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The Brewer: Christian Muckerman
For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a brewer. In the 1980s and '90s, my dad, a restaurant general manager, introduced our town to the then-novel concept of craft beer or microbrews from brewers like Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, Abita, and more. Growing up in this environment naturally cultivated my appreciation for quality beer.
In college, I dabbled in homebrewing, but my real journey began a couple of years ago. I invested in the top-notch Spike Trio Brewing System for its professional brewery feel in my space. Simultaneously, I enrolled in an accredited program with Virginia Tech and the University of Richmond for a Professional Brewer's Certificate. I believe hands-on experience is the best way to learn about brewing and starting a brewery. Cheers to Spike for making Brew Day accessible to anyone willing to put their heart into this hobby.
The Legacy: Mishicott Brewing
Mishicott Brewing was the name of my family’s brewing company located in Mishicot, Wisconsin which operated at its peak prior to the onset of Prohibition in the United States. Unfortunately, prohibition meant that the brewery would close never to re-open. It is my ambition to finish what was started. Another reason for choosing Spike was that their equipment is engineered and assembled in Wisconsin.
In the early 1900’s, the other side of my family owned and operated an icehouse in St. Louis Missouri, and delivered ice to a young company at the time known as Anheuser-Busch. We all know beer has to be kept cold. With a family legacy like this, I like to think golden ale runs through my veins, especially on Brew Day!
Want to hear more about Christian's homebrewing journey? The How's, Why's and What he plans to do next is all on Episode 101 on Double Hopbeat Podcast.
The Beer: IPA
One of my favorite things about winter seasonal beer is the variety of base styles brewed to create them. The BJCP defines a holiday ale as one that suggests the oncoming of colder weather, has a rich body and warming finish, generally medium amber to very dark brown, and with aromatics hinting at Christmas cookies, gingerbread, or evergreen trees.
The recipe outlined here is my take on a classic holiday beer: an IPA that does not incorporate any spices but instead uses roasted malts and classic American hops to create a profile with a warming finish and evergreen-like hop aromas.
The Recipe: Tannenbaum
INGREDIENTS
GRAIN
- 11 lbs Pale Malt (2 Row)
- 2.5 lbs Crystal 60L
- 0.5 lbs Dextrine Malt
HOPS
- Boil hops: 0.5 oz Cascade - 0:60 min
- Boil hops: 0.5 oz Centennial - 0:60 min
- Boil hops: 0.75 oz Cascade - 0:15 min
- Boil hops: 0.75 oz Centennial - 0:15 min
- Boil hops: 1 oz Cascade - 0:00 min (flame out)
- Boil hops: 1 oz Centennial - 0:00 min (flame out)
- Dry hops: 5 oz Cascade - 3 days
- Dry hops: 5 oz Centennial - 3 days
YEAST
- American Ale (Wyeast Labs #1056)
INSTRUCTIONS
BATCH SIZE: 5 gal
OG: 1.080
FG: 1.024
IBU: 59
ABV: 7.5%
EFFICIENCY: 80%
MASH TEMP: 152ºF
BOIL: 60 min
FERMENTATION:
- 68ºF - 7 days
SYSTEM: Spike Trio
Pro Tips
- Although I did not for this brew, many brewers integrate spices in their winter seasonal recipe and add them at different stages during the brewing process. A few of the most common ingredients for holiday spiced beers include cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and orange peel. If you enjoy your winter ale with hints of classic spices associated with the holiday season, then use your creative freedom as a brewer to spruce up this beer with one or a combination of these holiday-inspired adjuncts. There are plenty of other spices that you could use, so try your favorite!
- When it comes to spiced beer, it is easier to overdo it than to underdo it. For a five-gallon batch, try starting with 1/8 to ¼ teaspoon per spice. When using spices in your home-brew, it's best to start small, build a well-balanced profile that you like, and tweak your recipe from there.
- Spices can be added at any point throughout the brewing process (i.e., mash, boil, ferment), but I recommend adding them either while whirlpooling or after fermentation since boiling spices might inflict some astringent or overpowering flavors and aromatics. If adding spices during fermentation, immerse your spices in a high-proof spirit with enough to cover them, leave them in this solution for 4 to 6 days, and add to your fermenter 3 to 4 days prior to packaging.
Cheers
Christian Muckerman - Mishicott Brewing
Spike Summarizes: All Things IPA
What is an IPA?
