Zombie Dust by 3 Floyds Brewing is a cult favorite among craft beer enthusiasts, known for its robust hop flavor and beautiful balance.
This post will guide you through creating a 6-gallon batch of a Zombie Dust clone, focusing on the unique profile that makes this American IPA stand out.
Unpacking the Appeal of Zombie Dust
Zombie Dust is characterized by its single-hop focus on Citra, which delivers vibrant notes of citrus and tropical fruits. This beer stands as a testament to how well-executed simplicity can lead to a beer that’s anything but ordinary.
It’s not just about the intensity of hops; it’s about how those hop characteristics blend with the malt to create a harmonious and drinkable IPA.
Recipe Specifications and Ingredients
Specifications:
- Batch Size: 6 gallons (into fermenter)
- Boil Time: 60 minutes
- Original Gravity: 1.058
- Final Gravity: 1.015
- ABV: 5.6%
- IBUs: 65
- SRM: 8
- Efficiency: 70% (brew house)
Fermentables:
- 11 lb US – Pale 2-Row: The foundational malt provides a clean slate for the hops.
- 1 lb Munich – Light 10L: Adds a touch of sweetness and malt complexity.
- 0.50 lb German – CaraFoam: Enhances body and head retention.
- 0.50 lb Caramel / Crystal 60L: Imparts a deeper amber color and subtle caramel notes.
- 0.50 lb German – Melanoidin: Mimics kettle caramelization, enhancing malt richness.
Hops:
- Citra (7.75 oz total): Celebrated for its intense citrus and tropical flavors, used throughout the brewing process to layer flavors:
- 1 oz First Wort: Smooth integration of bitterness.
- 1 oz at 15 min, 1.25 oz at 10 min, 1.25 oz at 5 min, 1.25 oz at 1 min: Builds a complex hop profile.
- 2 oz Dry Hop: Intensifies aroma without adding bitterness.
Yeast:
- Fermentis – Safale – English Ale Yeast S-04: This yeast is chosen for its robust fermentation properties and slight ester production which complements the Citra hops beautifully.
Brewing Process
- Mashing: Heat 22 quarts of water to 155°F and mash the grains for 60 minutes to achieve full enzymatic conversion.
- Boiling: Adhere closely to the hop addition schedule to layer the desired hop characteristics properly.
- Fermentation: Cool the wort to about 68°F, pitch the yeast, and maintain a steady fermentation temperature to encourage clean fermentation.
- Dry Hopping: Add 2 oz of Citra hops after primary fermentation subsides, usually around seven days, to maximize the aromatic impact.
Tips for Nailing Your Clone 
- Water Chemistry: Modify your water to resemble the water profile of Munster, Indiana, where 3 Floyds is located. This typically means enhancing sulfate to chloride ratios to make the hops pop. (everything you need to know about water chemistry is here!)
- Control Fermentation: Keep your fermentation temperatures on the lower end of the yeast’s range to prevent excessive fruitiness that might overpower the Citra hops. (Learn about controlling your fermentation temperature here!)
- Hop Freshness: Freshness is crucial with a hop-forward beer like Zombie Dust. Ensure your hops are as fresh as possible for the best flavor and aroma.
Embracing the Craft
Brewing a Zombie Dust clone is not just about following a recipe—it’s about capturing the spirit of one of the most beloved American IPAs. This beer is a celebration of the Citra hop’s potential, a showcase of flavor that continues to inspire home brewers and professionals alike.
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