What Exactly is a Modern West Coast IPA?
I came across an excellent article from RahrBSG discussing the changes that are happening in the modern WCIPA. I am wondering if there will be a "schism" and the 2 schools will split, breaking West Coast IPA into 2 (or more) distinct presentations that both continue to live on. Surely there are fans of both and I admit to enjoying OG versions at times as much as I enjoy the newer, fruitier versions. I would say the Modern WCIPA can be taken too far with all the advanced hop products now available. The article gives the brewer some tips on modernizing your IPA recipes. Well worth a read.
From The Article:
West Coast IPAs have become significantly paler in color. Caramel and roasted malts are no longer acceptable, leading to beers that are lighter and more drinkable. Unlike Hazy IPAs, Modern WC IPAs are expected to be clear. Hop aroma and hop bitterness are still expected to headline the show, and attenuation should be high.
I would take it a step further and say that there should be 3 distinct styles of west coast IPA - the OG malt balanced piney almost amber version (1.0), the first gen of tropical golden hop forward versions (2.0) - something like Wicked Weed Pernicious or Stone IPA, and then the 3.0 current straw colored highly attenuated super tropical versions from the likes of brewers like North Park who are pushing the limits on the style!