Imperial IPA Help

[hoptualBrew]

Looking to do a lower gravity Imperial IPA that will suite South Florida weather. I originally wanted to make use of a Chinook/El Dorado combo for pine & melon characters but can't find any El Dorado. Here's what I got but am on the fence of whether to use Pacific Gem (which I read gives a ripe melon character) or Summit for it's dank hop contributions.


All-Grain
OG: 1.080 (est)
FG: 1.020 (est)
ABV: 7.86%
IBU: 138 (est)

13.5# Pale Ale Malt
0.5# Crystal 45L
0.25# Crystal 120L

2 oz. Chinook @ 50 mins
1 oz. Chinook @ 20 mins
2 oz. Northern Brewer @ 20 mins
1 oz. Chinook @ 10 mins
1 oz. Pacific Gem/Summit @ 10 mins
1 oz. Pacific Gem/Summit @ dry hop for 14 days
1 oz. Chinook @ dry hop for 7 days
1 oz. Pacific Gem/Summit @ dry hop for 7 days

WY1450 Denn'y Favorite 50
Primary 7 days @ 68 F
Secondary 35 days @ 74 F


Opinions? Pacific Gem or Summit? Too bitter for the gravity? Thoughts?

 

[Billybrewer09]

I think its way to bitter for the gravity. I've used Chinook to bitter with and its very strong. I would cut them back to an ounce or less.
I have also used summit several times and it adds a big grapefruit flavor not dank.

 

[hoptualBrew]

Last few Imperial IPAs have been 9.5%+, so 7.75% is a bit lower & IMO lower gravity house Imperial IPA. BJCP guidelines, 1.070 - 1.090 & abv. of 7.5% - 10%. So I consider it on the lower end of the spectrum.

 

[hoptualBrew]

Revised:

All-Grain
OG: 1.080 (est)
FG: 1.020 (est)
ABV: 7.86%
IBU: 108 (est)

13.5# Pale Ale Malt
0.5# Crystal 45L
0.25# Crystal 120L

1 oz. Chinook @ 50 mins
1 oz. Chinook @ 20 mins
2 oz. Northern Brewer @ 20 mins
1 oz. Chinook @ 10 mins
1 oz. Pacific Gem/Summit @ 10 mins
1 oz. Pacific Gem/Summit @ dry hop for 14 days
1 oz. Chinook @ dry hop for 7 days
1 oz. Pacific Gem/Summit @ dry hop for 7 days

WY1450 Denn'y Favorite 50
Primary 7 days @ 68 F
Secondary 35 days @ 74 F

So any recommendations on Summit vs Pacific Gem?

 

[Billybrewer09]

Something to think about. Some people have reported that dry hopping to long with summit will render an onion or grassy flavor.

 

[Billybrewer09]

I personally like the idea of 1450 as it will leave a bit of maltiness to balance the high IBU's.

 

[hoptualBrew]

I'm leaning more towards Pacific Gem with hopes to get a ripe melon quality. We'll see how this one goes.

 

[ahurd110]

HBC 342 is pretty much identical to el dorado and is still available. Dont be shy with it either, the aroma and flavor is pretty delicate.

 

[rockernino]

How did it turn out? I'm brewing an IPA with Pacific Gem, and it will be the first time I use it.