Hey guys, back again!
I brewed another NEIPA, while trying out some new techniques and using recommendations from you guys. Recipe and process below:
Batch Size (To Packaging) (gal): | 5.2 |
Target OG: | 1.073 |
Target FG: | 1.016 |
Target IBUs | 40 |
Boil Time: | 45 |
Target SRM#: | 6 |
Mash Temp (F): | 153 |
Mash Time (min) | 60 |
Yeast: | Wyeast 1318 - London Ale III |
Grain Name | Original Amount (lb) | Percentage |
2-Row Brewer's Malt, Briess | 16.5 | 77.65% |
Flaked Oats | 1.5 | 7.06% |
White Wheat Malt, Briess | 1.5 | 7.06% |
Caramel/Crystal Malt - 40L | 1 | 4.71% |
Carapils, Briess | 0.75 | 3.53% |
Hop Name | Original Amount (oz) | Addition Time |
Citra (2019) | 1 | 30 |
Citra (2019) | 1 | 10 |
Citra (2019) | 6 | WP |
Citra (2020) | 2 | DH1 |
Citra (2020) | 6 | DH2 |
Cold side, primary lasted for 12 days, with dry hopping on day 2, and day 10. I didnt drop the temp at all for the dry hoppings, left it at 68F. Then I cold crashed to 38F, let it go for 3.5 days, then kegged.
I have to say, this is the best NEIPA that I have brewed. It is clean, absolutely 0 hop burn, smells amazing, and best of all, TASTES amazing. Fruity and a bit of pine, citrus like crazy, sweet fruit, a small pop of bitterness. Mouthfeel is great, the head retains well, and is nice and dense. Its lovely.
I really wish I had a better camera... (Still rocking an iPhone 7 over here...)
What this batch taught me:
1. Cold crash yo stuff, for probably longer than you think... I really believe this played a big part in the final product. In the past, I would crash for 24-36 hours, and it produced some harsh beer. I think getting all the trub, yeast, hop particles, and foreign matter out of the beer really helps reduce the hop burn, and non-desirable flavors. Usually, I get a hop burn for about 5-7 days (but, my last beer it never went away), and then I can drink it. This beer was ready to go as soon as it hit the keg. I was drinking half carbed glasses of it because it was so delicious.
2. Hop combos matter... I decided to back step a bit, and just do 1 hop on this beer. Citra is a classic, amazing hop, and it really showed in this beer. It worked great. I think hop combos are fun, but I think you can fall into traps when you are starting out. I think that I was going a bit wild, and too random and willy-nilly, and it lead me to some trouble. I am not a hop wizard, and I dont know what works where yet. I think if you are starting out, 1 or 2 hops is all you need to fool around with, and it will make a great beer.
3. I dont really think a soft crash is necessary...the 2 best NEIPAs I have ever made (this one, and one about 5 batches ago (which may have been a fluke)) did not have a soft crash. I am not convinced that an intermediary crash results in better beer. I have done it twice, and both results were lack luster. It may help, but I think the final crash is what is really important.
Again, I thank you all for your help, input, honesty and transparency. I hope that the above may help you or some others out with your beers!