Do I need to Dry Hop American IPA Beer?

[BigEasy]

I just purchased an American IPA kit and wondering if I need to Dry Hop this beer? Will it matter if I don't dry hop it?

[Jimmy]

I'd definitely dry hop it if you're looking for a nice hoppy aromatic IPA.

[BigEasy]

I'd definitely dry hop it if you're looking for a nice hoppy aromatic IPA.

Jimmy, I bought this kit and a bit new to all grain brewing. So would you use the Amarillo Gold from the kit to Dry Hop or buy additional hops?

[Jimmy]

Does the kit come with any instructions? What's the weight of the hops provided in the kit?

The kit may have came with both boiling hops and dry hops, or they may simply be your boil hops only.

[BigEasy]

Does the kit come with any instructions? What's the weight of the hops provided in the kit?

The kit may have came with both boiling hops and dry hops, or they may simply be your boil hops only.

Attached pic is what instructions came with the kit and I believe these would just be my boil hops...

[Jimmy]

Does the kit come with any instructions? What's the weight of the hops provided in the kit?

The kit may have came with both boiling hops and dry hops, or they may simply be your boil hops only.

Attached pic is what instructions came with the kit and I believe these would just be my boil hops...

That's correct. That brew sheet tells you when the hops should be added - the Amarillo goes in when the boil is finishing (also known as flameout). This will help with hop flavor/aroma.

You'll still end up with an IPA if you don't add dry hops, but IMO a good IPA needs to be dry hopped.

If it were me, I'd pick up at least a couple of ounces of hops for dry hopping. You add the hops to the fermenter once the beer is finished (or finishing) fermenting.

[jtmwhyte]

I just purchased an American IPA kit and wondering if I need to Dry Hop this beer?yes Will it matter if I don't dry hop it?yes

[jason.loxton]

This is probably already clear to you, but in case it isn't, the hop schedule (the times listed next to each weight of hops in the ingredient list) is in *countdown* order from 60 mins. That is, the 60 min addition is added at 60 mins from when you *stop* boiling, the 10 min at 10 mins before the end of the boil, and the 0 min right when you turn off your kettle and start chilling.

If you plan on or need to boil longer than 60 mins (because you end up with a lower pre-boil gravity than you'd hoped for) that's fine, but add the hops at the above schedule even if you're boiling for 90 mins or whatever (i.e., a 90 min boil would be: nothing for 30 mins; then the first addition; then nothing for another 50 mins; then the second edition; then five minutes later the third; and finally the last addition five minutes after that).

Note: You don't have to decide now whether yo dry hop or not. Take a sample once fermentation is complete and nose it. If you're happy with the aroma go with what you have. If you aren't go buy some dry hops and add them then. As long as your beer is in a sealed carboy you have a lengthy window to consider and add dry hops:)

[BigEasy]

This is probably already clear to you, but in case it isn't, the hop schedule (the times listed next to each weight of hops in the ingredient list) is in *countdown* order from 60 mins. That is, the 60 min addition is added at 60 mins from when you *stop* boiling, the 10 min at 10 mins before the end of the boil, and the 0 min right when you turn off your kettle and start chilling.

If you plan on or need to boil longer than 60 mins (because you end up with a lower pre-boil gravity than you'd hoped for) that's fine, but add the hops at the above schedule even if you're boiling for 90 mins or whatever (i.e., a 90 min boil would be: nothing for 30 mins; then the first addition; then nothing for another 50 mins; then the second edition; then five minutes later the third; and finally the last addition five minutes after that).

Note: You don't have to decide now whether yo dry hop or not. Take a sample once fermentation is complete and nose it. If you're happy with the aroma go with what you have. If you aren't go buy some dry hops and add them then. As long as your beer is in a sealed carboy you have a lengthy window to consider and add dry hops:)

Thanks for the Great info Jason!