Recipe: Bottle Logic Fundamental – A Deep Dive into Brewing This Award-Winning IPA
Bottle Logic's Fundamental isn't just an IPA; it's a legend. This award-winning beer, known for its intensely juicy, citrusy, and resinous character, has captivated craft beer enthusiasts worldwide. While you can't replicate the exact brewery magic at home, this guide will help you brew a remarkably close approximation of this celebrated beer, focusing on replicating its key characteristics and flavor profile. We'll cover ingredient selection, brewing process, and even offer some tips for achieving that signature Bottle Logic haze.
Understanding the Fundamental Flavor Profile
Before diving into the recipe, let's break down what makes Fundamental so special. Think:
- Massive Citrus & Tropical Fruit Aromas: Expect intense notes of grapefruit, mango, passionfruit, and pineapple.
- Resinous & Piney Hops: A significant hop presence delivers a pleasant bitterness balanced by the juicy fruit character.
- Soft, Hazy Body: Fundamental boasts a smooth, creamy mouthfeel that contributes significantly to its drinkability.
- Balanced Bitterness: While hoppy, the bitterness is well-integrated and doesn't overpower the other flavors.
This isn't your typical "piney" IPA; it's a nuanced and complex brew requiring careful consideration of hop selection and fermentation techniques.
The Homebrew Recipe: Approximating Bottle Logic Fundamental
This recipe aims for a 5-gallon batch and is designed to be scalable. Adjust quantities proportionally for larger or smaller brews.
Style: New England IPA (NEIPA)
Original Gravity (OG): 1.070 - 1.075
Final Gravity (FG): 1.012 - 1.015
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 6.5% - 7.5%
Bitterness (IBU): 60 - 70
Color (SRM): 6 - 8
Ingredients:
- Grains:
- 12 lbs Pale Malt (2-Row or Maris Otter) Provides the base malt sweetness.
- 1 lb Flaked Oats Adds body and haze.
- 1 lb Flaked Wheat Contributes to the soft mouthfeel.
- Hops: (Remember, hop variety is crucial for replicating the flavor. Experimentation is key!)
- 1 oz Citra (60 min boil) Adds citrus and tropical fruit notes.
- 1 oz Mosaic (15 min boil) Contributes to the overall hop aroma.
- 1 oz Simcoe (5 min boil) Provides piney and resinous character.
- 2 oz Citra (Dry Hop - 7 days) Intensifies citrus and tropical fruit aromas.
- 1 oz Mosaic (Dry Hop - 7 days) Further enhances the hop aroma complexity.
- 1 oz Amarillo (Dry Hop - 7 days) Adds a subtle fruity and citrusy complexity.
- Yeast: Wyeast 1056 (American Ale) or White Labs WLP001 (California Ale) These yeasts contribute to a clean fermentation and allow the hop flavors to shine.
Note: You can substitute hops based on availability, but try to maintain a similar aroma profile. Consider using a combination of hops known for their citrusy and tropical fruit characteristics.
Brewing Process:
- Mash: Mash grains at 152°F (67°C) for 60 minutes.
- Sparge: Sparge with 170°F (77°C) water to collect approximately 6.5 gallons of wort.
- Boil: Boil for 60 minutes, adding hops according to the schedule above.
- Cool: Cool the wort quickly to 68°F (20°C).
- Fermentation: Pitch yeast and ferment at 68°F (20°C) for 2 weeks.
- Dry Hop: Add dry hops for 7 days.
- Package: Package your beer in bottles or kegs.
Tips for Achieving a Hazy Finish:
- Use Flaked Grains: Flaked oats and wheat contribute significantly to the hazy appearance.
- Avoid Excessive Whirlpooling: Aggressive whirlpool techniques can clarify the beer. A gentler whirlpool is recommended.
- Minimize Oxygen Exposure: Keep oxygen exposure to a minimum during the brewing process to prevent oxidation and maintain haze.
- Chill Carefully: Rapid temperature changes can negatively impact the haze. Chill your beer slowly.
Conclusion: Brewing Your Own Fundamental
While perfectly replicating Bottle Logic's Fundamental is a challenge, this recipe provides a strong foundation for brewing a delicious and remarkably similar NEIPA. Remember, brewing is an iterative process. Experiment with different hop combinations and techniques to find what works best for your palate. Enjoy the journey, and cheers to your homebrewed masterpiece!
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