Podcast Episode 353: Viva Las Vegas! Able Baker’s Matt Marino Goes All-In on Modern West Coast–Style IPA

High-gravity brewing, extreme attenuation, pilsner malt, modern hop products, and non-diacetyl-producing yeast all figure into the ways that this Las Vegas brewery produces its compelling—and top-selling—West Coast–style IPA, Atomic Duck.

Jamie Bogner Apr 5, 2024 - 5 min read

Podcast Episode 353: Viva Las Vegas! Able Baker’s Matt Marino Goes All-In on Modern West Coast–Style IPA Primary Image

Photo: Courtesy Matt Marino

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In this first of a three-episode miniseries on Las Vegas brewers—timed to share local knowledge as you head to the desert for this year’s Craft Brewer’s Conference—Able Baker brewing director Matt Marino discusses his evolving approach to modern, West Coast–style IPA and hazy session IPA. During this conversation, he touches on:

  • brewing oversized batches at high gravity to maximize output from their 15-barrel brewhouse
  • pushing attenuation to hit a finishing gravity of 1.4–1.6°P (1.005–1.006) in an IPA of 7 percent ABV
  • making the move from two-row to pilsner malt
  • selecting hops and hop formats for survivability and efficiency
  • fermenting with yeast that don’t produce diacetyl
  • recirculating while dry hopping to maximize aroma extraction in West Coast–style IPA
  • the constant evolution of recipes for the brewery’s most popular brands
  • blending to create new beers
  • the best beer-related (and non-beer-related) things to do while visiting Las Vegas

And more.

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This episode is sponsored by Yakima Chief Hops. As a global preferred supplier of NZ Hops, Yakima Chief is the source for the pronounced bright and tropical aromas New Zealand hops are known for, adding a rush of exotic fruits and zesty citrus to your recipes. Used on their own or in conjunction with your favorite American varieties, NZ Hops brands are an excellent tool for exceptional brews. NZ Cryo is now available through Yakima Chief Hops. Learn more at yakimachief.com.


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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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