Double IPA Lawson's Finest Sip of Sunshine Clone

[carvetop]

Despite Sean Lawsons recommendation to use the clean fermenting American ale yeast listed earlier in this thread, would you guys recommend using the Vermont/Conan?

Use whichever you'd like. I've always preferred English yeast strains in super hoppy IPAs and I think it certainly elevates this recipe. However, if you like a cleaner American strain, go for it!

 

[crunchydoc]

in my limited opinion, i think the American Ale yields a cleaner and clearer product tasting more like SOS on tap. IF you want the citrus and tropical fruit punch you get in a can then use the VT Ale yeast. I've done this recipe both ways and it will knock your socks off either way. I happen to prefer the mango and peach aromatics you get from VT yeast. it is my go to "house" strain when brewing most any APA/DIPA

 

[Altrurius]

Thank you for the feedback guys! I am going to brew it with the Vermont Ale yeast from Yeast bay. I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[popquizkid]

I have personally have not been thrilled with the Omega Conan strain and would personally avoid. I saw very poor attenuation in the first gen (even with nice sized starter, temp ramp). It was better in the second generation but just didn't really do it for me. Have not tried yeast bay's. Interestingly enough I recently read John Kimmich mention that he believes the commercially available versions of the yeast available are subpar.

I really don't think Lawson's use Conan, but it really is a personal preference. Try it both ways and decide what you like...that is all that matters.

 

[jturman35]

I have the grain to brew a 2.5 gal batch. Those that adjust water is there a profile that works best for this beer? I have never used cal sulfate, i usually build from Distilled water and typically use Gypsum and calcium chloride.

1g/gal calcium chloride
1g/gal calcium sulfate

Verses:

Water profile:
Ca - 142ppm
Mg - 26ppm
Na- 15ppm
SO4 - 305ppm
Cl - 80ppm

 

[franknbeans]

This recipe sounds really good. I haven't seen this beer available in my area so I haven't had it before. I have a question though about the corn sugar added to the boil. Obviously this bumps up the ABV, but would taste suffer at all skipping it?

 

[IslandLizard]

This recipe sounds really good. I haven't seen this beer available in my area so I haven't had it before. I have a question though about the corn sugar added to the boil. Obviously this bumps up the ABV, but would taste suffer at all skipping it?

The simple sugar helps with a thinner, lighter body, less cloying. The hops (Citra) really stands out.

We had a few cans of Sip of Sunshine at recent club meetings, it's truly one of a kind and delicious!
They were brought back by a member who visited there, as well as Heady and a few other Alchemist beers. Some of those breweries don't distribute outside Vermont, or even beyond their own region.

 

[Oldskewl]

We are seeing some monthly shipments of Lawsons to Southern PA. I do enjoy SOS

 

[jturman35]

I can’t wait to tap my current batch. I’m doing sober October this year and hope it’s going to be ready on Halloween. I know it’s still technically October but 30 days is long enough!

 

[VirginiaHops1]

I was a little let down by Sip of Sunshine when I got ahold of some and tried it last year. Solid beer, definitely nowhere near fulfilling the hype. That probably has more to do with how good other craft breweries have gotten than a major criticism of SOS though.

Heady came closer to living up to the hype IMO

 

[jturman35]

I could be wrong but I don’t think SOS is sold at the same price point compared to Heady Topper.

 

[jturman35]

Hard to screw this beer up! For some reason it didn’t finish down like I wanted. Ended up at 1.020 even though pitched two packs US05.

 

[breweer]

Hard to screw this beer up! For some reason it didn’t finish down like I wanted. Ended up at 1.020 even though pitched two packs US05.

Still looks mighty tasty!

 

[jturman35]

Tried this without dry hopping. So far so good! It’s only been in the keg 3 days and going fast. I did massive 6oz WP and used Omega Oly 52.

 

[Genuine]

Looks delicious! I think I'll make this soon!