Last year I had the best beer I’ve had in a long time. It was Claudie’s India Pale Lager from Pizza Port San Clemente, and it was phenomenal. Really easy drinking, not too bitter, super dank and fruity hop aromas, citrus hop flavors, and the smoothest finish. I was shocked by how great the combo of an IPA with a lager yeast worked. I wanted to make my own.
Mine wasn’t nearly as good as Claudie’s, but it was my favorite hoppy beer I’ve brewed so far. I used 94% 2-row, 5% Carapils, and 1% Victory malt. Hopped with Amarillo, Simcoe in the boil, then dry-hopped with Amarillo, Columbus, and Mosaic. It turned out a little to resinous for me which left a bit of a sweet sensation on the palate and lingered a little too long. I’ll scale back on the dry-hops the next time. The color was almost light straw and it went down really smoothly.
The yellowish powder found on hop plants is called Lupulin. It was once used as a sedative, and that’s exactly what you can expect from this beer. The high lupulin contents contributes fruity aromas and resinous flavor to this relaxing lager. This one is going to land in my regular rotation.
Brew Date: March 3, 2013
Kegged On: April 11, 2013
O.G.: 1.045
F.G.: 1.010
ABV: 4.6%