[juggabrew303]

Deciding on experimenting with 1 gal batches using the SMaSH method, specifically for IPAs.  I'm aiming to fill 6 bombers for this batch and set beersmith to make 2 gal considering wort loss from all the hops.  Let me know what you think...

2 gal batch - to fill 6 bombers/12 pack

5# MO
.75 oz simcoe or magnum FWH 70ibu
3.25 oz simcoe steep 30-60min @170
2.0 oz simcoe DH 4-7 days

WLP001
Distilled water adjusted w/ brunwater. 
PH target 5.2-5.4? Any preference here?

Reason for this: want to know what these hops taste like on their own...and simcoe is in the running to be my next boxer puppies name.  As long as it doesn't turn out to be cat piss


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[Iliff Ave]

I think this will be a good way to evaluate a hop but not a particular malt. To evaluate a malt I would think you would want something less hoppy with more neutral hops.

[brewinhard]

I shoot for 5.4 pH (measured at room temp) for my hoppy beers.

[Stevie]

I find SMaSH IPAs to be boring and prefer to use Pale Ales or Blondes to evaluate hops. Good IPAs require hop layering IMO.

[HoosierBrew]

I find SMaSH IPAs to be boring and prefer to use Pale Ales or Blondes to evaluate hops. Good IPAs require hop layering IMO.

I agree. I think SMaSH beers are better in the APA format, personally, because:  1/ Like Chris said, IPA level hopping can make it tougher to eval the malt than in an APA, and  2/  IPA is all about hops and using different hop combos for complexity, and to get the hop character you like best.

[juggabrew303]

I think this will be a good way to evaluate a hop but not a particular malt. To evaluate a malt I would think you would want something less hoppy with more neutral hops.

Yea I'm looking more at the hops


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[juggabrew303]

I find SMaSH IPAs to be boring and prefer to use Pale Ales or Blondes to evaluate hops. Good IPAs require hop layering IMO.

I agree. I think SMaSH beers are better in the APA format, personally, because:  1/ Like Chris said, IPA level hopping can make it tougher to eval the malt than in an APA, and  2/  IPA is all about hops and using different hop combos for complexity, and to get the hop character you like best.

I guess I'm more towards evaluating the hops over the malt.  What would you adjust to make this an APA?


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[HoosierBrew]

I find SMaSH IPAs to be boring and prefer to use Pale Ales or Blondes to evaluate hops. Good IPAs require hop layering IMO.

I agree. I think SMaSH beers are better in the APA format, personally, because:  1/ Like Chris said, IPA level hopping can make it tougher to eval the malt than in an APA, and  2/  IPA is all about hops and using different hop combos for complexity, and to get the hop character you like best.

I guess I'm more towards evaluating the hops over the malt.  What would you adjust to make this an APA?

I'd adjust OG down to 1.052-1.056, IBU more in the 41- 46 IBU range. Currently, I'm adding all my target IBU @ 60 mins in the form of a Magnum addition, then adding 5 oz of your late hop(s) after cooling to 170F and steeping for 30 mins (assuming 5.5 gallons). I then dry hop 2.5 oz of same late hops, or whatever strikes your fancy. Makes a hoppy, nice APA.

[juggabrew303]

I find SMaSH IPAs to be boring and prefer to use Pale Ales or Blondes to evaluate hops. Good IPAs require hop layering IMO.

I agree. I think SMaSH beers are better in the APA format, personally, because:  1/ Like Chris said, IPA level hopping can make it tougher to eval the malt than in an APA, and  2/  IPA is all about hops and using different hop combos for complexity, and to get the hop character you like best.

I guess I'm more towards evaluating the hops over the malt.  What would you adjust to make this an APA?

I'd adjust OG down to 1.052-1.056, IBU more in the 41- 46 IBU range. Currently, I'm adding all my target IBU @ 60 mins in the form of a Magnum addition, then adding 5 oz of your late hop(s) after cooling to 170F and steeping for 30 mins (assuming 5.5 gallons). I then dry hop 2.5 oz of same late hops, or whatever strikes your fancy. Makes a hoppy, nice APA.

Thanks. So if I was just focusing on the hops, you think the IPA wouldn't be as good as the APA? As far as evaluating flavor and aroma


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[hopfenundmalz]

My favorite SMaSH IPA that I have made was MO and EKG.

[Iliff Ave]

I think this will be a good way to evaluate a hop but not a particular malt. To evaluate a malt I would think you would want something less hoppy with more neutral hops.

Yea I'm looking more at the hops


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My bad. I misunderstood what you said about wanting to know how the malt and hops taste on their own.

[HoosierBrew]

My favorite SMaSH IPA that I have made was MO and EKG.

Now that's the good SMaSH IPA IMO. 

[juggabrew303]

I think this will be a good way to evaluate a hop but not a particular malt. To evaluate a malt I would think you would want something less hoppy with more neutral hops.

Yea I'm looking more at the hops


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My bad. I misunderstood what you said about wanting to know how the malt and hops taste on their own.

No your good, I did write that in the OP.  I was just making a general statement about learning what one particular ingredient brings to the table.  But I meant to brew this to see what flavors simcoe gives off for myself instead of just reading about it. 


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[Steve Ruch]

My favorite SMaSH IPA that I have made was MO and EKG.

Now that's the good SMaSH IPA IMO. 

That sounds like a winner to me.

[JJeffers09]

Are you guys talking a real APA, with real guidelines of IBUs or are you suggesting a Three Floyds Alpha King APA=American IPA.  I think a 35-40IBUs 5.8-6.2% SMaSH APA would not be terrible, but simcoe is a strong hop in my opinion.