Accidental IPA

[John Sand]

I tried to rebrew my Fat Cat APA, from Clone Brews Flying Dog Doggie Style PA. I changed the hops both times, for what I had on hand. Recently I opened the last (?) bottle of the original batch. I liked it enough to try again. It's 11.25# 2row and 4oz C120, this time with Glacier, Columbus and Centennial. My mash was a bit cool, I warmed it. My volume a bit low led to an OG of 1.064, instead of the recipe 1.058. Sometimes I'll adjust in the fermenter, this time I didn't. I didn't check my notes to see that it finished low the first time. It did again: 1.011, giving about 7%abv. Fortunately the IBUs are 40, bringing it just into IPA territory. I'm thinking of calling it Fatter Cat, or Accidental IPA. Next time I think of adding water, I will.

[BlackDuck]

That sounds like it's going to be good. IPA's with a simple grain bill like that usually come out nice, and with the hops you've used, it'll be good. The numbers really don't matter, cause you'll like it!!!

[Inkleg]

Sounds like it's going to be good with that hop combo and simple grain bill.
Though Paul's gonna say IPAs don't start until 90 IBUs.

[John Sand]

I don't mind hoppy IPAs, malty ones either.
It tasted good flat!

[John Sand]

Just to update: I tried the first bottle today, and it's very good. It really is more of a big Pale than an IPA. A couple of pleasant surprises: the simple grist really does work well (it did the first time too) and even at 7%abv, it is ready at four weeks in the bottle. In the past I've given bigger beers a bit more time, but my last IPA and this strong APA were both ready younger. I'm re-thinking my schedule. But I'm still going to give my Dubbel some time.