Hop amounts in IPAs - How hoppy?

carbon111 · 06-02-2009, 07:42 PM

How hoppy is too hoppy?

Is there a "IBU range" for the British IPA and American IPA styles?

I like an IPA at around 60 IBUs but can go much higher, depending on the variety of hops.

Can't stand Simco but some of the other high AA hops are really nice.

I'm working on a homebuilt IPA recipe right now with Galena and Tettnanger...any suggestions are welcome.

ohiobrewtus · 06-02-2009, 07:49 PM

There sure is. Everyone's tastes differ, but start within the style guidelines and branch out from there.

IMO, too hoppy is not possible but plenty of people here disagree.

flyangler18 · 06-02-2009, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohiobrewtus

There sure is. Everyone's tastes differ, but start within the style guidelines and branch out from there.

IMO, too hoppy is not possible but plenty of people here disagree.

Of course you were the first one to reply.

enderwig · 06-02-2009, 07:51 PM

Keep in mind "IBU range" and "hoppiness" are 2 different things. You can have a very bitter beer with little hoppiness, and vice versa.

ChrisKennedy · 06-02-2009, 07:55 PM

As long as the bitterness and hop flavor balance each other, I don't think you can make an IPA/DIPA that is too hoppy. 16-24oz of hops in 5 gallons is not too hoppy!

ohiobrewtus · 06-02-2009, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyangler18

Of course you were the first one to reply.

...and of course I'm replying while putting the finishing touches on Hopacles '09.

Hugh_Jass · 06-02-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohiobrewtus

...and of course I'm replying while putting the finishing touches on Hopacles '09.

I can't wait to be witness to that creation.

....Dr. Hopenstein, you've created a monster.

Home Brew Forums - Registration

to the OP, here's a chart that balances bitterness with OG.

CBBaron · 06-02-2009, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohiobrewtus

IMO, too hoppy is not possible but plenty of people here disagree.

+1

I havn't met a too hoppy beer yet. I don't know if it exists.

I have made a couple IPAs where my hop bag was the size of a football (5gal batch) without any complaints. Not yet Pliny territory but very good.

Now I want to get ahold of the hop extracts and oils that Laguntis(sp) uses for their Hop Stoopid. That could allow for some crazy hoppy beer.

Craig

**cubbies** · 06-02-2009, 08:31 PM

How hoppy is too hoppy? Your tongue will tell you. If you are trying to submit something for competition, then yeah, there are "too hoppy" cases. Especially on the English IPA category. However, as a homebrewer, if you want to put two pounds of Warrior in a beer, and it tastes good to you, then it is not "too hoppy". Tis the beauty of homebrewing.

**HenryHill** · 06-02-2009, 08:40 PM

There is a thought that using the OG for a relative gauge of IBU bitterness 'balances' the beer. For a 1.078 OG IPA, try a 70-80 IBU, for a 1/1 ratio.

'Hoppiness', as in late additions and DHing, no one can say, due to the differences in each drinker's perceived aroma, and it depends on the hop type.