Whirlpool

In today’s hop-forward beers, whirlpool additions contribute many of the IBUs—yet the results are less clear-cut than adding to the boil. Research—some new, some not-so-new—may provide direction.

Steve Parker, cofounder and head brewer of Fidens in Albany, New York, explains the thinking behind their hot-side hopping, from kettle to whirlpool—and why he’s recently grown to love Strata.

Meeting expectations with a great saison means making careful choices with grains, hops, yeast, and fermentation. Julian Shrago, co-owner and brewmaster at Beachwood Brewing in Los Angeles, explains how they’ve adjusted theirs based on their own goals and judges’ feedback.

What was once an optional step for clarity has become virtually essential for packing flavor into IPAs and other hop-forward beers. Commercial brewers have specialized gear for it, while homebrewers—whether they realize it or not—also have everything they need for whirlpooling.

Brewers are experimenting with a variety of ways, old and new, to squeeze even more aroma and flavor from their hops and cram it into their beers. But how much hop saturation is too much for drinkers?

The brewmaster of Firestone Walker in Paso Robles, California, lays out the brewery’s methodical approach to blending hops for elevated flavors and aromas in distinctive IPAs.

Pull levers, turn knobs, spin wort—from whirlpools to “dip hopping,” here is a detailed look at some specific hot-side techniques and gear for dialing in substantial hop flavor and aroma.

Here is Adam Robbings of Reuben’s Brews on the key elements of brewing great, high-gravity, hazy IPAs. Surprise: It doesn’t start with the hops.

Fremont’s audacious approach to fresh-hop brewing produced about 2,500 barrels of the true seasonal last year. Getting 70,000 pounds of fresh hops from field to the brewhouse is no small challenge, but that’s only the start…

Rockwell's Jonathan Moxey explains their approach to hopping, from first-wort hops to an aroma-boosting whirlpool—and how to conduct a whirlpool on your home kit.