Hi there,
I’m new to home brewing and got a beer kit for Christmas, the other day I finally tried the beer. It was a Long Play IPA that came with the kit and I couldn’t believe how bitter is was. I followed the directions, so I’m wondering if all the IPA’s are that bitter. :o
Generally yes, but bitterness can be affected by a lot of factors (hopping rate, boiling time, chill time, etc.) Can you share the recipe?
From the 2015 BJCP Style guide:
[quote]Commercial Examples: Alpine Duet, Bell’s Two-Hearted
Ale, Fat Heads Head Hunter IPA, Firestone Walker Union
Jack, Lagunitas IPA, Russian River Blind Pig IPA, Stone IPA
[/quote]
Here are some IPAs that are prime examples of the style. It’s not going to be a perfect comparison, but how does your beer compare in terms of bitterness?
Did you “bitter it down”? (Say it with an Irish accent.)
Yes the style “IPA” is bitter, but the level of bittering is subjective.
Some make IPA’s that are very bitter and some make IPA’s that are not-so-bitter.
NEIPA (Northeast IPA) is a style of IPA that’s not-so-bitter.
The BJCP guide will tell you that most styles of IPA’s are bitter.
Thanks to both of you for your replies. I used a can of Liquid Malt Extract called Long Play IPA from a Mr. Beer kit, that was all.