West Coast IPA revival

[Albany brew guy]

Hello all -
on a trip to revisit the West Coast but with newer hops. I simply love the style but have not brewed one in quite some time. I have recently had a few at local brew pubs that were made with non-traditional hops for the style and they were incredible. This made me want to do my own updated verson of the style.

My current effort is based on the AAU schedule of Russian River's Pliney. Additionally, most of the hops chosen were in the 30% range for cohumulone to get the resin going. (not all)

Without digging in too deep into specifics, hops are Bravo, Idaho 7, Topaz, and Citra. I am hung up on the flameout addition with Idaho 7 as the AAU brings me to 5.6 oz. That is too much Idaho 7 (love this hop in particular, but it will blow everything else away). Looking for ideas for redistribution of existing hops in the schedule or introduciton of somehting that would do well if I split the Idaho flameout addition.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[Jag75]

Idaho 7® plays well with others and shines when paired with varieties like El Dorado®, Comet, Strata®, Cashmere and Centennial in hop-forward beer styles like IPA's and Pale Ales.

 

[Bassman2003]

The one true IPA imho...

 

[hotbeer]

Idaho 7

Idaho 7®

Funny how I've been thinking of using Idaho 7® in a single hop IPA for the last week. Or at least use it for the only hop in the late boil and flame out additions. I've never ever seen Idaho 7® discussed. Now all of a sudden there are posts about it. I suppose there have been posts in the past. Just not in threads I've noticed.

I'll take this as a sign I should make a beer with Idaho 7®!

Sorry, I"ve got nothing for the OP. Mixing hops together is something I'll leave to those that know them well enough to mix for a interesting taste and aroma. I'm still trying to find out what each hops brings to a beer.

 

[Albany brew guy]

Idaho 7® plays well with others and shines when paired with varieties like El Dorado®, Comet, Strata®, Cashmere and Centennial in hop-forward beer styles like IPA's and Pale Ales.

Gut reaction was going to be Strata based on your list, but cashmere got my attention - don't know why. I like the hop but nevr considered it in a westie - but the more I look at it, the better it sounds for this combinaton. Still wrestling with strata and cashmere as options, but cashmere is intriguing

 

[Albany brew guy]

Funny how I've been thinking of using Idaho 7® in a single hop IPA for the last week. Or at least use it for the only hop in the late boil and flame out additions. I've never ever seen Idaho 7® discussed. Now all of a sudden there are posts about it. I suppose there have been posts in the past. Just not in threads I've noticed.

I'll take this as a sign I should make a beer with Idaho 7®!

Sorry, I"ve got nothing for the OP. Mixing hops together is something I'll leave to those that know them well enough to mix for a interesting taste and aroma. I'm still trying to find out what each hops brings to a beer.

Been using Idaho 7 for a good while now. Flavorful, powerful and versatile. great for anyhting from the 20 min addition on down

 

[Yesfan]

The one true IPA imho...

Same. Nothing against NEIPAs or BIPAs, but I like a simple hoppy IPA in the 5%-7% range.

 

[redrocker652002]

Having done an Idaho7 SMASH Ale, I would say it was very good and it will be on my play list. I guess you would just up the grain bill and maybe the hops to get a higher ABV and IBU?

 

[mac_1103]

The one true IPA imho...

I like a simple hoppy IPA in the 5%-7% range.

Yeah so do I, but he was talking about a triple dry hopped 8% ABV 100 IBU DIPA.

 

[Albany brew guy]

Having done an Idaho7 SMASH Ale, I would say it was very good and it will be on my play list. I guess you would just up the grain bill and maybe the hops to get a higher ABV and IBU?

Targeting just over 8% for the Double IPA approach. Over time, I have developed a distaste for most crystal in westies. Probably going to go about 4% Carahell. Keep quantity low % and low Lovibond to minimize caramel presence. Grain bill will be 92% Maris Otter Low Colour, 4% red wheat (Not typical, but I love it) and 4% Carahell. Much lighter than most, but the MO has enough flavor to carry the malt bill. Red wheat is always helpful and the lighter sweeetness from Carahell (my feeling) plays well agains high bitterness. Should have enough protein to have good head retention. Other hops will play in for sure. Idaho 7 was the feature, but I felt the amount was too high and layering the hops in the flameout additions was necesary