Another "please critique this recipe"- American IPA - Page 2

**Southwood** · 02-09-2008, 04:19 PM

Thanks for the great replies, everyone!

After reviewing the feedback I've modified my recipe. I've found that in the past C40 really darkens my brew, so I left that out. As far as IBU's, I was shooting for a 1:1 ratio with OG.

Type: Extract w/grain Size: 5.0 gallons
Color: 13 HCU (~9 SRM)
Bitterness: 65 IBU
OG: 1.069 FG: 1.018
Alcohol: 6.5% v/v (5.1% w/w)

Grain:
8 oz. American Vienna
8 oz. American crystal 10L
8 oz. American crystal 20L
8 oz. Dextrine malt (Cara-Pils)
Steep grains in bag @ 155° - 160° for 1 hour

Boil: 60 minutes SG 1.098 3.5 gallons

7 lb. Light dry malt extract

Hops:
1.5 oz. Centennial (9.7% AA, 60 min.)
1 oz. Amarillo (8.9% AA, 20 min.)
1 oz. Cascade (6.7% AA, 20 min.)
1 oz. Amarillo (8.9% AA, 7 min.)
1 oz. Centennial (9.7% AA, 7 min.)
.5 oz. Centennial (9.7% AA, 0 min.)
1 oz. Amarillo (Dry)
Add Whirfloc tab @ 20 min
Yeast: Wyeast American Ale II

What do you think? I'll be going to the LHBS this afternoon to get the yeast so I can get a Starter Going for brew day on Tues!

Cheers!

**shafferpilot** · 02-09-2008, 05:38 PM

looks solid to me.

**the_bird** · 02-09-2008, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shafferpilot

Personally, I don't think wheat belongs in an IPA recipe. If you put it in there for body, I'd rather use carapils (dextrin), or a little malto-dextrin. But to each his own.

No biggie either way, but I'd personally go with wheat over carapils or maltodextrine. We're not worried about complying with the Reinheitsgebot, so wheat is fine. You'll never taste a half-pound of wheat in the recipe (especially a hoppy IPA). Most important, IMHO, is that the Carapils and.or malto will add body that I just do not believe is appropriate for an IPA. IPAs ought to be, IMHO, pretty dry, not necessarily full-bodied.

Remember, the historical idea behind an IPA (besides the hops) was that the beer should be very well-attenuated so that there would be fewer residual sugars, reducing the chance of spoilage.

**shafferpilot** · 02-09-2008, 10:48 PM

I have to ask; what is the purpose of wheat in an IPA if it isn't for body?

**the_bird** · 02-10-2008, 02:19 AM

Head retention from all the proteins. I've never heard of using wheat for body.

**shafferpilot** · 02-10-2008, 08:05 PM

i see, that's a misconception of mine, then.