When it comes to making a New England IPA (NEIPA), there are three key elements that contribute to its unique characteristics: the grain, the yeast, and the hops. Each of these components plays a crucial role in defining what makes a NEIPA a NEIPA.
1. Grain: The choice of grain is an important factor in creating the distinctive qualities of a NEIPA. While barley malt is a staple in most beers, NEIPAs often incorporate higher protein grains like wheat or oats. These adjunct grains contribute to a fuller, creamier mouthfeel and a thicker body in the finished beer. The use of these adjuncts gives the NEIPA a smooth and silky texture that sets it apart from other IPA styles.
2. Yeast: The yeast used in brewing a NEIPA is typically a specific strain known for its ability to produce fruity and estery flavors. This yeast strain often accentuates the tropical and citrusy hop character, enhancing the overall juiciness of the beer. Additionally, the yeast may not fully flocculate, meaning it remains in suspension and contributes to the hazy appearance commonly associated with NEIPAs. This haze is a defining characteristic of the style and adds to its visual appeal.
3. Hops: Hops play a vital role in any IPA, and NEIPAs are no exception. However, the way hops are used in NEIPAs differs from traditional IPAs. Instead of focusing primarily on bitterness, NEIPAs emphasize hop flavor and aroma. This is achieved by adding hops late in the brewing process, during whirlpooling or dry hopping. These late additions maximize the hop oils and aromatics while minimizing bitterness. The hops used in NEIPAs often feature fruity, tropical, and citrusy profiles, contributing to the beer's juicy and vibrant character.
In addition to these three key elements, there are a few other factors that contribute to the NEIPA style:
1. Water chemistry: Paying attention to water chemistry is crucial in brewing a NEIPA. The water profile should be adjusted to create a softer mouthfeel and accentuate the hop flavors. This may involve adjusting the mineral content, pH levels, or using specific water treatment methods.
2. Carbonation levels: NEIPAs typically have a lower carbonation level compared to other IPA styles. This lower carbonation enhances the beer's smooth and creamy mouthfeel, allowing the flavors to linger on the palate.
3. Storage and serving: NEIPAs are best enjoyed fresh to fully appreciate their vibrant hop flavors and aromas. They are often packaged in cans to protect the beer from light and oxygen, which can degrade the hop character over time. It is recommended to store and serve NEIPAs at a slightly higher temperature than other beers to enhance the aroma and flavor.
A NEIPA is characterized by a combination of higher protein grains (such as wheat or oats) for a silky mouthfeel, a specific yeast strain for fruity and estery flavors, and late hop additions for intense hop flavor and aroma. These elements, along with careful consideration of water chemistry, carbonation levels, and storage conditions, contribute to the unique and highly sought-after qualities of a NEIPA.