Black IPA for a local competition

[MidTNJasonF]

Yeah that is one of those personal choice things. I have not had a good one yet that did not have some chocolate in it. Not to say it is not one out there but the good commercial version and all of the good home-brewed version I have had opportunity to taste contained a small percentage of chocolate. It lends very little if any actual chocolate or coffee flavor, to my pallet at least, but does contribute to the roast level.

 

[theveganbrewer]

MidTNJason suggested to give it a try, that's all. But I've seen differing opinions on the effect. I would have thought it would be less bitterness, but some literature I've found, including on BeerSmith's website indicates it could up it by 10%. I may stick with what I know for now and try to research a little better which hops are best for FWH, since it seems like lower AA is the ticket.

Thanks to all, this will be brewed up next weekend, stupid wedding this weekend... O well, free beer!

Up to you. Typically IBUs go up by 10% but the actual bitterness perception is lower despite the higher IBUs. Sounds confusing but its true.

Your recipe looks good with traditional bittering. If its too much try a citra fwh next time. Good luck.

 

[twistr25]

Had the chocolate steeping for the last two days. My fridge smells like dark chocolate pudding . Can't wait to get this fermenting tomorrow.

 

[twistr25]

Got this brewed on Saturday, tastes pretty good, but I was a little underwhelmed on the bitterness. Inputting the original recipe, I had Summit hops at 18% AA and the crop I got was 15.9%. I'm sure I could have added a little more but didn't really think it was worth the hassle, so I ended up closer to 75 IBUs instead of 85. I'll get over it.

 

[twistr25]

So, I put this in a local competition, only 22 entries, but netted me second place. Pretty awesome considering it didn't turn out how it was supposed to, but also a testament to how awesome this hobby is. Even though it wasn't BJCP sanctioned there was a BJCP judge and he gave this one a 39. Guess I should keep goofing up.