Unravelling the Mystery of the Cold IPA: A Trendsetting Beer Style
Have you heard about the latest craze in the brewing world? It's called the Cold IPA, and it's been causing quite a stir among craft beer lovers. But what exactly is a Cold IPA, and how does it differ from other IPA styles? Let's dive in and explore this intriguing new brew!
The Birth of a New Beer Style
In the ever-evolving landscape of craft beer, brewers are always looking for ways to innovate and create something unique. The Cold IPA is a testament to this spirit of experimentation. Born from the desire to combine a lager's crisp, refreshing qualities with the bold, hoppy flavours of an IPA, the Cold IPA has carved out its own niche in the beer world. The Cold India Pale Ale (Cold IPA or CIPA) is a beer style developed by Kevin Davey from Wayfinder Beer in Portland, Oregon, and the history of this style is relatively recent. There are currently no agreed-upon style guidelines by any of the major critics, so this makes it difficult to pin down objective criteria.
A Unique Malt Bill
One of the defining characteristics of a Cold IPA is its malt bill. Unlike traditional IPAs that rely heavily on pale malts, Cold IPAs often incorporate a significant portion of adjuncts like corn or rice. These adjuncts contribute to a lighter body and a crisper, more refreshing mouthfeel. The result is a beer that's easy to drink and perfect for those warm summer days.
Hopping with a Twist
When it comes to hopping, Cold IPAs take a slightly different approach compared to their IPA cousins. While West Coast IPAs are known for their intense bitterness and Hazy IPAs are celebrated for their juicy, fruit-forward flavours, Cold IPAs aim to strike a balance between the two. Brewers employ a combination of whirlpool and dry-hopping techniques to infuse the beer with a delightful aroma and a moderate level of bitterness that enhances drinkability.
The Yeast Factor
Here's where things get interesting. Cold IPAs are often fermented using lager yeast strains, such as Fermentis 34/70. However, these aren't your typical lager yeasts. Brewers opt for hybrid strains that can ferment at higher temperatures, around 19°C (66.2°F). These hybrid lager yeasts, like those used in California Common and Kölsch styles, promote biotransformation (when yeast takes the less desirable hop flavours and turns them into enjoyable elements that contribute to flavour and aroma) during dry hopping, unlocking a range of tropical and citrusy flavours that complement the hop character beautifully.
- Mangrove Jack's Craft Series M66 Hophead Ale Yeast
- Mangrove Jack's Craft Series Versalager (coming soon)
- Saflager W34/70 Fermentis Hybrid Lager Yeast
Brewing a Cold IPA at Home
If you're a homebrewer eager to try your hand at making a Cold IPA, here are a few tips to get you started. You can start with an extract version like the Mangrove Jack's Craft Series Limited-Edition Cold IPA (coming soon), but if you brew all grain, begin with a base of pilsner malt and add a generous portion of flaked rice to lighten the body. Aim for a malty water profile and a slightly higher mash temperature to balance the crispness. When it comes to hopping, shoot for a moderate bitterness level (40-70 IBU) and don't be afraid to experiment with different hop varieties. New Zealand hops, known for their unique thiol characters, can work wonders in this style.
The Rise of the "HAHA"
As the Cold IPA continues to gain popularity, some brewers have started referring to it by a new name: the Hoppy Adjunct Hybrid Ale, or "HAHA" for short. This playful moniker captures the essence of the style and pokes a bit of fun at the endless variations of IPAs in the craft beer world. Whether you call it a Cold IPA or a HAHA, one thing's for certain - this beer is here to stay.
So, there you have it - the Cold IPA demystified. It's a style that bridges the gap between lagers and IPAs, offering a refreshing and flavourful drinking experience. If you haven't tried one yet, seek out a Cold IPA from your local craft brewery or try brewing one yourself. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
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