White Pine IPA

Other times I have written Outlaw or Pistol Flip, I am just trying out different names and seeing how they fit.

White Pine IPA
Style: American-Style IPA
Malt: American 2-Row, Crystal, Honey Malt, Munich
Hops: Centennial, Chinook, Columbus
IBU: 60
ABV: 6.3%

To fit the name, I am looking to get more of a pine character from the hops in this IPA than the last few batches which have been stronger in the citrus side.  Based on the feedback from the last three batches I made and shared with people, I am close, but the hopping schedule just isn't there yet.  In my mind there are two balancing acts you have to play with IPA hops.  First there is the bitterness/flavor/aroma aspect, I like an IPA that is equal in all three, so no part of the drinking experience lacks.  The second is the relationship between the contributions of the individual hop varieties, this is tough because all varieties are not created equal.  Putting in equal amounts of all hops wont give you equal contributions in bitterness/flavor/aroma.  I guess I just need to keep making and drinking IPA's, damn.  The malt is another balancing act, but I like where I'm at with the malt, it is strong enough to hold up to the hops, but not sweet enough to take over.  You need some substance there, but IPA's are all about the hops, right?

I should have some new fermenters for the pilot system in soon, meaning I can make more and better beer.  The 15 barrel stuff is still a ways off from getting here and from me being licensed etc.

Gotta Hop