Eye Patch Ale (or How I Fell In Love With a Pirate)
This summer’s focus has been on refining a handful of beers that we think hold the most promise as MNB flagship launch beers. So at the end of August, what do we have to show for it? Let’s start with the Eye Patch Ale (originally Swashchuckler IPA).
The goal with our IPA was to make a moderately hoppy brew with a bit more maltiness and body than the typical American IPA. This summer we’ve made a few small tweaks to get it just where we want it. The key changes:
- We’ve been using Cascade and Simcoe hops for flavor and aroma additions, and finally got the mix right. Too much Simcoe early on tasted a bit too much like freshly cut grass (which our cow friends thought was not a big deal - sorry, Bessie).
- Consistent yeast starters have given us attenuation rates at around 70-75%.
- A slightly lower fermentation temperature of 67-68 degrees from 72 degrees has given a cleaner, crisper finish, made possible by Joel’s space-age fermentation chamber.
- A new name (Eye Patch Ale) that isn’t quite as confusing (Wait, it’s a pirate, but a clown? And this makes sense how?), but maintains a pirate theme. Because we still love pirates.
The result? Our Eye-PA is our proudest beer - it’s a beer that I go for over almost any craft IPA. It’s also converted a number of MNB regulars to hop-heads.
Jonathan, Joel & Jeff
August 27th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Not to nitpick, but your “About” page still references the Swashchuckler. Okay, yes to nitpick.
Hope to make it out to another Monday night soon.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:45 am
I hope to sample the Eye PA (and your other fine beers), well, ever.
August 27th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Tony, thanks for being so annoyingly efficient. But seriously, thanks. But seriously, WTF?
August 30th, 2008 at 10:29 am
This may not matter, but I just remembered that Steamworks in Durango makes an “Eye” PA/IPA.
http://steamworksbrewing.com/main/do/Third_Eye_Pale_Ale
September 1st, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Careful, a combo of Cascade and Simcoe is awfully close to what they’re putting in the IPA at another Atlanta brewery.
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:25 am
Chris, I’d wager there are 15 commercial IPA’s out there with Cascade and Simcoe. They’re pretty versatile and different malt profiles highlight very different elements of the hop flavors. Even a slight increase in Simcoe particularly has a drastic swing on flavor.