India Pale Ales (IPAs) have surged in popularity as craft beer favorites in recent years. Recognized for their bold and bitter taste, IPAs derive these distinctive flavors from hops. These hops are generally more potent than those found in other beer styles, resulting in a one-of-a-kind flavor profile. With alcohol content typically ranging from 4-7% ABV, IPAs stand out from the crowd.
You'll find a variety of IPA subcategories, including West Coast, East Coast, Session, Belgian, and Fruited IPAs, just to name a few. If you're on the hunt for a brew with a powerful taste and a pronounced hop character, IPAs are the way to go!
Why are IPAs popular?
Renowned for their bold and bitter flavors, IPAs boast a "hop forward" taste, setting them apart from other beers. The citrusy, floral, and herbal hops contribute to their distinct flavor profile.
What does an IPA taste like?
Depending on the IPA variety, you might even detect hints of tropical fruit, citrus, pine, and herbal notes in its flavor profile.
What is the History of IPAs?
Originating in 19th-century England, the India Pale Ale (IPA) was initially crafted to supply beer to troops stationed in India. Its high alcohol and hop content helped preserve the beer during long voyages, and it soon gained popularity in England before spreading worldwide as a cherished beer style.
Contemporary IPAs come in various styles and flavors, from traditional English IPAs to modern American ones. Hops can range from light and floral to intensely bitter, while alcohol content varies from light to strong. Brewers often experiment with diverse hop varieties and techniques to develop complex, unique brews.
How do I drink an IPA?
To fully appreciate an IPA, keep these tips in mind.
- Serve IPAs slightly colder than other beers to enhance the hop flavors and aromas, ensuring a more enjoyable experience.
- Pour the IPA slowly and in a circular motion to create a nice head, locking in flavor and aroma. This also produces an attractive lacing on the glass.
- When tasting an IPA, take a moment to savor the flavors and aromas. Sip slowly, allowing the beer to linger on your palate. Notice the hop flavors, aromas, and any other distinct characteristics. Observe how the bitterness evolves as the beer warms.
What should I pair with an IPA?
When pairing an IPA with food, keep in mind that its bitterness can overpower subtle flavors. It's best to match IPAs with bold dishes that can withstand the beer's hop-forward taste.
- Spicy cuisine like Mexican or Indian food pairs well with IPAs as the beer's hop bitterness cuts through the spice, while malt sweetness balances the heat. For a milder option, opt for a sweeter IPA like a Belgian or fruited one.
- Rich, savory dishes like a juicy steak or hearty stew also complement IPAs. The beer's bitterness cuts through the fat, and the malt sweetness balances the flavors. A West Coast or Double IPA works well in this pairing.
- For a lighter match, pair an IPA with a salad or seafood dish. A Session IPA or Lactose IPA, both having lower hop bitterness and malt sweetness, are suitable options.
- For a sweet pairing, consider a fruit-forward IPA like a Fruited or Sour IPA, which often contains fruit purees or juices, making them ideal for desserts and sweet dishes.
What ABV range is commonly associated with IPAs?
India Pale Ales typically have an ABV range of 5-7%, but this varies depending on the IPA type. West Coast IPAs generally feature higher ABV levels, between 6-7.5%, while Session IPAs have a lower range of 4-5.5% ABV. Double IPAs, also known as Imperial IPAs, are the strongest with an ABV of 7-10%.
It's important to remember that higher ABV levels result in more intense and bitter flavors due to the increased hops and malt used in the brewing process. If you prefer a stronger, more bitter beer, opt for an IPA with a higher ABV. Conversely, choose a lower ABV IPA for a milder, less bitter flavor.
What are the Types of IPA?
West Coast IPA
Characterized by its intense hop flavor and aroma, the West Coast IPA is a highly hopped beer with a pronounced bitterness and robust hop taste, balanced by a light malt profile.
With moderate to very high hop bitterness and alcohol content ranging from 5% to 10%, these beers are typically dry-hopped for added aroma and flavor. They are often unfiltered and hazy.
East Coast IPA
East Coast IPAs, distinguished by their moderate to high bitterness and less prominent malt profile compared to West Coast IPAs, feature a slightly sweeter taste and lower hop intensity.
With a light to medium body and a crisp finish, these IPAs are brewed using American hops East Coast IPAs may include fruit, wheat, or oats as adjunct ingredients, creating a more complex flavor profile.
Session IPA
Session IPAs, known for their lower alcohol content compared to traditional IPAs, are designed for extended consumption without becoming overwhelming.
