M-80 (Version 2)

8 Pounds of light DME is used as the base of the malt to create a solid body and relatively high ABV%. Before the DME is added, a 1/2 pound of American Crystal 10L is steeped for 20 minutes (150-170 degrees F) to add body and mouthful without an abundance of flavor and very little color. Along with the 10L will be a 1/2 pound of American Crystal 60L to add complexity to the flavor and mouthfeel, and to add a little color to the beer.

For the yeast, American Ale 1056 by wyeast is the best bet for a clean dry finishing ale that does not invite unexpected or unwanted flavor profile changes to the signature characteristics of a hoppy American IPA.

The beer will be single hopped with Citra (AA ~13.4%). 1 oz is added at 60 minutes to start your quaff with a hoppy bang. A 1/2 oz addition at 30 minutes and a 1/2 oz addition at 15 minutes is to ensure a consistent hop presence throughout the experience of a sip. FInally, 2 oz are added with 5 minutes remaining to provide this hoppy IPA with its' characteristic bitter finish.

Note: This beer is not in the hop happy direction that many nascent American micro-breweries are trending towards. However, the hop presence is definitely noticeable. To elucidate with a comparison, think of this beer as being like a Bell's Two Hearted pale ale with a more distinguished citrusy hop presence.