Goose Island IPA - what's the skinny?

[adm]

I'm thinking of doing a Goose Island clone-ish beer in the near future, and there's been a few discussions on the recipe over the last few months....

So for those of you who have done it, what recipe did you use, how did it come out, and most importantly, having brewed and supped it, what would you change for next time?

(I've ordered a case of it from Beers of Europe which should be arriving tomorrow along with 8 beer crates , so I'll have to carefully consider all your recipes whilst working my way through it. As you can tell, it might take a lot of drinking to arrive at the final recipe conclusion....)

[aceuass]

This is from a local forum member over here and living here we get fresh Goose Island in most pubs
I keep meaning to do the tour but never find the time
13lbs Halcyon
9.5lbs Maris Otter
2.0lbs Crystal 55L

Mash at 158F

23.3 IBU Bittering Hop 60 Min
17 IBU Bittering Hop 30 Min (I used 1oz of Pacific Gem for each)
6 IBU Fuggle 15 Min
3 IBU Fuggle 10 Min
1oz Cascade 5 Min
.75oz Columbus 5 Min
1oz Centennial 5 Min
dry hop-1oz of Centennial, along with up to .5oz of Columbus.

Wyeast 1968 London ESB

10.5G Batch - 1.059 OG 58 IBU 10.3 SRM
they cold crash their fermentations. This will 'lock in' the FG where they want it, and add an element of sweetness that would otherwise ferment out.


They never did give a final verdict though

Cheers

Paul

[adm]

Good stuff - thanks Paul!

[DarloDave]

saving this recipe, gonna have a go at this sometime soon.

[adm]

Well.....I just thought to have a look on the Goose Island website (Doh!) and this is what they say about the IPA:

Brewmasters Notes:
Our IPA recalls a time when ales shipped from England to India were highly hopped to preserve their distinct taste during the long journey. The result is a hop lover’s dream with a fruity aroma, set off by a dry malt middle, and long hop finish.

Recipe Information:
Style: English Style India Pale Ale
Alcohol by Volume: 5.9%
International Bitterness Units: 55
Color: Bourbon
Hops: Styrian, Fuggle, Cascade, Centennial
Malts: Pale

So I think the hop type question is answered....very close to what Paul just posted, with the exception of Styrians.

I've not tried Centennial or Columbus but they seem to be characterised by resiny-piney-citrussy taste, which certainly makes sense give the taste of GIIPA. Centennial has been called a "super-Cascade" so I'm betting there's a fair old bit of that and Cascade in the finish. Maybe also Centennial for bittering as it's the highest alpha hop on the list.

They say "Pale" malt - but I bet there's also crystal in there for the colour and chewy sweetness.

To be honest though - despite the fact that they call this beer "English" style IPA, to me it tastes much more New World given the citrussy bitterness.

[aceuass]

Do you guys get Honkers Ale over there
I prefer this over the IPA
Honker's Ale
Brewmasters Notes:
Inspired by visits to English country pubs, Honker’s Ale combines a fruity hop aroma with a rich malt middle to create a perfectly balanced beer. Immensely drinkable, Honker’s Ale is not only the beer you can trust but one you’ll look forward to time and again.


Recipe Information:
Style: English Style Bitter
Alcohol By Volume: 4.2%
International Bitterness Units: 30
Color: Golden Sunset
Hops: Styrian Golding
Malts: 2 Row, Caramel, Wheat, Roasted Barley
Cheers
Paul

[adm]

We can certainly get it, although I haven't tried it.

They stock it at my local micro where I get my grain, so I'll pick up a couple of bottles next time I'm over there. Beer of Europe also sell it.

I do love the IPA though - it's just so right up my street...I'll give the Honkers Ale a go next ime I see it.

I also heard they did an Imperial IPA that I'd like to try but haven't seen anywhere yet.

[aceuass]

If I remember the imperial stout is seasonal and only around at Christmas time, I have never seen it in bottles though
Cheers
Paul