The 90-Minute IPA is a beloved and iconic beer known for its intense hop character and complex flavor profile. As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of experiencing and working with this remarkable beer. The hops used in the 90-Minute IPA are Amarillo, Simcoe, and Warrior, which are carefully added to the wort over the course of 90 minutes.
Amarillo hops are known for their distinct citrusy and floral characteristics. They impart flavors of orange, grapefruit, and even a hint of apricot. These hops add a delightful brightness to the beer, giving it a refreshing and zesty quality.
Simcoe hops, on the other hand, bring a more complex and robust flavor profile to the 90-Minute IPA. They contribute notes of pine, resin, and even a touch of earthiness. Simcoe hops provide a bold and assertive hop character, adding depth and complexity to the beer's overall taste.
Warrior hops, the final hop used in the 90-Minute IPA, are known for their high alpha acid content, which contributes to the beer's bitterness. These hops are added gradually throughout the 90-minute boil, providing a strong backbone of bitterness to balance out the intense hop flavors from Amarillo and Simcoe.
To achieve the desired hop character in the 90-Minute IPA, the hops are added gradually to the boiling wort. This process allows for the extraction of various hop compounds, including essential oils and alpha acids, which contribute to the beer's aroma, flavor, and bitterness. The addition of the hops every 5-10 minutes ensures that their flavors and aromas are fully integrated into the beer, resulting in a harmonious and well-balanced final product.
As a brewer, I have experimented with different hop combinations and techniques, including the gradual addition of hops over time. This method allows for the development of layers of hop flavors and aromas, creating a more complex and nuanced beer. The 90-Minute IPA is a prime example of this technique, showcasing the unique characteristics of Amarillo, Simcoe, and Warrior hops in a well-crafted and delicious brew.
The 90-Minute IPA is a hop lover's dream, featuring the Amarillo, Simcoe, and Warrior hops. Each hop brings its own distinct flavor and aroma to the beer, resulting in a complex and well-balanced brew. The gradual addition of hops over the course of 90 minutes allows for the extraction of various hop compounds, creating a harmonious and intense hop character. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with food, the 90-Minute IPA is a true standout in the world of craft beer.