Hops help

[ArchivesBrewingRyan]

Looking for a little guidance here...I picked up a pound of Caramel 40 and a pound of Vienna malt at the LHBS on sale (they goofed and packed together and gave me for less cost). I'm a small batch brewer, mostly gallon size, and am going to try an experimental pale ale/IPA by combining that 2 pounds with standard 2 row. Looking for some thoughts on hop additions that are outside the box. I really like the idea of using something more central European instead of the American C hops but don't have much experience with those types. Does anyone have thoughts on something that could be used in an IPA type brew that gives a unique character other than citrusy?

 

[Shred]

My first thought is that a pound of Crystal/Caramel 40 is going to give you an extremely sweet 2 gallon beer and be way out of character for an IPA or Pale Ale. As for the hops, I did an Australian Summer SMaSH which was really nice. I got huge mandarin orange flavor and aroma from it.

 

[ArchivesBrewingRyan]

I've not had that hop before. I'm sure the beer will be too sweet but it's more inspired by IPA than an actual. Thanks for the info

 

[Shred]

You could also add some corn sugar to the boil to help dry it out.