Juicy Bits is our flagship IPA, and it truly lives up to its name. This beer is all about the juicy, fruity flavors that burst forth from every sip. But what exactly are “juicy bits”? Let me break it down for you.
First and foremost, the hop selection is key to creating the juicy character of this beer. We use a combination of Mosaic, Citra, and El Dorado hops, all known for their vibrant tropical fruit and citrus aromas. These hops bring a beautiful bouquet of flavors to the beer, reminiscent of freshly squeezed citrus juice. Imagine a glass of orange juice with extra pulp, but in beer form.
But it's not just the hops that contribute to the juiciness of this beer. We also pay close attention to the water chemistry, malt selection, and fermentation process to enhance the mouthfeel and overall juiciness of the beer.
Water chemistry plays a crucial role in brewing, and for Juicy Bits, we adjust the water to create a softer, smoother mouthfeel. This helps to accentuate the fruity hop flavors and give the beer a more juicy texture on the palate.
When it comes to the malt bill, we opt for higher protein malts. These malts contribute to a fuller body and a slightly hazy appearance, which is characteristic of juicy, New England-style IPAs. The higher protein content also helps to create a smoother mouthfeel and enhance the overall juiciness of the beer.
Lastly, we carefully control the fermentation process to achieve a lower attenuation. This means that the yeast doesn't fully consume all of the sugars in the beer, leaving behind a touch of residual sweetness. This residual sweetness adds to the juiciness and balances out the hop bitterness, giving Juicy Bits a well-rounded flavor profile.
So, in summary, Juicy Bits is a beer that is all about the juicy, fruity flavors. It's achieved through a combination of carefully selected hops, adjusted water chemistry, higher protein malts, and lower attenuation during fermentation. The end result is a beer that brings to mind a glass of citrus juice with extra pulp, offering a truly juicy and refreshing drinking experience.