Welcome to another brew day saga at Dr. Hans Brewery, where our brewing experiments sometimes take us down unexpected paths. Today, I embarked on a mission to craft a New England IPA but ended up with a beautifully hoppy West Coast IPA instead. This tale is not just about the destination but the journey and the missteps that led to surprisingly delightful results.

The Quest for a New England IPA

Armed with pre-hopped DME and high hopes, I set out to brew what I envisioned as the perfect New England IPA. The recipe was simple, the hops were carefully chosen, and the spirits were high. I aimed for a beer that was light, juicy, and bursting with hop aroma—yet, what I got was anything but. Instead, I found myself staring at a pint of West Coast IPA, darker and crisper than anticipated.

How did this happen? Where did my brewing adventure veer off course? This brew day turned into an investigation, a quest to pinpoint where my New England dreams took a West Coast turn

The Brewing Process: Simplicity Meets Science

The Shake N’ Brew method is all about simplicity. For those unfamiliar, it’s a streamlined approach to brewing that cuts down on time and equipment without compromising on quality. This method proves that with the right ingredients and a bit of know-how, you can still produce great beer with minimal fuss.

For this brew, I chose a combination of Ahtanum for its cedar, citrus, and floral notes for bittering, and an intriguing mix of Idaho 7 and TRI-2304CR for dry hopping. My setup was straightforward: a heating mat for temperature control, a mini-keg for fermentation, and a spunding valve to manage pressure.

However, simplicity doesn’t mean neglecting the details. Temperature control and timing were crucial, especially when it came to adding the hops and ensuring they imparted just the right amount of bitterness and aroma without veering into grassy territories.

Where Things Went Awry

Despite my intentions, the beer darkened beyond the pale haze of a typical New England IPA. Oxidization, over-boiling, or an overly vigorous boil didn’t seem to be the culprits. Could the sheer amount of hops have influenced the color and bitterness more than expected?

Further complicating matters, I inadvertently connected the gas post incorrectly, leading to a mini-crisis that nearly derailed the entire brew day. Thankfully, with some quick thinking and a bit of luck, disaster was averted.

The Result: An Unintended Masterpiece

Despite the detours, the final product was nothing short of remarkable. The West Coast IPA that emerged was crisp, with a perfect balance of bitterness and citrusy, grapefruity notes, accompanied by a slight hint of grassiness. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best discoveries are those we stumble upon unexpectedly.

Lessons Learned and Looking Forward

This brewing adventure taught me the importance of flexibility and the willingness to embrace the unexpected. While the beer didn’t turn out as planned, it became a testament to the joys of homebrewing and the endless possibilities it presents.

For those inspired to try their hand at the Shake N’ Brew method, remember: it’s not just about following a recipe to the letter but about the learning and creativity that come with each brew. Whether you’re a seasoned brewer or a curious novice, there’s always something new to discover.

As for me, I’m already plotting my next brewing adventure, ready to embrace whatever surprises lie ahead. And to those who’ve followed along, thank you for joining me on this unexpected journey. Here’s to the mistakes that lead to greatness, and to the never-ending quest for the perfect pint.

DrHans, signing off. Cheers, and see you in the next brew!

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