We invented a new beer style (eventually)

Summary

In this video, the hosts explore an exciting new yeast developed by WHC Labs, designed to ferment beer faster while maintaining quality and flavor. They discuss the potential of using thermo-tolerant yeast strains that can ferment at higher temperatures, leading to quicker fermentations with cleaner results. The conversation dives into the creation of an IPL (India Pale Lager), blending IPA's hop-forward qualities with lager's crispness. Expert brewers, including Alex Troncoso from Lost and Grounded, share insights into brewing techniques and ingredients that enhance the beer's profile. The episode showcases the challenges and successes of brewing this innovative beer style, with plenty of technical details and passionate opinions on the future of IPLs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The episode features a collaboration with WHC Lab, introducing innovative yeast strains that are thermo-tolerant, allowing fermentation at a wide range of temperatures.
• 😀 The yeast strains are capable of fermenting at temperatures as high as 30-35°C, speeding up the fermentation process and producing clean beers in record time.
• 😀 The high voltage yeast strain is designed for creating West Coast-style IPAs quickly and efficiently while maintaining a clean, hoppy profile.
• 😀 This new yeast technology is a game-changer for home brewers, as it reduces the need for strict temperature control and makes brewing more accessible for those on a budget.
• 😀 The potential to brew Lager-style beers in a short time (around 2 weeks) without sacrificing quality is a key benefit of this yeast strain.
• 😀 The collaboration with Brad and the creation of the 'IPK' (India Pale Kos) beer blends the best of IPA and Lager, with a clean, crushable finish and well-balanced hop profile.
• 😀 Alex Troncoso, a well-respected UK brewer, contributed to the development of the IPL (India Pale Lager), bringing expertise in crafting clean, hoppy, and balanced beers.
• 😀 The yeast developed by WHC Lab is not a traditional Lager yeast, but it mimics Lager characteristics, allowing for faster fermentation and shorter maturation times.
• 😀 The IPA-Lager hybrid beer is designed with a base of Pilsner malt and Munich malt for a light, crisp flavor with a touch of caramel complexity.
• 😀 Dry hopping techniques, including multiple additions of hops during fermentation, contribute to the beer's juicy, aromatic character while maintaining the crisp finish typical of a Lager.

Q & A

What is the significance of the thermo-tolerant yeast strains discussed in the video?

The thermo-tolerant yeast strains allow for fermentation at higher temperatures, which leads to faster fermentations, less cooling needed, and potentially bigger flavors. They also simplify the brewing process for home brewers by reducing the need for precise temperature control.

How does the thermo-tolerant yeast strain benefit home brewers specifically?

Home brewers often face challenges with temperature control due to budget constraints, but the thermo-tolerant yeast strains allow them to brew beer at a wider range of temperatures, making the brewing process easier and less costly.

What makes the 'clean West Coast yeast' discussed in the video unique?

The clean West Coast yeast is unique because it can be used to create lager-like beers in a very short period of time (as little as a week), even when fermented at warmer temperatures (28-30°C), unlike traditional lager yeasts which require longer fermentation times at lower temperatures.

What was the main motivation behind developing the new yeast strains?

The main motivation was to develop yeast strains that could produce clean, crisp beers quickly without sacrificing quality. Brewers, especially IPA-forward breweries, faced difficulties brewing lager-style beers quickly, so the yeast strains were designed to fill that gap.

How do the yeast strains allow for quicker fermentation of lager-style beers?

The yeast strains can ferment at higher temperatures, which accelerates the fermentation process. For example, an IPA-style lager can be completed in about 10-14 days, significantly shorter than traditional lager fermentation times.

How does fermentation temperature affect the final taste of the beer?

Fermentation temperature affects the beer's flavor and cleanliness. Higher fermentation temperatures (30-35°C) produce faster fermentation but maintain clean flavors, while lower temperatures (23-25°C) result in slower fermentations that mimic lager characteristics.

What is the 'IPK' beer style introduced in the video?

The 'IPK' stands for India Pale Kos, which is an India Pale Lager brewed with the thermo-tolerant yeast strains. It combines the hop-forward character of an IPA with the clean, crisp qualities of a lager, brewed at faster speeds and without the traditional long lagering process.

What hops were used in the brewing process discussed in the video, and why?

The hops used were Magnum for bitterness, Mosaic for a sticky resin and pine flavor, and Nectaron for stone fruit notes. Additionally, Mota was used for its lemon-lime and coconut characteristics, which complement the clean beer style.

How does the collaboration between the hosts and Alex Troncoso influence the beer recipe?

Alex Troncoso, with his extensive experience in brewing, provides valuable input on creating a balanced beer that combines the hoppy characteristics of an IPA with the clean base of a lager. His suggestions help refine the recipe, ensuring the final product maintains the intended flavor profile.

What was the initial reaction to the concept of IPL (India Pale Lager), and why did it struggle to gain popularity?

Although the concept of IPL was promising, combining the crispness of a lager with the hop character of an IPA, it never fully took off. The challenge was that consumers did not perceive a significant difference from traditional IPAs, as West Coast yeasts already produced very clean beers, making IPLs feel somewhat redundant.