If you're into craft beer, you've likely heard of IPAs. But did you know there are different types? Let's delve into the world of East Coast IPAs – a style that's grown exponentially in popularity over the past decade and is changing the way many people think about India Pale Ales.
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Origin Stories: East Coast IPA
IPAs have been around for quite a while. They originated in the 18th century when British brewers needed a beer that could survive long trips to India. These beers had more alcohol and hops to keep them fresh during the lengthy sea journey. Fast forward to the craft beer boom in the United States, and you'll see different IPA styles popping up across the country. The West Coast IPA came first, known for its clear appearance and assertive bitterness. Then the East Coast IPA emerged, bringing something new and exciting to the table, juicier and hoppier than what we had experienced before.
How To Make An East Coast IPA
Brewing an East Coast IPA involves some specific techniques that set it apart from other beer styles. Dry hopping – adding hops during or after fermentation – is a common practice. This method adds intense hop flavour and aroma without extracting too much bitterness from the hops.
Many brewers also use a technique called whirlpool hopping, where they add hops after boiling the wort but before cooling it. This process allows for maximum extraction of hop oils, which contribute to flavour and aroma, while minimising the extraction of alpha acids, which contribute to bitterness.
Another key aspect of brewing East Coast IPAs is the water chemistry. Brewers often adjust the mineral content of their water to create a softer profile, which enhances the smooth, juicy character of the beer.
The fermentation process for East Coast IPAs is also carefully controlled. Brewers often ferment these beers at slightly higher temperatures than other styles, which encourages the yeast to produce more of those fruity esters we mentioned earlier.
The result of all these careful techniques is a beer with lots of juicy, tropical notes and a soft, smooth feel in your mouth – hallmarks of a well-crafted East Coast IPA.
What Goes Into An East Coast IPA?
East Coast IPAs use hops that are known for their fruity and floral aromas, such as Citra, Mosaic, and Amarillo. Brewers add these hops late in the process to keep their delicate flavours intact, a technique known as late hopping. They also often use oats or wheat in the grain bill, which add to the beer's body and contribute to its signature haziness.
The yeast strains used in East Coast IPAs also play a crucial role. Many brewers opt for strains that produce esters – compounds that contribute fruity flavours and aromas. These yeasts work in harmony with the hops to create the juicy, fruit-forward profile that East Coast IPAs are known for.
The malts used in East Coast IPAs are typically less assertive than those in their West Coast counterparts. The goal is to provide a subtle sweetness that balances the hop flavours without overshadowing them. All these ingredients come together to make a beer that's not just tasty, but visually appealing and aromatically enticing as well.
East vs West: Which Is The Best?
The main thing you'll notice about an East Coast IPA is its hazy appearance. These beers are often unfiltered, which gives them a cloudy, almost opaque look. This isn't just for show – it actually affects how the beer feels in your mouth and influences its overall flavour profile. While West Coast IPAs are known for being quite bitter with piney and resinous flavours, East Coast IPAs are more about balance and fruit-forward tastes.
The differences between these two styles go beyond just appearance and taste. The brewing techniques, hop varieties, and even the water chemistry play crucial roles in defining each style. East Coast IPAs tend to use softer water, which contributes to their smoother mouthfeel. The way they're made and the specific hops used create two distinctly different drinking experiences, each with its own loyal fan base.
An East Coast IPA Recommendation
If you're looking to try an East Coast IPA, Looper by Full Circle Brew Co. is a solid choice. It embodies all the typical characteristics of the style – hazy, juicy, and brimming with tropical flavours. It's got a good balance between hoppy bitterness and malt sweetness, with a smooth finish that leaves you wanting another sip.
The hops in Looper give it vibrant flavours of mango, passionfruit, and citrus, creating a veritable fruit basket in a glass. The hazy appearance is visually appealing, and the aroma is sure to draw you in before you even take your first sip. Whether you're new to East Coast IPAs or you've had a few before, Looper is a brew that's worth adding to your must-try list.
What To Look For When Tasting An East Coast IPA
When you try an East Coast IPA, you'll likely notice a complex mix of fruity flavours. It might remind you of biting into a ripe mango, sipping fresh orange juice, or enjoying a tropical fruit salad. The aroma is usually quite inviting too, with hints of citrus, pineapple, and stone fruits like peach or apricot.
As you sip, you'll notice that the beer feels smooth and velvety in your mouth. This soft mouthfeel is a characteristic feature of East Coast IPAs and contributes significantly to their drinkability. There's typically a nice balance between the sweetness from the malts and the fruity bitterness from the hops, creating a harmonious flavour profile that keeps you coming back for more.
Despite their often higher alcohol content, East Coast IPAs tend to be dangerously drinkable. The fruit-forward flavours and smooth mouthfeel can mask the alcohol, so it's always a good idea to check the ABV (alcohol by volume) before diving in!
Why Try An East Coast IPA?
East Coast IPAs offer something a bit different in the world of beer. Their fruity, tropical flavours and smooth feel make them approachable for people new to craft beer, but they're still complex and interesting enough for seasoned beer enthusiasts. The hazy look and strong aroma add to the overall sensory experience, making each glass a feast for the senses.
These beers are incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings. Their fruity profiles make them excellent matches for spicy dishes, as the sweetness can help temper the heat. They also pair well with seafood, salads, and even some desserts – particularly those featuring tropical fruits.
If you're looking to explore different types of beer, an East Coast IPA like Looper could be a good place to start. It offers a different perspective on what an IPA can be, potentially opening the door to a whole new world of beer appreciation.
Full Circle Brew Co's Approach To East Coast IPAs
At Full Circle Brew Co, we put a lot of effort into crafting exceptional beers, including our East Coast IPAs. Our range of pale ales and IPAs, including Looper, demonstrates our commitment to quality and innovation in brewing. We use premium ingredients and modern brewing techniques to ensure our beers are of the highest quality. If you ever want to try a range of our beers including multiple IPA styles, check out our Fridge Filler Pack.
Our approach to brewing East Coast IPAs involves a careful balance of art and science. We select our hops based not just on their alpha acid content (which contributes to bitterness), but also on their oil content and specific flavour profiles. This allows us to create beers with plenty of hoppy goodness but without overwhelming bitterness.
We also pay close attention to our water chemistry, malt bill, and yeast selection to create the perfect canvas for these hops to shine. The result is a range of East Coast IPAs that are bursting with flavour and character, each one a testament to our passion for great beer.
East Coast Wrapped Up
If you're curious about East Coast IPAs, why not give Looper a go? You can find it in our online store. It's an excellent way to experience firsthand what this style of beer is all about. Remember, the best way to appreciate an East Coast IPA is to pour it into an FCBC branded glass – this allows you to fully appreciate its hazy appearance and enticing aroma before you even take your first sip.
So there you have it – a comprehensive rundown on East Coast IPAs. Whether you're a seasoned beer drinker or just getting into craft brews, these hazy, fruity beers are definitely worth exploring. They offer a different take on the IPA style that's been winning over beer fans for good reason.
Next time you're in the mood to try something new, consider reaching for an East Coast IPA. With their juicy flavours, smooth mouthfeel, and aromatic complexity, they offer a unique and enjoyable drinking experience. Who knows? You might just find your new favourite beer in this exciting and flavourful style. Cheers to the world of East Coast IPAs!
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