Subscribe to the Craft Beer & Brewing Podcast:
Five years into cold IPA, the arguments still aren’t settled, but one thing is certain—strategic brewers have embraced the style for the unique counterpoint it can provide to more ester-driven IPAs, and the focus on light body has struck a chord with beer drinkers who increasingly want strong hop notes in ever-paler beers. We thought it was time to revisit the subject with three brewers who are no stranger to the podcast, and who each have contributed to the evolution of the style in their own way. Sam Tierney of the Firestone Walker Propagator in Venice, California, has helped develop some pioneering cold IPAs for the California brewery, such as core brand Hopnosis. Jude La Rose of Chicago’s Hop Butcher brews plenty of hazy IPAs but continues to explore what hops can also do within the context of clear and light-bodied cold IPA. And Kevin Davey of McMinnville, Oregon’s Heater Allen and Gold Dot created the cold IPA style while at Wayfinder, but today is just starting to brew them again after focusing on lager for most of the past year.
In this episode, the three brewers look at where IPA has come since those earliest days and what it looks like now, with topics that include:
- creating the counter-trend to hazy IPA by pushing bitterness alongside low finishing gravity
- finding cleaner, more “crystalline” hop expression by fermenting with lager yeast
- achieving additional package stability in cold IPA through lower FAN
- varying dry hopping temperatures and techniques
- managing sulfur production in cold IPA fermentations
- blending modern, classic, and Southern Hemisphere hops in cold IPA
- pushing the lightest of color through ultra-pale malts and adjuncts
- controlling oxygenation to avoid overstimulating the lager yeast
- why they continue to focus on the style now
And more.
This episode is brought to you by:
G&D Chillers
For years G&D Chillers has chilled the beers you love, partnering with 3,000+ breweries across the country. They are proud of the cool partnerships they’ve built over the past 30 years. They know brewing doesn’t stop at 5 o’clock, and nor do they. G&D uses quality components, expert craftsmanship and constant innovation. With 24/7 service and support, your brewery will never stop. Remote monitor your chiller for simple and fast access to all the information you need—providing you with the peace of mind your operation is running smoothly. Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com or call to discuss your next project.
Sponsored by BSG, distributors of Gambrinus Malting, Canada’s original small-batch, artisanal malthouse. Located in Armstrong, BC, Gambrinus Malting️ combines European-influenced malting practices with the finest barley, wheat, and rye to produce some of the finest Canadian malts available. Visit BSGCraftBrewing.com/Gambrinus to explore their full line of traditionally crafted malts and infuse your next brew with the character of the Okanagan Valley and Monashee Range.
If you hear Old Orchard mentioned in the brewing community, don't be surprised: the flavored craft juice concentrate blends from Old Orchard have shipped to more than 46 states. Their new brewing customers often mention discovering Old Orchard through the word-of-mouth recommendation of another brewer. To join the core of Old Orchard's brewing community, learn more at oldorchard.com/brewer.
ProBrew is excited to announce that we are currently featuring short lead times, between 2–4 weeks, for our in-stock ProFill Rotary Can Fillers! These can fillers run at speeds between 100 and 600+ cans per minute while achieving precise and consistent filling volumes not achievable by most inline and mobile fillers. For more information, fill out our contact form on www.probrew.com or email [email protected] to learn exactly how we can take your operations to the next level. ProBrew, brew YOUR beer.
Oh, you like wildly aromatic IPAs and tropical lagers? Good thing Omega designed Thiolized yeast for just that reason. Thiolized yeast are a new tool for brewers to bring intense guava and passion-fruit aromas out of your malt and hops. And wait, there’s more! Omega Yeast makes yeast-to-order with a consistent one week lead time ensuring peak freshness and reliability.
Don’t miss Keynote Speaker Rob Tod from Allagash Brewing Co. at the 2024 California Craft Beer Summit in Sacramento March 12–14. The Summit is a can’t miss event—2 days of educational sessions, a HUGE interactive EXPO floor, beer and food tastings, and networking with industry leaders. There’s something for everyone. Buy tickets today and receive the lowest prices, early bird registration on sale now through Dec 22 at cacraftbeersummit.com.
Brewers, are you looking for the best beer, mead, and cider recipes on the planet? Join the American Homebrewers Association to unlock the 2023 National Homebrew Competition medal-winning recipes! American Homebrewers Association members have access nearly 1,400 trusted and tested recipes, plus a Zymurgy® magazine subscription, exclusive discounts, live webinars, instruction videos, and more! Plus, sign up for a membership by December 31, 2023, and select a free brewing book—a $25 value. Learn more at HomebrewersAssociation.org/cbbpod
When you work with Alpha Brewing Operations, you get unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and service. Using the latest in brewing equipment, Alpha has helped build hundreds of award-winning breweries and other craft-beverage businesses. Now backed with new industry partners, Alpha Brewing Operations is offering a wider selection of equipment, faster shipping, quality ingredients, and advanced financial tools. With Alpha in your corner, the only thing missing is you, the brewer. Let’s work together to craft your path to success. Alpha Brewing Operation.