Podcast Episode 143: New Anthem's Aaron Skiles on Learning Through Problem Solving with Hazy IPA

New Anthem earned 2019 CB&B Beer of the Year honors after two IPAs scored perfect 100s; they did it again in our new IPA issue. How do they do it? Cofounder Aaron Skiles walks us through their process of building consistency through constant change.

Jamie Bogner Jul 11, 2020 - 5 min read

Podcast Episode 143: New Anthem's Aaron Skiles on Learning Through Problem Solving with Hazy IPA Primary Image

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Wilmington, North Carolina’s New Anthem Beer Project has become a force in the world of hazy IPA through their creative, meticulous approach to ingredients and process. In this episode, Aaron Skiles breaks down thet approach, which includes:

  • sourcing and evaluating ingredients
  • working with vendors to improve ingredient quality and pinpoint ideal lots of hops
  • building a muscle memory in the team’s olfactory systems for consistency when rubbing hops
  • making the hard choice not to make beloved brands when a season’s hop quality isn’t up to expectations
  • mixing different lots of the same hop to build depth and character

And more.

The conversation turns to process, as Skiles discusses the challenges of Australian hops like Galaxy and Vic’s Secret; why they’ve moved away from cryo hops; using unusual hops for bittering; why higher IBUs make for better hazy IPAs; their move to later dry hopping at cooler temperatures in more frequent additions of smaller amounts; hops creep horror stories; and the haze stability that comes from pushing lower mash and boil pH levels.

New Anthem is making some of the most captivating hazy IPAs in the world right now, and this episode is a glimpse into what makes them special.

This episode is brought to you by:

G&D
G&D Chillers: As the brewing industry’s premier choice for glycol chilling, G&D Chillers has set the standard on quality, service, and dedication to their customer’s craft. For 25 years G&D has led the way on innovative solutions that match their brewing customers immediate and future needs. With a wide selection of custom built chillers; G&D offers the Nano chiller, the perfect solution for Nano breweries all the way up to their larger capacity units like the Vertical Air Chiller, built for higher volume operations. Contact G&D Chillers today for your chiller sizing needs at 800.555.0973. Reach out online at Gdchillers.com

BSG
Haze for days in your IPAs! Kerry BioHaze from BSG adds that perfect stable cloudy appearance for your hazy recipe. Made with all-natural materials, BioHaze is a free-flowing microgranular powder that binds with protein molecules in beer that form polyphenol-protein complexes to produce a cloudy haze. This unique product can be added to final beer to give your beer that famous haze. Find out more about BioHaze at bsgcraftbrewing.com, or contact them at 1.800.374.2739.

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With nearly 20 years of innovation and experience, Brewmation specializes in electric, steam, and direct fire brew houses, complete cellar solutions, and automated controls for the craft brewing industry. From ½ barrel to 30 barrel systems, Brewmation puts you in control to design a brewery that fits your needs and brewing style. Whether you’re starting a new brewery, upgrading your cellar, or just need some parts to keep you up and running, Brewmation has you covered. Visit them at Brewmation.com to get started.

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Born out of a basement in Milwaukee a decade ago, Spike has grown to become a leading manufacturer of premium-quality brewing equipment. So, if you’re looking for a reliable system for home or a commercial-grade Nano for your brewery, this is the time to buy! Spike is offering CB&B listeners a special 10% off all three-vessel system purchases, while supplies last. Visit spikebrewing.com/craft and enter the code CBB at checkout. Spike Brewing—pursue what’s possible.

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ABE Beverage Equipment provides complete brewing and packaging solutions worldwide. Whether you are just starting out or are looking to expand, ABE offers brewhouses, tanks, canning lines and more for small to medium sized brewers. ABE has equipped over one thousand breweries worldwide and has the best customer service in the industry. Call ABE Beverage Equipment at 402-475-BEER or visit ABEequipment.com to learn more. That’s ABEequipment.com for complete brewing and packaging solutions.

Jamie Bogner is the Cofounder and Editorial Director of Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine®. Email him at [email protected].

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