Imperial IPA Yeast

Beerngolfguy · Jul 13, 2016

Hi there. I am a reasonably experienced brewer (10 plus years but kits only) and I am making my first high gravity beer. I picked up an Imperial IPA pure wort kit and the original is listed as 1.080-1.085. I am wondering what a good yeast to use would be. I have been using 1272 lately on IPA's and an ESB but I was not thrilled with the result. Seemed too dry tasting. I made the same beers with 1968 and liked them better however not sure this yeast could handle the high gravity (finish too sweet). Thoughts?

ChelisHubby · Jul 14, 2016

THe dryer yeast might just be the ticket in this beer at .85 it won't be very dry when it is done maybe .16 or so

brick_haus · Jul 14, 2016

I use Wyeast 1056 for almost all of my (west coast) IIPA's. San Diego Super yeast occasionally. Awesome results... If properly pitched it should convert from 1.080 to 1.010. This may be too dry for you, but it makes a great beer!

m00ps · Jul 14, 2016

I wouldnt use either of those yeasts unless you like hoppy barleywines. I would use something that is at least above average in attenuation. Too sweet is the issue in 90% of the commercial and homebrewed DIPAs ive had

Some possibilities
WLP007
WY1056/WLP001
WLP090
WLP099
Conan - not currently available through white labs or wyeast but one of the best IPA strains out there

also, with extract kits, you are especially susceptible to higher FG. I would take any measures you can to dry it out if you are using extracts

TravelingLight · Jul 14, 2016

I just used Giga's Vermont IPA yeast and it is a BEAST. Absolutely loved it and it will forever be one of my go to yeasts for IPAs.

DemonsRun · Jul 14, 2016

I've really liked Imperial Yeast's Barbarian, and also their Blend called "DryHop" of Barbarian(conan) and Citrus(WLP644).

brewchachojoe · Jul 14, 2016

1065 and 1272 are both great choices, just be sure to make a big starter.

Beerngolfguy · Jul 17, 2016

Thanks everyone for the input. I went to my LHBS to see if they had any of the yeasts suggested. Only choice for liquid was wyeast so I stuck with the 1272(he concurred) and he advised me on a proper starter. Also picked up some Mandarina Bavaria to dry hop it. Cheers!