The IPA or Inspired Paso Ale

[StephenT]

My latest IPA, opened the bottle on July 22. Will get have a drink with the two brewers I work with in town and have them critique the beer. Excited to get their feedback, not that I trust what I read and get here. Sadly none of you can taste the beer. Cheers!

 

[Donoroto]

My latest IPA, opened the bottle on July 22. Will get have a drink with the two brewers I work with in town and have them critique the beer. Excited to get their feedback, not that I trust what I read and get here. Sadly none of you can taste the beer. Cheers!

Nice label!

 

[Sandy Feet]

I always enjoy hearing what the local pros think of my beer, good or bad. To me, I don't need to enter beers when someone local can taste it.

 

[Craigerrr]

I always enjoy hearing what the local pros think of my beer, good or bad. To me, I don't need to enter beers when someone local can taste it.

Of the Pros local to me there are a couple who's opinion I value, and there are others that have no business having an opinion about my beer. Not to be boastful, but some brewers just shouldn't have gone Pro...
Surprisingly, lately, at some breweries I have been to I have had some beers that have hop burn. I'm not sure how you serve an obvious off flavor to your patrons, that is bad for business...

 

[Craigerrr]

If you love the local brewers product, look for feedback. If you don't love their beer, steer clear!

 

[Sandy Feet]

I like the beer at places where I hangout.

 

[StephenT]

I know there are deficiencies in this IPA I brewed. There is no perfect beer, but asking questions and getting feedback is invaluable. I enjoy my friends tasting my beer, but if you aren't into beer or the science behind, it can be challenging to obtain good information.This beer I know the carbonation wasn't where I wanted it and the head with lacking. But I know there is more I can work on, which I want to do.

 

[Sandy Feet]

Since you are talking about lacking carbonation and head retention, I assume you are bottling.
For the head retention, when bottling, use 1/2 lb of white wheat for 5 gallons in your recipes. In an IPA, the flaked wheat or oats should also give it some head retention.
Carbonation: 5oz Corn sugar in 5 gallons (not table sugar). If using table sugar, it is less. Weigh the 5 oz before you put it in the bottling bucket or add to water on the stove. Double check it in a measuring cup as it will be almost exactly 3/4 cup.

 

[StephenT]

Since you are talking about lacking carbonation and head retention, I assume you are bottling.
For the head retention, when bottling, use 1/2 lb of white wheat for 5 gallons in your recipes. In an IPA, the flaked wheat or oats should also give it some head retention.
Carbonation: 5oz Corn sugar in 5 gallons (not table sugar). If using table sugar, it is less. Weigh the 5 oz before you put it in the bottling bucket or add to water on the stove. Double check it in a measuring cup as it will be almost exactly 3/4 cup.

Sounds good I’ll add flaked wheat or oats.

 

[Brew Cat]

I know there are deficiencies in this IPA I brewed. There is no perfect beer, but asking questions and getting feedback is invaluable. I enjoy my friends tasting my beer, but if you aren't into beer or the science behind, it can be challenging to obtain good information.This beer I know the carbonation wasn't where I wanted it and the head with lacking. But I know there is more I can work on, which I want to do.

I disagree just because you know the science behind making beer doesn't make you a good judge
For instance take my cat sitter she always gives me spot on feedback and she knows nothing about brewing
She has no preconceived opinion she gives me feedback that is helpful for me because most of the people drinking my beer are not brewers and I can tell by what's in their fridge weather I trust their judgement

 

[Brew Cat]

Of the Pros local to me there are a couple who's opinion I value, and there are others that have no business having an opinion about my beer. Not to be boastful, but some brewers just shouldn't have gone Pro...
Surprisingly, lately, at some breweries I have been to I have had some beers that have hop burn. I'm not sure how you serve an obvious off flavor to your patrons, that is bad for business...

Just because you get paid to do something isn't a qualification just like carpenters

 

[StephenT]

I disagree just because you know the science behind making beer doesn't make you a good judge
For instance take my cat sitter she always gives me spot on feedback and she knows nothing about brewing
She has no preconceived opinion she gives me feedback that is helpful for me because most of the people drinking my beer are not brewers and I can tell by what's in their fridge weather I trust their judgement

Don’t disagree. I have a good friend who “reviews” all my beers because I twist his judgement when it comes to the overall beer. I do want my two brewery friends to give me feedback on the beer as well for different reasons, which I hope will improve my process going forward.

 

[Sandy Feet]

Don’t disagree. I have a good friend who “reviews” all my beers because I twist his judgement when it comes to the overall beer. I do want my two brewery friends to give me feedback on the beer as well for different reasons, which I hope will improve my process going forward.

Your brewery friends can also give you some process (Mash Temp) and ingredient options too, if they have played around with the style.

 

[Dave Y]

The first and most important element of the finished product is, and should remain:
Do people like to drink it?

I've had a beer judge review a Märzen I brewed a few years ago, he gave me feedback that I agreed with; it was on the sweeter side, though not overwhelmingly so. He no sooner finished his comments and set the beer down than it was called for an award. He turned around and said "just because it misses on the style, doesn't mean it's not likable - take the win"