When brewing an India Pale Lager (IPL), the key is to honor the “L” in lager while also introducing a balanced hop profile. It’s not simply about turning an IPA into a lager, but rather creating a beer that highlights the distinct qualities of lager yeast and malt, while still showcasing hops in a way that complements, rather than overwhelms, the overall flavor.
Defining the Lager Style
What truly defines a lager? While the debate could continue indefinitely, the essence of a lager lies in its malt-forward profile, coupled with the unique characteristics imparted by lager yeast. Unlike ales, which often have a pronounced fruity fermentation profile, lagers tend to offer a smoother, more subdued fermentation character. In lagers such as the German pils, you’ll find crisp, grainy flavors with a hint of sulfur. On the other hand, a Bohemian pilsner typically carries a subtle diacetyl note alongside rich malt flavors, balanced by the distinctive bitterness of Saaz hops. When brewing an IPL, the goal is to combine these elements—soft malt complexity, a touch of fermentation character, and a hop-forward profile—without sacrificing the integrity of the lager style.
Key Ingredients for an India Pale Lager
This beer should not be a stripped-down, adjunct-heavy version of an IPA. It’s about creating a malt character that serves as a solid foundation for the hops. Begin with a 50/50 blend of Maris Otter and Munich malts. For a lighter body and less malty depth, feel free to swap in some pilsner malt. To enhance the malt complexity, include layers of biscuit malt and a small amount of Caramunich, which will add a rich, light-malt flavor that pairs perfectly with the hops.
When selecting hops, avoid varieties that are too resinous or piney. Instead, choose hops that offer tropical or earthy flavors, such as German Polaris, which provides a balance of pineapple and woodsy notes with a subtle herbal edge. If you prefer blending hops, consider combining Northern Brewer with Amarillo or Citra for a similar flavor profile. Aiming for an IBU range of 45-50, all hops should be added at the 30-minute mark or later to maintain a clean bitterness without overpowering the beer’s malt backbone.
For yeast, the Wyeast Bavarian Lager strain is highly recommended. It adds a slight maltiness while retaining the lager’s characteristic smoothness, ensuring the hops and malt can coexist harmoniously.
Brewing Process and Considerations
Water profile plays a critical role in balancing bitterness and enhancing malt flavors. Adding chloride can soften the profile and minimize sharp bitterness. If your water is particularly hard, consider diluting it with distilled or reverse-osmosis water for a more rounded finish. It’s best to avoid dry hopping this beer, as it can introduce grassy or resinous flavors that overpower the delicate balance between hops and malt. Instead, focus on increasing late-hop additions if you need to adjust the hop aroma or flavor.
During fermentation, a slightly warmer temperature than usual for lagering is recommended, around 55°F (13°C). This slight increase in fermentation temperature will encourage a bit more fermentation character, enhancing the overall complexity while still keeping the beer’s clean lager qualities intact.
By following these steps and focusing on balance, you can craft a refreshing and flavorful India Pale Lager that respects both the lager style and the hop-forward nature of an IPA.
You Might Be Interested In:
