Is this a good idea? (Two test IPA batches)

[Ben_Persitz]

I've never made an IPA and I don't have much experience with hops other than Cascase, Nugget, Centennial, and Tettananger.

I want to perfect an IPA and I just got a bunch of hops (Galena, Citra, Simcoe, Cascase, Centennial, Spalter, Tett, Hallertauer).

I'm not sure how I want to use these hops so I figured I'd make two 2.5 gallon test batches to see how Citra and Simcoe work as hops. Then when I find what I like, do a 5 gallon.

I wanted to do a Single hop for the whole beer so I could really get the flavor profile for each hop but I've heard Citra's are AWFUL for bittering.

So I think I'll use Galena to bitter my Citra IPA. Anyways, take a look at these recipes, do these look okay? Is this a good idea?

Citra IPA

5.5 LB Pale 2 Row
12 Oz. Munich 10
8 oz. Crystal 60

.25 Oz Galena 60 MIN
.15 oz Citra FWH
.35 oz Citra 15 min
.25 Oz Citra 5 min
.25 oz Citra 2 Min
.25 oz Citra Dry Hop (7 days)

S-05 Yeast

Simcoe IPA

5.5 LB Pale 2 Row
12 oz. Munich 10
8 oz. Crystal 60

.15 oz Simcoe FWH
.25 Oz Simcoe 60 min
.35 Oz Simcoe 15 min
.25 oz Simcoe 5 min
.25 oz Simcoe 2 min
.25 oz Simcoe Dry hop (7 days)

S-05 Yeast

Criticism welcome.

 

[BrewMoreBeers]

What is FWH?

 

[dcp27]

I'd bump up those late adds by 2x at least. its closer to an APA hop schedule.

personally, when I FWH I dont bother to do a separate 60min add, I just combine them, but its fine either way.

What is FWH?

First Wort Hop. it gives you more IBUs than a 60min add (about 10% more), but its less harsh and adds some flavor.

 

[GetLooseontheGoose]

I think it is a good idea what you are doing. you are going to learn more about your hop use from it.

no 30min additions?

 

[nduetime]

...I'm not sure how I want to use these hops so I figured I'd make two 2.5 gallon test batches to see how Citra and Simcoe work as hops. Then when I find what I like, do a 5 gallon...

I'm now in the same boat you are in and am thankful I found this thread. Can you share any insight about how these recipes turned out for you? Waiting on my Citra, Simcoe, and Amarillo hops to arrive.

 

[amandabab]

making 2 identical batches except for one thing is an excellent idea.

 

[nduetime]

Suppose I was wondering about the recipe in general. I've never tried an IPA and am looking for a nice starting point.