Straight APA

[Kinsman]

Back into brewing after a long layoff.

Done three batches so far; looking to have something in the realm of APA up to Amber. I want good malt flavor but not too sweet; balanced bitterness and perceptible aroma but not right out front.

2 1/2 gallon batches.
BIAB with dunk sparge.
RO water

Right now the recipe is:
5lb Montana 2-row
1/2 lb C-40
Mt. Hood hops is what I have right now and I'm thinking 1oz @60min and maybe 1/4-1/2 oz at flameout. Cooled with immersion chiller and pitched onto cake of SA-05, on account of that's in the fermenter and last one went bonkers quick.

Ideas?

 

[D.B.Moody]

It would probably help if you would post the alpha acid of your hops. And, while I personally like Mt. Hood hops, they are not what most would consider for an APA. But, then again, that's why we home-brew.

 

[Kinsman]

Mine are 6.4%.
Guess I was thinking that the MH were kinda middle of the road...not real juicy like.
Suggest a hop for the next batch?

 

[D.B.Moody]

Actually, you brew above my pay grade. I'm an extract brewer that still thinks in terms if HBUs. I was really just saying that you might get better advice that way. That said, I think the bitterness will be okay, and I'd go with the 1/2 oz. at flame out.
I brew my "Summer Ale" using S-05 yeast and Centennial for bitterness and Cascades for aroma at about those levels of alpha and I like enough to do it about every year. So, I can't help but recommend those.
And, I'll admit that I once brewed (in 2000) "Mount Hood Miscellaneous Ale" using what ever stuff I had on hand, which included Mt. Hood hops. It was 6.15 HBUs, and had addiitions for flavor for 15 minutes at the end for aroma. I didn't record the yeast but my notes suggest it was probably Edme. The brew was excellent.

 

[Steveruch]

It would probably help if you would post the alpha acid of your hops. And, while I personally like Mt. Hood hops, they are not what most would consider for an APA. But, then again, that's why we home-brew.

While I like certain hops in certain beers there's no reason to stick to "in style" hops. I'm currently drinking an ordinary bitter made with mittlefruh hops.

 

[Kinsman]

Thanks guys.