With a lighter body and balanced flavor, this emphasizes the hop aroma and flavor rather than intense bitterness, showcasing citrusy, floral, and herbal notes.
British IPA
Originating in the United Kingdom in the late 1700s, British IPAs, or English IPAs, are recognized by their floral and fruity aroma, balanced malt flavor, and slightly bitter finish.
Typically brewed with traditional English hop varieties like Fuggles and Goldings, these beers showcase a light to medium body, a golden to amber hue, and an ABV of 4.5-6.5%.
British IPAs have a balanced flavor profile with mild to moderate bitterness, combining mild malt sweetness and moderate hop bitterness.
Lactose IPA Aka “Milkshake” IPA
The increasingly popular Lactose IPA, or "Milkshake" IPA, is a newer beer style in the craft beer scene. Brewed with lactose, a sugar derived from milk, it imparts a creamy, sweet flavor reminiscent of a milkshake.
This ingredient also contributes to a smooth, full-bodied texture. While various hops are used in brewing, the lactose sweetness balances out the hoppy bitterness, resulting in a complex and refreshing beer with a one-of-a-kind flavor profile.
Oat IPA
Oat IPAs are distinctive among other IPA styles due to their higher oat content, which lends a creamy, smooth mouthfeel.
With fruity, floral, and citrus notes, Oat IPAs are highly drinkable and often finish dry. This style is perfect for those seeking to experience the bold, bitter flavors of IPAs without feeling overwhelmed.
Belgian IPA
Belgian IPAs bring a distinct twist to the well-known India Pale Ale by incorporating Belgian yeast, which contributes a unique flavor. Typically lighter in color, these IPAs boast a pronounced floral and fruity aroma.
Often brewed with hops like Styrian Goldings, Saaz, and Hallertau, they exhibit a spicy and herbal taste. Though not as bitter as their traditional counterparts, they maintain a strong hop character and a satisfying, lingering finish.
Fruited IPA
Fruited IPAs have gained popularity in recent years, adding a unique twist to the classic IPA by incorporating various fruits. Commonly featuring pineapple, mango, passionfruit, and citrus, these beers can range from sweet to tart. The fruit addition introduces a slight acidity, which balances the hop bitterness.
Sour IPA
Sour IPAs, called "sour ales," have a distinct sour, tart, or acidic taste. Brewed with wild yeast strains, bacteria, and other microorganisms, they offer a unique flavor and aroma. Ranging from light and fruity to dark and intense, these beers generally have a lower alcohol content than traditional IPAs.
Brett IPA
Brett IPA, or Brettanomyces IPA, has gained popularity for its distinctive flavor profile, achieved by adding Brettanomyces yeast during fermentation.
This yeast generates a variety of unique flavor compounds, such as tropical fruit, citrus, earthy notes, and mild funkiness. Dry-hopping emphasizes the hop character and intensifies the bitterness.
Double IPA
Double IPAs, or Imperial IPAs, boast higher amounts of hops, malt, and alcohol than their traditional counterparts. These full-bodied beers offer a robust hop flavor and aroma, balanced by sweet maltiness and a lingering finish.
The increased alcohol content creates a smooth mouthfeel and pleasant warming sensation. Ideal for those seeking bolder, more complex flavors, Double IPAs cater to fans of stronger beers.
Black IPA
Black IPAs, or Cascadian Dark Ales, merge the hop-forward flavors of a classic IPA with the dark maltiness of stouts or porters. This creates a bold, bitter beer with rich, roasted undertones.
Brewed with dark malts like chocolate and black patent, along with hop varieties such as Cascade, Centennial, and Amarillo, Black IPAs boast a strong citrus and floral aroma accompanied by smooth, roasted flavors hinting at chocolate and coffee.
Generally higher in alcohol content, ranging from 6-9% ABV, these beers pair well with savory dishes like steak, barbecue, or dark chocolate desserts.
What is a bitter beer?
What makes a bitter beer? It's all about the hops. IPAs usually have a low to moderate bitterness. The hop aroma is usually more pronounced than the bitterness, giving the beer a fruity and juicy flavor.
Is IPA a Strong Beer?
IPAs tend to have a higher alcohol content than traditional beers and can range from 5-7% ABV. This is because IPAs use more hops, which impart a more intense flavor and bitterness, as well as more alcohol.
What Is EPA Beer?
EPA stands for Extra Pale Ale, which is a type of beer that is similar to an IPA but lighter in color and body. It is also slightly less bitter and has a lower alcohol content than IPAs.
