The Bar Towel

Perry, this one is for you. I popped into the 'Judge' yesterday and the cask IPA was yet to be tapped. So, not reluctantly,I took solace in the Sgt.Major's in keg form.
It wasn't my first try of the beer in keg format but I would have sworn there was a load more hops in the brew. A regular IPA (keg) drinker also made an unsolicited comment about how hoppy it was. The consensus (all two of us) was that it was brilliant! So, what have you done to embolden the hop flavours? Is this an experiment to find the right mix prior to bottling the product?
I have no complaints. It was a bloody good brew!

The answer to that one is simple. The previous batch was made from the last of the Chinook hops we had. As hops lose alpha acids and aromatic compounds as they age, you require more hops to do the same job. This current batch was made with a fresh fall 2002 crop of Washington State Chinooks that weighed in at a mighty 13.2% alpha! I ordered them to be air-shipped next day delivery, at quite a cost premium. I think the proof is in the glass though as this brew is much more hoppy and the bitterness is more "resiny". Glad you liked it. Wait for our "Corporal Punishment Bitter Scotch Ale" which will further explore the boundaries of hop heaven. It'll be previewed at the Winking Judge Beer Fest in April.
Cheers!
Perry

I'll definately be there, provided I'm allowed to buy my ticket before they sell out.

Cheers, Joe.

Thanks for the update Perry. I just knew something was different!!!
Can't wait to try it on cask, with the new hops!!
A new product as well!!!? I'm going to have to make plans to get to the next festival at 'The Judge'.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Beer Snob on 2003-01-15 20:51 ]</font>