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this is bogus right?

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dano83

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This brewery in denver claims they have ipas with 160, 170, 190 and 420 ibus. That cant be accurate can it?

http://www.breweryrickoli.com/beers
 
My understanding is you can have that many IBU's but your pallet cannot tell the difference once it gets past a certain point. So kinda more or less a marketing ploy
 
This brewery in denver claims they have ipas with 160, 170, 190 and 420 ibus. That cant be accurate can it?

http://www.breweryrickoli.com/beers

Right, it can't be. Not by using hops.

There is a maximum of hops oils that can be isomerized in solution, generally around 100 IBUS or so. Even Pliny the Elder, which calculates out to over 200 IBUs, actually tests in the lab at something like 85 IBUs.

However, if they use straight hops extract it might be possible. I don't know much about that.
 
Technically, you can only get enough iso-alpha-acids to hit around 110 IBUs as far as bitterness goes. However, other compounds are present in hops that you would pick up on in varying amounts in terms of flavor
 
I'm sure those will be calculated IBUs, which involve extrapolating the hop utilization curves way beyond their applicability.

I've had the Mikkeller 1000 IBU, and it was bitter but not 20x a normal 50 IBU IPA.
 
Thanks for the insight. I was looking through denver breweries because we are going there this summer for a concert.
 
You still should go there. The beer is great and you can avoid the Denver crowds. A few other good places not too far as well
 
There's a 420 IBU IPA out there and it wasn't brewed by Lagunitas? :fro:

(But yes, past 100 or so and your palate can't even process the difference.)
 
They could boost the IBUs using a tetrahydroisoalpha-acids solution, like YC-Tetra. But I doubt any craft brewer would touch the stuff.
 
Thanks for the insight. I was looking through denver breweries because we are going there this summer for a concert.

Someone at Red Rocks? I can't decide still, but Wilco, My Morning Jacket, Cheese, a few others...Umphrey's will be there for the 4th again.
 
I am talking to the owner right now. It's calculated value based on AA% of hops used. 5.5 lbs per barrel of around 17% AA hops. The 420 ibu is really nice. Good bite at first. Balanced malt taste.

They recently expanded to 3 barrel system. Owner used to brew for rock bottom.

View attachment 1432848397197.jpg
 
I'd recommend a stop in if in Denver. Really small operation. Really solid Ipa lineup. Here is their setup. 7 barrel mash, 2 - 3.5 barrel boil kettles. About 8 - 7 barrel fermenters. 3 or 4 brite tanks.

Rick - the owner - really nice guy, although I was only customer for 30 min or so. But he gave me a tour, talked hops and gluten free recipes while he cleaned kegs.

View attachment 1432850603230.jpg

View attachment 1432850614782.jpg
 
Awesome. Thanks for the heads up. Ya, red rocks. I like to go out there every summer. Seeing manson and smashing pumpkins this time.
 
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