385: West Coast IPA Q&A from the Brewer’s Retreat with Green Bench, Burial, and Russian River
Nov 1, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Vinnie Cilurzo, Brewmaster of Russian River Brewing, Doug Reiser, Head Brewer at Burial Beer, and Khris Johnson, Head Brewer at Green Bench Brewing, share their expertise on crafting West Coast IPAs. They dive into innovative dry hopping techniques and the significance of lesser-known hop varieties. The brewers discuss balancing body and hop intensity, optimizing water chemistry, and the impact of using flowable hop products. Their collaborative spirit shines as they explore the complexities of brewing while answering audience questions.
Brewing techniques have evolved to balance body and flavor in IPAs, focusing on malt composition and high attenuation without losing mouthfeel.
Water chemistry is critical in brewing, with brewers emphasizing balanced chloride-to-sulfate ratios to enhance the flavor and mouthfeel of IPAs.
There is a renewed interest in bitterness for West Coast IPAs, leading brewers to explore traditional hop additions and pH management methods.
Deep dives
Overview of the Brewers Retreat
The annual brewers retreat in Coastal Delaware is highlighted as a premier event for brewing enthusiasts. Over three days, participants collaboratively brew, learn, and taste various beers, fostering a sense of community among some of the world's leading brewers. This year’s retreat took place at Dogfish Head and emphasized not just brewing techniques but also the pairing of food with beer. The retreat offers a platform for sharing insights on making exceptional beers, creating lasting memories for attendees.
Innovative Dry Hopping Techniques
Advanced dry hopping techniques have transformed the brewing of IPAs, with a specific focus on utilizing high oil hop extracts. Techniques discussed include incorporating hop extracts like Dyno Boost and Hyperboost during different stages of brewing to maximize flavor retention and aromatic intensity. These concentrated oils are intended to work alongside traditional hop pellets, enhancing both yield and shelf stability. Brewers noted that adjusting dry hopping strategies can lead to distinct taste profiles that satisfy consumer demand for more resinous West Coast IPAs.
Balancing Body and Flavor
The discussion revealed a shift in brewing practices to create a balance between body and flavor in IPAs. Brewers are experimenting with various malt compositions, such as using Pilsner malt and wheat to achieve a desired mouthfeel while maintaining the lightness typical of modern IPAs. A noted focus is on achieving high attenuation without sacrificing body, utilizing sugars and oil-rich hops to provide the rich textures and flavors consumers expect. This experimentation aims to craft IPAs that are both drinkable and flavorful, reflecting regional preferences.
Water Chemistry and Hop Selection
Water chemistry plays a crucial role in the brewing process, influencing both flavor and mouthfeel. Brewers are focusing on achieving balanced water profiles, adapting chloride-to-sulfate ratios to enhance mouthfeel while maintaining hop character. The conversation also touched upon unique hop varieties that provide distinctive flavors, with an emphasis on finding less commonly used hops that complement more traditional styles. Understanding the interplay of water profiles and hop selections is essential for creating innovative and appealing beers.
The Importance of Bitterness
Bitterness returned to the forefront of brewing discussions, as many brewers noted a consumer longing for the crisp, bitter finish characteristic of West Coast IPAs. Techniques to enhance bitterness through careful hop additions at various stages of brewing were emphasized, along with the importance of managing pH during the boil to optimize extraction. A shift away from the softer bitterness associated with hazy IPAs has led to renewed focus on classic hop approaches. The consensus was clear: bitterness is a vital component that enhances drinkability and encourages repeat consumption.
In this special episode recorded at the recent Craft Beer & Brewing Brewer’s Retreat at Dogfish Head in Milton, Delaware, Khris Johnson of Green Bench (St. Petersburg, Florida), Doug Reiser of Burial (Asheville, North Carolina), and Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River (Windsor, California) share their answers to attendees’ questions about brewing IPA—focusing on the American and West Coast styles.
Along the way, they discuss:
using flowable hop products from Yakima Chief Hops, Abstrax, Haas, Steiner, and others
reducing green matter to lengthen beer’s packaged lifespan
optimizing for early presentation in package
building body in high-attenuation IPAs
taking a balanced approach to chloride and sulfate
bumping sodium through water softening to increase savoriness
unsung hops that provide big impact
adjusting pH to alter the character of bitterness
brewing black IPA or Cascadian dark ale
Using pH to manage hop creep
And more.
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