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The brewers emphasize the importance of a pale, neutral malt base for West Coast IPAs. They prioritize lifting the hop character and minimizing malt flavor. They use pale Pilsner malt or extra pale Pilsner malt as the main base, with some brewers also incorporating other low-colored Pilsner malts.
The brewers discuss their approach to fermentation in West Coast IPAs. They prioritize using a neutral yeast that doesn't add any prominent yeast character. They have experimented with different yeast strains, but have found success with strains like Chico and ALDC. Some brewers also adjust pH levels during fermentation and dry hopping to maintain balance and reduce hop creep.
The brewers discuss the importance of pH levels throughout the brewing process, including the kettle pH and the finishing pH. They aim to maintain a balanced pH range, typically around 4.3 to 4.6, depending on the beer style. This impacts hop utilization and ensures that the finished beer has the desired flavor profile. Gravity also plays a role, with different finishing gravities used to achieve the desired body and mouthfeel.
The brewers highlight the importance of balance between hops and fermentation characteristics in West Coast IPAs. Their goal is to allow the hops to shine while keeping the malt and yeast character minimal. They make adjustments during brewing, such as choosing a neutral yeast, adjusting mash temperatures, and controlling pH levels to achieve the desired balance in the final beer.
Brewers discuss the importance of experimenting with different hop blends and processes in order to create unique flavors and enhance the hop profile of their beers. They emphasize the need for constant innovation and the willingness to try new hop combinations and techniques.
The brewers delve into the process of hop selection and the challenges of choosing the right hops for their beers. They highlight the importance of sensory evaluation, including rubbing the hops and smelling them in different contexts. They also discuss the unpredictability of hop flavors and aromas based on the crop year and the need for constant adaptation.
The brewers discuss the balance between maintaining the integrity of iconic beers like Russian River's Pliny the Younger while also embracing innovation and staying ahead of the competition. They emphasize the continuous drive to improve and exceed consumer expectations while also paying tribute to the classic styles that have shaped the craft beer industry.
This week’s podcast is a roundtable discussion with three leading voices in West Coast IPA—Kelsey McNair of North Park, Evan Price of Green Cheek, and Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River. Over the course of two hours, these three discuss the ins and outs of brewing modern West Coast IPA today, including:
And more.
This episode is brought to you by:
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