Lion Brewery – Stegmaier IPA In The Tank

As promised, your daily “fix” of Stegmaier IPA info.  The guys tell me Stegmaier IPA is resting comfortably in Tank 25.  Codenamed “Reaper” this brew has 400lbs of hops and finished out at 17-degrees plato and 105.9 IBU, but keep in mind this will likely wind up around 75-85 IBS in the finished beer.  The basic recipe includes light crystal, Munich and wheat malt with bittering hops from Galena and Centennial and a MASSIVE late-hop addition courtesy of Cascade & Nugget.  This is by far the largest hop bill the Lion has EVER had for one recipe and keep in mind this is a small batch of only 200 barrels.  To quote the guys…”It was awesome…leaving work today, the entire Valley smelled like hops!”

It’s my understanding there is some debate about the release of the IPA and Stegmaier Pale Ale timing.  Te intent was to formulate both beers to compliment each other with the IPA being the big beer for dedicated hopheads and the Pale Ale being for those whose palate can’t necessarily embrace the IPA.  The Pale Ale will be a true session beer coming in at around 4.5% ABV, but with a very clean hop-centric character that allows you to enjoy 5 maybe 6 crisp clean hoppy beers…and still get to work the next day.

More updates to come and if all goes well…maybe even some samples in April….Stay tuned and feel free to scour the photos for any secret details. 

You guys excited yet??