Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

428: Shaun Kalis of Ruse Layers Flavor and Aroma in IPA With Old and New School Methods (Plus a Healthy Dose of Dankness)

Aug 1, 2025
Guest
Shaun Kalis
Shaun Kalis, cofounder and brewer at Ruse Brewing, dives deep into the art of IPA brewing with a focus on innovative techniques. He shares insights on using flaked wheat and rice to enhance flavor, along with his secrets for layering different hop expressions to boost aroma and dankness. Kalis discusses the balance of early-pick hops for bitterness and the impact of recent brewing innovations. He emphasizes community support in Portland's craft beer scene and the importance of experimentation in creating unforgettable IPAs.
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ANECDOTE

Shaun's Brewing Journey

  • Shaun Kalis started Ruse Brewing in Portland after years working at other breweries and studying brewing professionally.
  • The brewery began with a mix of clean beers and barrel-aged mixed culture beers, evolving over time into their current diverse offerings.
ADVICE

Lean Grain Bills for IPAs

  • Use a lean grain bill with high-quality pilsner malts like Gambrinus or Pure Idaho for West Coast-style IPAs.
  • Add flaked wheat or flaked rice to lower free amino nitrogen and increase beer snap for better structure and hop hold-up.
ADVICE

Hot Side Hop Layering

  • Use early pick Columbus hops for clean bittering and add CO2-extracted Simcoe or Mosaic with T-90s late in the boil for intense, lasting hop flavor.
  • Combine hot side hopping with heavy late additions and cool pooling for depth and long-lasting hop character.
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