This delightful beer recipe comes to us from Sam, a long-time reader and homebrew enthusiast from Asheville, North Carolina. Sam has been crafting unique brews from the comfort of his garage for over a decade, combining traditional brewing techniques with a touch of local flair. His creations are not only a reflection of his passion for beer but also a tribute to the vibrant craft beer community in his hometown.
We’re thrilled to spotlight Sam’s recipe on our blog!
If you, too, have a beer recipe that you’d like to share with our community, don’t hesitate to submit it. We love celebrating the creativity and expertise of our readers, and your recipe could be featured next!
Over to you Sam….
Ahoy, homebrew captains! Are you ready to set sail on the frothy seas of craft brewing, with a compass pointing firmly towards the hazy shores of the East Coast IPA?
Gather ’round, for today we’ll be charting a course through the misty realms of hoppy goodness, unveiling a treasure chest of ingredients that’ll have your taste buds dancing the hornpipe of happiness.
The Lore of the East Coast IPA
Before we plunge into the bubbling cauldron of brewing, let’s take a moment to tip our hats to the venerable East Coast IPA. Unlike its bolder cousin from the West, the East Coast IPA is the sophisticated sibling; think of it as the smooth jazz to West Coast’s rock ‘n’ roll.
Characterized by a more balanced approach, it melds hop bitterness with malty sweetness, often veiled in a hazy, unfiltered glow that whispers tales of complexity and intrigue.
What truly sets the East Coast IPA apart is its flirtatious dance with juicy, fruit-forward hop flavors and a softer, more rounded mouthfeel.
It’s like biting into a ripe, succulent peach, only to find it sparsely booby-trapped with delightful hoppy landmines. Marvelous, isn’t it?
Beet Stats for Hopping Down The East Cost Recipe
These values are approximate estimates and may vary based on individual brewing practices and conditions. Enjoy crafting and savoring this flavorful East Coast IPA! 🍺
- Original Gravity (OG): 1.070
- Final Gravity (FG): 1.020
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Approximately 6.48%
- International Bitterness Units (IBU): About 76
Embarking on the Brew
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Now, ye brave souls, donning your brewing aprons and wielding your mash paddles, prepare to conjure up a concoction that’s as enchanting as the lore surrounding it. Here’s the map to your treasure:
The Booty of Ingredients:
For a 5-gallon batch, you’ll need:
- Malt Majesty: Start with 10 lbs of Pale Malt (2-Row) as your base. Then, to add that authentic East Coast haziness and malt backbone, mix in 2 lbs of Flaked Oats and 1 lb of Flaked Wheat.These grains form the perfect storm, promising a voyage filled with smooth, full-bodied waves.
- Hop Havoc: Here comes the star of the show. To achieve that iconic East Coast juiciness, you’ll be employing a trio of hops known for their fruity and floral characteristics. Add 1 oz of Citra hops at the start of your boil for that foundational bitterness.At the 15-minute mark before the boil ends, introduce 1 oz of Mosaic hops, turning the tide towards tropical and berry territories. Finally, when the boiling ceases, and your pot is off the flame, capsize it with 2 oz of Galaxy hops.This late addition ensures a bouquet of passionfruit and citrus, steering your senses into uncharted waters.
- Yeast Ye May: To ferment this elixir, enlist the services of London Ale III yeast. Its ability to accentuate the fruity hop character while contributing to the haze is akin to finding a trusted first mate for your brewing voyage.
- The Sweetener’s Secret: For that extra splash of East Coast authenticity, consider adding a pound of Lactose during the last 5 minutes of the boil.This unfermentable sugar will impart a subtle sweetness, balancing the hop bitterness like a well-negotiated truce between rival pirate captains.
- Water Wizards: The magic is in the water. Aim for a chloride to sulfate ratio that favors the former, enhancing the malt’s roundness and supporting the juicy hop profile.
Brewing Steps (Abridged for Merriment):
- Mashing: Combine your grains and water at about 152°F (67°C) and let it steep like a good sea shanty, letting every note infuse the brew.
- Boiling & Hop Drops: Boil the wort and follow the hop schedule like a treasure map, each addition leading you closer to the X.
- Fermentation: Pitch your yeast as though releasing a captured seagull back to the wild—gently and with a bit of ceremony.
- Conditioning: This brew needs time to mature, like a fine sea captain’s beard. Give it 2-3 weeks to find its sea legs.
- Consumption: Pour, admire, and sip. Congratulations, you’ve reached the treasure island.
Brewster’s Banter
Remember, rogue wave or smooth sailing, every brew is an adventure. The East Coast IPA is a testament to the brewer’s craft—a delicate balance between malt and hops, shrouded in the mystery of its hazy appearance.
So there you have it, me hearties!
A recipe that’s not just a path to a delicious beverage but an invitation to partake in the rich history and vibrant culture of East Coast IPAs. May your fermentation be vigorous, and your glasses never empty.
Cheers to your brewing success!
Disclaimer: No real pirates were involved in the crafting of this brew. Please brew responsibly.
P.S. If you are into brewing your own beer be sure to take advantage of my limited-time offer to get your hands on the recipes to my top 5 best-selling beers from my brewpub. Sign up is on the side of the blog or at the bottom if you are on a smart device. Enjoy!
