I've been struggling trying to get my IPA's to really "pop". I want more aroma impact and front end citrus from the hops. I recently just got a kegging set-up which should help with the CO2 purging. I also just put together a whirlpool arm attachment to my immersion chiller. Plus I just got a chugger pump to assist with the whirlpool. I have yet to brew an IPA on the new set-up. I am in the Northeast and bored enough in the cold to want to do another project. I was contemplating building a Hop Back. http://greenethumb.com/article/1619/diy-mason-jar-hopback/ or just buying an in-line hop randall for the keezer. http://www.homebrewstuff.com/10-hop-randall.html I don't have any experience with either and was wondering which you thought would give the best results. My concern with the Hop Back is the fact that I use an immersion chiller to cool down. So I would be sending the wort through then back to my kettle and essentially mixing it with trub again. If I wait until the wort is cooled down enough for transfer and pitch then it would be ineffective because of the low temps. Do people use Hop Back's with immersion chillers? I can't think of any real issues with the Hop Randall other then the cost and another compenent to deal with in the system. It seems similar to dry hopping in the keg except for some added conveniences.
My advice is to brew a couple of IPA's on your new system before adding more equipment. I think you're going to like the whirl pooling flavors.
You'll have to frequently change out the randall if you go that route. I'd work on improving your process rather than add other gadgets. The whirlpool should help, try back loading your hop schedule, extra dry hop, etc.
I agree with Naugled. When are you adding your hops in the boil? Dry hopping? How much and what kinds? I love the idea of the hopback. I try to think of different ways to get more flavor out of hops all the time, such as making extracts etc. Never done that, probly wont. That link to the mason hop back jar looks awesome! Id definitley go that route over the hop randall, but try your new setup first, it could make all the difference. Hop bursting is awesome, try that if you arent already.
