Hey there, hop aficionados and grain gurus! Buckle up as we dive into the brewing cauldron to whip up a stormy spectacle—the Coastal Haze NEIPA. This isn’t just a brew; it’s a frothy adventure that epitomizes the cloudy, juicy essence of the New England IPA. Ready your senses for an entertaining journey through this haze-crafted marvel.
What Makes a NEIPA Special?
The New England IPA is a beloved rogue in the beer world, born in the American Northeast. It’s famed for its robust fruit flavors, substantial hop aroma, and a cloudy demeanor that could easily out-mist a foggy San Francisco morning. NEIPAs are less about the bitter bite and more about a smooth, creamy texture with a hoppy embrace that whispers tropical secrets.
The Coastal Haze NEIPA Recipe
Let’s get into the nuts and bolts—or should we say, malts and hops? Here’s what you need to create this cloudy concoction at home:
Fermentables:
- 12 lbs Pale 2-Row – Your canvas for painting those malt flavors.
- 1 lb Wheat Malt – Brings the haze and smooths the edges.
- 1 lb Flaked Oats – Creaminess and body at its best.
- 0.75 lb Carapils (Dextrine Malt) – For that frothy cap and mouthfeel magic.
Hop Schedule:
- 1 oz Amarillo (8.6% AA) – Boil for 15 min, adding a citrusy punch.
- 1 oz El Dorado (15.7% AA) – Boil for 15 min, for tropical flair.
- 0.5 oz Amarillo (8.6% AA) – Whirlpool for 20 min, mellow citrus vibes.
- 0.5 oz El Dorado (15.7% AA) – Whirlpool for 20 min, candy-like sweetness.
- 1 oz Simcoe (12.7% AA) – Whirlpool for 20 min, earthy and resinous notes.
- Dry Hop 1 (7 days):
- 1 oz Amarillo (10.4% AA)
- 1 oz El Dorado (15.7% AA)
- 1 oz Simcoe (12.7% AA)
- Dry Hop 2 (last 3 days):
- 1 oz Amarillo (8.6% AA)
- 1 oz El Dorado (15.7% AA)
- 1 oz Simcoe (12.7% AA)
Yeast:
- Wyeast – London Ale III 1318 – Perfect for pushing those estery, fruity boundaries.
Brewing Steps
- Mash at 152°F for 60 minutes to convert starches to sugars.
- Boil for 60 minutes, adding Amarillo and El Dorado at the 15-minute mark.
- Whirlpool at lower temperatures to extract deep hop aromas without additional bitterness.
- Ferment at 68°F, letting those yeasty beasts do their dance.
- Dry hop on the schedule above to infuse the brew with an aromatic hop cloud.
- Carbonate and enjoy your hazy creation.
Beer Specs
- Original Gravity (OG): 1.063
- Final Gravity (FG): 1.017
- ABV: 6.06%
- IBUs: 53.5
- SRM: 4.14
- Mash pH: 5.81
A Splash of History & Fun Facts
Did you know the first accidental batch of NEIPA was so hazy the brewer thought it was spoiled? But as fate would have it, that “mistake” delighted palates and sparked a new beer style. NEIPAs are also lovingly referred to as “breakfast juice” by some enthusiasts, thanks to their juicy, fruity profile.
FAQ Corner
Q: How crucial is water chemistry in brewing a NEIPA? A: Crucial! Soft water helps enhance the juicy, smooth character typical of NEIPAs.
Q: Why use multiple dry hopping stages? A: Different stages allow for a more complex, layered hop aroma without excess bitterness.
Q: Can I substitute hops in this recipe? A: Yes, but choose hops with similar profiles to maintain the intended tropical and citrusy essence.
Conclusion
Brewing the Coastal Haze NEIPA is like orchestrating a symphony with hops as your instruments—each addition plays its part in creating a harmonious flavor and aroma. So, grab your brew kettle and let’s haze up our brew day with some Coastal Haze NEIPA! Remember, the best beers are brewed not just with ingredients, but with passion and a pint of creativity.
P.S.
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