Homebrew: Bottle Logic Fundamental

mnccertified

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Dec 18, 2024

34 visitor like this post

Share

Homebrew: A Deep Dive into Bottle Logic Fundamental

Bottle Logic Fundamental, a hazy IPA brewed by the renowned California brewery, has quickly become a cult classic among craft beer enthusiasts. Its unique flavor profile and highly sought-after status make it a prime target for homebrewers looking to replicate this exceptional beer. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of brewing a homebrew version of Bottle Logic Fundamental, focusing on key techniques and ingredients to achieve the closest possible approximation.

Understanding Bottle Logic Fundamental's Profile

Before diving into the recipe, let's dissect what makes Fundamental so special. It's known for its:

• Hazy Appearance: This is achieved through the use of significant amounts of flaked oats and wheat, contributing to a creamy mouthfeel.
• Juicy, Tropical Fruit Aromas: Abundant hop additions, often featuring Citra, Mosaic, and other modern varietals, create intense aromas of mango, pineapple, and passionfruit.
• Balanced Bitterness: While intensely aromatic, Fundamental isn't excessively bitter, allowing the fruit-forward flavors to shine.
• Smooth, Soft Mouthfeel: The addition of flaked grains, along with proper fermentation techniques, contributes to its remarkably smooth texture.

Homebrew Recipe: Approximating Bottle Logic Fundamental

This recipe is an approximation, as the exact recipe for Bottle Logic Fundamental is proprietary. However, it aims to capture the essence of the beer through careful selection of ingredients and brewing techniques.

Batch Size: 5 gallons (19 liters)

Original Gravity (OG): 1.070 - 1.075

Final Gravity (FG): 1.012 - 1.015

IBU (International Bitterness Units): 30-35

ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 7-8%

Ingredients:

• Grains:
  • 12 lbs (5.4 kg) Pale Malt (2-Row)
  • 1 lb (0.45 kg) Flaked Oats
  • 1 lb (0.45 kg) Flaked Wheat
• Hops: (This is where you can experiment to find your perfect hop blend – remember to check for availability)
  • 1 oz (28g) Citra hops (60 min boil)
  • 1 oz (28g) Mosaic hops (15 min boil)
  • 1 oz (28g) Citra hops (5 min boil)
  • 1 oz (28g) Mosaic hops (Dry Hop - 7 days)
  • 1 oz (28g) Citra hops (Dry Hop - 7 days)
• Yeast: A hazy IPA yeast strain known for producing fruity esters and phenols. White Labs WLP001 California Ale Yeast or Wyeast 1056 American Ale Yeast are good starting points.
• Water: Use filtered or spring water for optimal results.

Brewing Process:

1. Mash: Mash grains at 152°F (67°C) for 60 minutes.
2. Sparge: Sparge with 170°F (77°C) water to collect approximately 6.5 gallons (24.6 liters) of wort.
3. Boil: Boil for 60 minutes, adding hops according to the schedule above.
4. Cool: Cool wort to 68°F (20°C) as quickly as possible.
5. Fermentation: Pitch yeast and ferment at 68°F (20°C) for 2-3 weeks.
6. Dry Hop: Add dry hops for 7 days.
7. Package: Bottle or keg your beer. Consider using gelatin finings to reduce haze if desired (though it might detract from the style).

Tips for Success:

• Water Chemistry: Adjust your water profile to optimize for hop utilization and yeast health. Many online resources can help you calculate the ideal water profile for your recipe.
• Yeast Health: Ensure your yeast is healthy and properly pitched for optimal fermentation.
• Temperature Control: Maintain consistent fermentation temperatures for best results.
• Hop Selection: Experiment with different hop combinations to find your preferred flavor profile.

Beyond the Recipe: Mastering the Hazy IPA

Creating a truly exceptional hazy IPA goes beyond just following a recipe. It requires understanding the nuances of hop selection, fermentation management, and the role of different ingredients in shaping the final product. Consider exploring resources on advanced brewing techniques to further refine your homebrewing skills and consistently produce high-quality hazy IPAs.

By following this guide and continuously refining your process, you'll be well on your way to brewing a homebrew worthy of comparison to the legendary Bottle Logic Fundamental. Remember to always prioritize sanitation and safety in your brewing process. Cheers!