353: Viva Las Vegas! Able Baker's Matt Marino Goes "All In" on Modern West Coast IPA
Apr 5, 2024
auto_awesome
Able Baker's Matt Marino discusses multiple topics like maximizing output from their brewhouse, extreme attenuation in IPA, hop selection, and blending beers. They dive into West Coast IPA brewing techniques, recirculating while dry hopping, and the constant recipe evolution. The discussion also covers yeast selection, non-beer things to do in Vegas, and more.
Able Baker maximizes output by brewing oversized batches at high gravity.
Matt Marino discusses the meticulous dry-hopping process for the flagship Atomic Duck IPA.
Selection of hops like Citra, Amarillo, and Idaho 7 enhances the distinct flavors of Able Baker's IPAs.
Deep dives
Matt Moreno discusses Able Baker's Brewing Techniques in Las Vegas
Matt Moreno, Director of Brewing for Able Baker, shares insights into the brewing techniques used at the brewery's Las Vegas location. The podcast episode delves into the methods employed by Able Baker, ranging from producing clear beers to crafting core offerings like the Atomic Duck West Coast style IPA. Matt Moreno highlights the brewery's innovative approach, including venturing into the hazy IPA space and blending West Coast and hazy IPAs to create unique beer offerings.
In-depth Exploration of Brewing Processes at Able Baker
The discussion unfolds to reveal the intricate brewing processes at Able Baker, delving into Matt Moreno's journey through the brewing world. From starting as a homebrewer to navigating unconventional beer scenes in places like Utah and Las Vegas, his experiences have shaped his approach to brewing. The episode uncovers Moreno's transition from brewing in unlikely locations to becoming the first head brewer at Able Baker, where he oversees the brewery's design and production processes.
Insights into Dry-Hopping Techniques at Able Baker
The podcast episode provides detailed insights into the dry-hopping techniques employed at Able Baker, particularly focusing on the flagship Atomic Duck IPA. Matt Moreno reveals the meticulous dry-hopping process, which involves multiple hop additions over several hours and recirculation for optimal integration. The discussion also touches upon the choice of hop varieties, such as Citra, Amarillo, and Idaho 7, used in creating the distinct flavors of Atomic Duck and Waddle, Able Baker's hazy session IPA.
Improving Hazy IPA Recipe
Adjustments were made to a 4.4% hazy IPA recipe to achieve desired flavors and smoothness. By cooling the beer differently and changing hop additions, the brewer solved dry hop issues and enhanced the taste profile. Talus hops were added cautiously due to their potent but appealing citrus characteristics, contributing to a balanced flavor. Experimentation with hops like mandarina, lotus, and nectaron led to significant recipe changes.
Achieving Texture in Light Beer
Creating a 4.4% hazy IPA with balanced body and texture involved strategic ingredient choices. Oats and dextrin malt were favored for enhancing body without excessive sweetness. Flaked oats and Gambrenas honey malt were incorporated for their unique contributions to sweetness and texture. The grist composition included 20% oats for a smooth mouthfeel, highlighting the importance of malt selection in achieving desired beer texture.
In this first of a three-episode miniseries on Las Vegas brewers, timed to give you more local knowledge as you head to the desert for this year’s Craft Brewer’s Conference, Able Baker Director of Brewing Matt Marino discusses his evolving approach to modern West coast IPA and hazy session IPA. Through the conversation, he touches on:
brewing oversized batches at high gravity to maximize output from their 15bbl brewhouse
pushing extreme attenuation to hit a 1.4-1.6°P finishing gravity in a 7% ABV IPA
making the move from 2 row malt to pilsner malt
selecting hops and hop formats for survivability and efficiency
fermenting with non-diacetyl-producing yeast
recirculating while dry hopping to maximize extraction in West coast IPA
the constant evolution of recipes for the brewery’s most popular brands
blending to create new beers
the best beer-related (and non-beer-related) things to do while visiting Las Vegas
And more.
This episode is brought to you by:
G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): At G&D Chillers they always strive to Build Great Chillers. Partner with them as you Build Great Beer. Choose G&D Chillers on your next Expansion or Brewery start up and receive 1 free year of Remote control and Monitoring of your new G&D Chiller! ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com) “ProBrew is changing the game at this year’s CBC in Las Vegas. Visit go.probrew.com/CBC24 or contact us at contactus@probrew.com to schedule time with one of our subject matter experts at Booth #1783 at this year’s show.” Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): Berry Blend, Blood Orange, Lemonade, and Tart Cherry are the latest additions to our lineup of flavored craft juice concentrate blends. To learn more and request your free samples, head over to oldorchard.com/brewer Omega Yeast (https://omegayeast.com): Streamline efficiency with Omega Yeast’s Diacetyl Knock Out series. The DKO series is comprised of 8 familiar yeast strains engineered to knock out the formation of diacetyl before it starts. The strains you know, now better. Contact Omega Yeast today at omegayeast.com. ABS Commercial (https://abs-commercial.com). ABS Commercial are proud to offer brewhouses, tanks, keg washers, and preventative maintenance parts to brewers across the country as well as equipment for distilling, cider-making, wine-making, and more! Contact them today at sales@abs-commercial.com to discuss your customized brewery needs. Yakima Chief Hops (https://yakimachief.com). As a global preferred supplier of NZ Hops, Yakima Chief is the source for the pronounced bright and tropical aromas New Zealand hops are known for, adding a rush of exotic fruits and zesty citrus to your recipes. NZ Cryo is now available, learn more at yakimachief.com OPA Design Studio (https://designopa.com): The architects at OPA Design Studio are your partners in developing the unique design you need. With over a decade of experience designing breweries, the folks at OPA are here to serve as your trusted experts from start to finish. Visit designopa.com to set up your no obligation introductory consultation today. Craft Spirits & Distilling Podcast (https://spiritsanddistilling.com/podcasts/): If you’re a distiller or curious about it, check out the Craft Spirits & Distilling podcast. Click on the link and subscribe from your favorite podcast platform.