Homebrew 203 Imperial India Pale Ale

By scot in Beer, Home Brewing, Lounge on Sunday, December 11th, 2011

American Imperial India Pale Ale is one of my favorite styles of American craft beer. It only took me 27 batches of beer before I brewed one of my own. I really don’t know what I was waiting for but I am glad the day has finally come.

I brewed 203 about seven weeks ago as I let it sit in primary for four weeks, then dry hopped for a week, and two weeks bottle conditioning. I shared a bomber with Chuck who happened to be over to pick up grains from today’s brew day, which I will comment on tomorrow. 203 is dry hopped with Amarillo and Galaxy hops.

The beer came out as I imagined and was quite drinkable in spite of a high ABV and IBU values. Chuck liked it which also makes me happy to hear a fellow home brewer appreciates my hard work.

Close to the finish of this beer I brought up the fact that I had also aged a gallon of this beer on an oak spiral. Chuck was game. In spite of the beer being cellar temperature, this beer turned out fantastic. Better than I expected. Darker in color and actually smoother in the finish than the non-oak version, Oaked 203 is my new favorite home brew. Enjoy!

Useless Fact: Stage bows were originally devised as a way for actors to thank the audience. The audience would or would not acknowledge each of the actors in turn, depending on how much they enjoyed the performances.