Podcast Episode 311: Shawn McIlhenney is Rebrewing the Family Legacy

The McIlhenney family put Alpine, California, and New Zealand hops on American beer lovers’ maps with their innovative forays into IPA and reverent takes on classic styles. Now, they’re back and brewing in the original brewhouse and taproom, and Shawn McIlhenney is focused on what he loves the most—designing and brewing groundbreaking beers.

Jamie Bogner Jul 9, 2023 - 7 min read

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Ask most American brewers about their first experiences with New Zealand hops, and nine out of 10 will probably name one beer: Alpine Nelson. Alpine founder Pat McIlhenney was one of the first to import Southern Hemisphere hops, and it’s hard to speak about Nelson Sauvin now without acknowledging the importance of that singular beer. Son Shawn McIlhenney inherited his dad’s love of hops and experimentation, and today in Alpine he continues to push the limits of ingredients and techniques at McIlhenney Brewing.

In this episode, McIlhenney touches on:

  • the evolution of San Diego IPA
  • using enzymes to manage a flaked-rye mash
  • combining Nelson Sauvin and Nectaron hops for maximum effect
  • first-wort hopping for a less aggressive bite
  • blending whole-leaf hops with advanced hop products such as Incognito
  • pushing the fine line between enough and too much
  • selecting Southern Hemisphere hops
  • recipe considerations when scaling up to double and triple IPA
  • avoiding the flavor effects of over-aeration
  • rediscovering the personal joy of making beer

And more.

This episode is brought to you by:

G&D
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Jamie Bogner is the cofounder and editorial director of Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine®. Email him at [email protected].

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