Beginner attempting Averagely Perfect American IPA

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by acannell, Aug 15, 2019.

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  1. acannell

    acannell Initiate (0) Dec 16, 2017 California

    I happened to go on a road trip near a brewing supply store, and since I was out of grain they closed in 15 minutes I tried to figure out what I could buy to brew next.

    It seems like a normal IPA would be good. I found the AP AIPA recipe on here and tried to get the grain for it. I did not buy the specific yeast or hops though.

    I could try to actually make a clear beer this time! This will be my third batch ever and the first two were hazy (1st just happened, 2nd on purpose).

    So heres what I got:

    Grain:
    2.3# viking male pale ale
    0.13# viking malt carmael 100 (40L)..I think this was actually Crystal 40 and he put it wrong on the receipt
    0.08# carafoam

    Hops:
    Citra
    Galaxy
    Mosaic
    Amarillo

    Yeast:
    2/3rd leftover of a liquid wyeast london ale III activator packet in a sanitized tupperware stored in the freezer (about 2 weeks old)
    1 packet of brooklyn brew shop yeast

    Other:
    irish moss

    I'd like to try to make a clear beer this time if I can. Maybe even shoot for an OG and hit it. I will be bottling. (no keg yet!)

    Batch size is 1 gallon (I actually have two gallon fermenters but I forgot to buy enough grain for 2 gallons...the grain values above are from the recipe divided by 5)

    I could use some help fine tuning the recipe for my setup and ingredients. Any ideas? I will definitely strain the wort this time when I pour it into the fermenter. My whirlpooling was completely ineffective last time (just a wooden spoon..probably didnt do it long enough and maybe the small volume of liquid doesn't whirlpool well..)
     
    #1 acannell, Aug 15, 2019
  2. utahbeerdude

    utahbeerdude Maven (1,374) May 2, 2006 Utah

    Yeast experts here may know something I don't, but I'm pretty sure this yeast is kaput due to being put in the freezer.
     
    #2 utahbeerdude, Aug 15, 2019
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  3. acannell

    acannell Initiate (0) Dec 16, 2017 California

    oops I meant fridge (normal fridge I keep food in)
     
    #3 acannell, Aug 15, 2019
    utahbeerdude likes this.
  4. riptorn

    riptorn Pooh-Bah (1,776) Apr 26, 2018 Georgia
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I wouldn't trust yeast to any Tupperware in my possession. The more airtight the container, the more protection from undesirable bugs.
     
    #4 riptorn, Aug 15, 2019
  5. Brewday

    Brewday Zealot (721) Dec 25, 2015 New York

    #5 Brewday, Aug 15, 2019
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  6. NorCalKid

    NorCalKid Initiate (0) Jan 10, 2018 California

    My practice is. Open a yeast pack, use it all. To much risk of contamination if your trying to bogart it.

    Also, my opinion. At the homebrew level, there’s really no need for reusing yeast. Some might argue or disagree but for the price over risk. Spend the few extra bucks.
     
    #6 NorCalKid, Aug 16, 2019
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  7. pweis909

    pweis909 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,250) Aug 13, 2005 Wisconsin
    Pooh-Bah

    This maybe us the AP NEIPA.
     
    #7 pweis909, Aug 16, 2019
  8. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    This doesn't look like a close match for either of the AP IPAs. Which one are you trying?
     
    #8 VikeMan, Aug 16, 2019
  9. acannell

    acannell Initiate (0) Dec 16, 2017 California

    "Inspired" by the AP IPA. They didnt have the carapils so they suggested carafoam. And I need to use the hops and yeast I currently have which dont match either.
     
    #9 acannell, Aug 19, 2019
  10. chavinparty

    chavinparty Zealot (653) Jan 4, 2015 New Hampshire

    I also wouldn’t use Tupperware but I store yeast in a half pint mason jar without the lid tightened down every time I make a starter. The last ones I used we’re about 4 or 5 months old and we’re London 3 and conan on the money. I guess if the Tupperware was super clean and sanitized it should be fine
     
    #10 chavinparty, Aug 21, 2019
  11. chavinparty

    chavinparty Zealot (653) Jan 4, 2015 New Hampshire

    I’m pretty sure carafoam and carapils are both dextrin malt made by different maltsters.
    One suggestion I would have if you want a clear ipa is to skip the fermentation dryhopping
     
    #11 chavinparty, Aug 21, 2019
  12. pweis909

    pweis909 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,250) Aug 13, 2005 Wisconsin
    Pooh-Bah

    It does look like the makings of a tasty IPA. I agree that Tupperware is not the ideal yeast storage container as plastic scratches and scratches could harbor bacteria. Still, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Even if the alcohol and the hops don't thwart the bugs (which may not be there at all), you may drink it fast enough that you don't notice
     
    #12 pweis909, Aug 22, 2019
    chavinparty likes this.
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