Pale Ale Hop Schedule

[Rob2010SS]

Hey guys. Would like to get some feedback on how you think this hop schedule will come out. I'm going to try my first AG batch this weekend, a pale ale. I really like pales with strong aromas which is what I was going for on this. I'm wondering if this will get me what I'm looking for. I've attached a screen shot of brewersfriend so you can get the whole picture.

Let me know what you think. This is my first attempt at lining up my own hop schedule and don't know if this is overkill or if it's decent.

Credit for the grain bill and recipe foundation owed to EdWort from this thread: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=31793

 

[bleme]

I'd move the 30 min addition to the 15 because I personally don't like the bitterness or flavor of 30 min additions.

I'd also consider moving the 60min addition to a FWH because I think it rounds the edges off the bitterness.

Then I'd brew it again, but move everything after 60min to a 160F whirlpool for 20-30 minutes just to see what difference it made.

 

[brewcat]

It would work. I personally would increase the 60 minute addition instead of using an addition at 30 minutes.

 

[PADave]

It would work. I personally would increase the 60 minute addition instead of using an addition at 30 minutes.

I agree. Looks good, might add it to my future brew list.

 

[WitShadow]

All good advice so far. These hopping rates are borderline IPA - which seems to be your goal so that's ok.

I agree with moving the 60 to FWH (and possibly increasing it to keep you in the low 40's total bitterness) and either eliminating the 30 or at least moving it to 20 mins at 0.5 oz. I'd also move the 15 to to 10 mins. If you're really focused on aroma over bitterness and flavor then you want to keep most of the hop additions, and all of the big ones, to 10 minutes or less. As noted above whirlpools work well for aroma too but require a lot of hops due to low utilization. Five minute or less additions that stay in until cooling is complete work well for aroma when you want to lower overall cost.

Enjoy your first AG, you may never go back.

 

[Metalpure]

I would use simcoe for bittering instead of cascade. Overall hop combo is very cool. If you are really up there for aroma then I would eliminate 30 min hop addition. What I usually do in my PA is only one bittering addition at 60 min and then move everything to knock out and do at least 30 min hop stand/whirlpool. Great results.

 

[brewstarke]

I'd say your answer is dependent on your setup. What's your flame out/wort chilling system like? Can you chill your whole batch in 5 minutes using a recirc or plate? Or do you cool in an ice bath over night? For IPAs and pales I've been moving my late hops (anything I used to add with less than 15 mins or so) into a hot steep/whirlpool after flameout for between 10 and 30 mins before chilling. I use a recirculating immersion chiller so can recirc before kicking the chiller on. I felt like I was getting a higher ratio of bittering from my late hops than aroma before I had a quicker method of chilling.

 

[Rob2010SS]

I'd say your answer is dependent on your setup. What's your flame out/wort chilling system like? Can you chill your whole batch in 5 minutes using a recirc or plate? Or do you cool in an ice bath over night? For IPAs and pales I've been moving my late hops (anything I used to add with less than 15 mins or so) into a hot steep/whirlpool after flameout for between 10 and 30 mins before chilling. I use a recirculating immersion chiller so can recirc before kicking the chiller on. I felt like I was getting a higher ratio of bittering from my late hops than aroma before I had a quicker method of chilling.

Currently, my setup is to boil on an outdoor kettle. When the boil is finished, I'm using an immersion chiller that cools a full 5 gallons down to 68*F in about 15 minutes.

Thanks for all the info guys. I'll move some of those around and take in some of your advice. I really appreciate all the feedback.