Imperial IPA Fermentation Time

[fatmoose]

My brother gets back from Afghanistan this fall, some time in September or October, won't know a precise date for awhile. I've got a couple extract kits that I've brewed, haven't put anything to bottle yet, but the samples I've taken have been quite positive. I'd like to make a big beer for his return. I'm thinking of an Imperial IPA, that's a style that I think he'd really appreciate. If he gets back in September is that going to give enough time for this thing to ferment and condition? I know that I've heard Imperial Stouts can take up to a year to be ready, wondering if that's going to be the case for this thing too.

I'd appreciate any feedback on this that folks who've done an IIPA might have.

 

[upperNY01brewer]

Ive done Imperial IPA's twice and have had it ready to enjoy in a month. Unfortunately it didnt last a month in the fridge, its been a big hit around the house. Have to say though the longer it sat around the better it tasted. Might add that I did a secondary on the 2nd batch I did and the results were better than the 1st batch that I didnt secondary.

 

[dougf]

Kind of off topic, but you might want to take into consideration his taste. Being over there eating MRE's will screw up your taste. Anything mildy hoppy was sensory overload for me for a while. Took me two weeks to get used to anything above 20 IBU's and have it taste right. Just something to consider.

 

[goose1873]

If your going with an IPA I recommend drinking fresh the hops actually diminish over time. I typically leave them in a primary 3 weeks then 2 week dry hop then keg. If you are bottling you will need to tack on 3 weeks to condition...so 8 weeks should be more then enough time...longer is not better w/ this style

 

[JJL]

Plenty of time. You could actually bottle condition this for a while in the amount of time you have. It would help mellow out the hoppiness and blend the flavors.

 

[fatmoose]

Kind of off topic, but you might want to take into consideration his taste. Being over there eating MRE's will screw up your taste. Anything mildy hoppy was sensory overload for me for a while. Took me two weeks to get used to anything above 20 IBU's and have it taste right. Just something to consider.

Hey, that's a good point. It'll have been awhile since he's had a consistent beer ration. Hrm, going to have to rethink this a bit. There's that Centennial Blonde that I've seen referenced several times, I think Biermuncher came up with it. That seems to get rave reviews. Maybe I'll have to make a couple of beers, the IIPA and some training wheels to get him back up to speed

 

[JJL]

Hey, that's a good point. It'll have been awhile since he's had a consistent beer ration. Hrm, going to have to rethink this a bit. There's that Centennial Blonde that I've seen referenced several times, I think Biermuncher came up with it. That seems to get rave reviews. Maybe I'll have to make a couple of beers, the IIPA and some training wheels to get him back up to speed

Just remember, the only thing better than beer is more beer.

 

[permo]

I think imperial IIPA's improve for Months in the bottle actually. Mine has been in the bottle for 3 months, and it is smoother and more enjoyable every day. Of course I had 8 oz of late hop additions in it, so there is intense hop flavor that needed time to meld with the malts.

Don't forget to use dextrose, or some other type of sugar to dry it out....honey is nice.