on the importance of creating a signature flavor profile for Fiden's beers that stands out in the craft beer landscape. Steve highlights that the mouthfeel, hop expression, and drinkability are key components that distinguish their brews from others. He aims for a balance that allows drinkers to enjoy multiple servings without feeling overwhelmed by sweetness. This focus on craft and drinkability ensures Fiden's beer remains enjoyable and accessible, aligning with the brewery's core philosophy of making beer that people can savor and share.