We love hops here at Odell Brewing Co. We also love experimenting with how we can add these beautiful little green flowers to our beers to achieve new and previously unobtainable hop flavors and aromas. We have been using whole leaf hops in our hop-back for years. As most people know the hop-back is a traditional English brewing vessel originally used to aid in the clarification of wort by running the post-boil hot wort through a bed of hops on the way to the heat exchange. We re-appropriated the traditional hop-back to serve as a means for adding more finishing hops for our IPA, 5 Barrel Pale Ale, St. Lupulin Extra Pale Ale and other special hop-forward releases. So, what are we experimenting with now on our pilot system? How can we fit more hops into our beers through new and unique additions? How about whole flower hops in the mash tun! Our most recent pilot brew, a Double IPA, provides a totally new hop schedule possibility for us, not only with the hop additions in our mash tun, but also with each addition thereafter. If you want to experience a progression in hop flavor and aroma, be sure to stop in the tap room when this beer is tapped. We will announce the tapping of this beer to our fans and followers on Facebook and Twitter, so hop on!
Tags: Double IPA, Hops, Mash Hopping, Odell Brewing Co.
5 Responses to “Hops, Hops and more Hops!”
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I love the new summer St. Lupulin Extra Pale Ale. Its hoppy and refreshing. keep up the good work.
St Lupulin is a masterful addition to an already stacked lineup of great beers. Since the first time I had the 5 Barrel Pale Ale, I knew Odell was going deliver many more hoppy creations featuring my favorite fauna.
After reading a post on a previous entry, I truly hope that Odell’s offerings will soon be available in Chicago. Shortly after New Belgium was available in Chicago, every bar and restaurant in the city put Fat Tire on tap. I think the 5 Barrel Pale Ale, 90 Shilling, and Easy Street Wheat could each blow Fat Tire out of the water in that market. If I ever move back to Chicago, I really hope I won’t have to drive out of state to get my 5 Barrel fix.
Thanks Odell and keep the hops coming.
Correction: “flora” not “fauna”. Back to Bio 101 I guess.
I’m relatively a novice brewer and buy my supplies and kits through Williams. Just got an IPA and a 6 oz bag of Palisade hope for finishing. My question…when do I add them during the brewing process and how much? Thanks!!!!
Larry,
Finishing hops are typically added at the end of the boil, between 10mins and Whirlpool, to provide more flavor and aroma to the beer as opposed to bitterness that is achieved when hops are added early on in the boil. I would suggest adding equal amounts at 10mins, 5mins, Omins and in your whirlpool. Best of luck with the brew!
Cheers!
Joe Mohrfeld