A five-gallon New England IPA recipe employing Cascade hops represents a specific approach to brewing this popular beer style. It defines both the batch size and a key ingredient affecting the beer’s aroma and flavor. Cascade, a hop variety known for its citrus and floral characteristics, contributes prominently to the overall profile of the resulting beer, differentiating it from NEIPAs utilizing other hop varietals. For instance, a five-gallon batch using Citra hops would yield a different flavor profile compared to one employing Cascade.
The use of Cascade in a NEIPA offers benefits like imparting notes of grapefruit and floral aromas, aligning with the desired juicy and hazy qualities characteristic of the style. Historically, while not traditionally associated with NEIPAs (which often showcase newer hop varieties), Cascade’s availability and distinct flavor profile make it a viable and potentially cost-effective option. It allows brewers to experiment with creating a NEIPA that deviates slightly from the more common tropical fruit-forward hop profiles while still maintaining the beer’s overall character. Furthermore, using well-established hops like Cascade provides a consistent and predictable brewing experience.
