The Mystery Of Grapefruit In Ipas: Fact Or Fiction?

Grapefruit flavors are common in beers, especially among American Pale/IPA beers. However, the grapefruit flavor in IPAs usually comes from hop cones, which are not similar to real grapefruits. While most IPAs do not contain grapefruit, some brewers experiment with adding grapefruit to their IPAs.

Grapefruit is a flavour profile in some hops

The Cascade hop, in particular, can give off grapefruit notes and is often used in American Pale Ales and IPAs. It has moderate bitterness and versatile floral, citrus, and even spicy characteristics, making it one of the most popular hops for craft brewing.

The Chinook hop, a popular and versatile variety, also has grapefruit notes along with pine and resin characteristics. It is known for its strong, smooth aroma and intense citrus flavours.

The Citra hop is another popular choice, known for its intense citrus aromas and flavours, including grapefruit, melon, lime, and other tropical fruit notes. Beers made with Citra hops are often compared to drinking juice due to their strong fruit presence.

The Mosaic hop, a relatively new profile, introduces earthy, floral, and fruity aromas and flavours, with grapefruit being one of the key notes. It creates a unique single-hop beer that tastes like a multi-hopped profile.

The Simcoe hop, used in the user's homebrew recipe, is also known for its grapefruit flavour. It is one of the "big American 'C-hops'" and is often used in American IPAs to impart citrusy and grapefruit characteristics.

While grapefruit is a flavour profile naturally present in some hops, brewers can also add grapefruit to a beer during the brewing process. This is usually done by adding grapefruit peels or zest to the secondary fermenter, which imparts a subtle grapefruit aroma and flavour to the beer.

IPAs rarely contain actual grapefruit

The confusion likely arises from the prominent grapefruit-like flavours present in many IPAs. Certain hop varieties, such as Cascade and Simcoe, are known for their strong citrus characteristics, which can closely resemble the taste and aroma of grapefruit. These hops are commonly used in American IPAs, contributing to the perception of grapefruit flavours in this style.

It is important to distinguish between the flavour profile of a beer and the actual ingredients used. While IPAs may taste or smell like grapefruit, it does not necessarily mean that grapefruit was added to the brew. The grapefruit character is created by the specific combination of hops and other ingredients, resulting in a complex flavour profile that may include grapefruit notes.

In rare cases, brewers may experiment with adding grapefruit to their IPAs. This usually involves using grapefruit peels or zest, as the fruit itself can add too much tart bitterness. Even in these cases, the addition of grapefruit is not a standard practice and is often done as a unique twist on the traditional IPA.

Therefore, while IPAs may evoke grapefruit flavours, it is primarily due to the hops and brewing techniques employed. Actual grapefruit is seldom used in IPAs, and when it is, it is typically done in small batches or as a variation on the classic style.

Cascade hops can give off grapefruit notes

It is a common misconception that IPAs contain grapefruit. While some IPAs may have a strong grapefruit aroma and flavour, this is usually due to the presence of certain hops, such as Cascade hops, which can give off grapefruit notes.

Cascade hops, pioneered in the 1950s and released for cultivation in 1972, are one of the most popular American hops. They are particularly well-suited to any ale and lager but are especially popular in American Pale Ales. They have a medium-strength aroma that provides a unique floral and spicy character with well-balanced bittering potential.

The distinct spicy citrus aroma of Cascade hops can be attributed to their development through the open pollination of the English variety Fuggle and the Russian variety Serebrianka. The result is a hop with a flowery and spicy, citrus-like quality with a slight grapefruit characteristic. This grapefruit flavour is so prominent in Cascade hops that they are often thought to actually contain grapefruit. However, it is rare for IPAs to contain any grapefruit at all.

While Cascade hops are well-known for their grapefruit notes, other hops can also impart similar flavours and aromas. For example, Simcoe hops are often described as "Cascade on steroids" and are known for their grapefruit, passion fruit, pine, and berry characteristics. Amarillo hops also have a distinct flowery, spicy, tropical, citrus-like flavour and aroma, with grapefruit being one of the secondary descriptors.

So, while IPAs may not contain any grapefruit, the use of certain hops, such as Cascade, Simcoe, and Amarillo, can give them a strong grapefruit presence.

St. Peter's Grapefruit Beer is a wheat beer with added grapefruit

Grapefruit flavours are commonly found in beers, especially in American Pale/IPA. However, these flavours are usually derived from hop cones, which are not similar to real grapefruits. St. Peter's Grapefruit Beer is a unique exception. It is a wheat beer with added grapefruit, produced by the famous English brewery St. Peter's Brewery.

St. Peter's Grapefruit Beer is distinct from other grapefruit-flavoured beers in that it contains natural grapefruit flavour. While it may not be mistaken for an IPA, it has its own unique character. The addition of grapefruit to this well-designed beer gives it a subtle hint of sweetness and a refreshing quality, making it a great summer drink.

The grapefruit flavour in St. Peter's Grapefruit Beer is not as prominent as one might expect. The light malt body, high carbonation, and mild yet flavourful yeast and hop notes are the key characteristics of this beer. The grapefruit adds a touch of uniqueness, nuance, and sweetness, but it falls short of being exceptional. The artificial taste of the added grapefruit stands out when compared to the more natural flavours of the wheat beer.

Despite this, St. Peter's Grapefruit Beer is still a refreshing and easy-drinking beer. It has a fruity and bready aroma, and while it may not appeal to grapefruit purists, it is a tasty light beer that is perfect for those who enjoy citrus candy flavours. Overall, St. Peter's Grapefruit Beer is a well-crafted brew that showcases the creativity and expertise of St. Peter's Brewery.

You can make your own grapefruit IPA at home

Crafting your own grapefruit IPA at home is a fun and rewarding process that will leave you with a delicious, refreshing beer. This guide will take you through the steps to create your own citrusy brew, including the ingredients and equipment you'll need, as well as some helpful tips to ensure a successful outcome.

Ingredients and Equipment

To make a grapefruit IPA, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Grapefruit
• Hops (such as Amarillo, Centennial, Citra, and Cascade)
• Malt
• Yeast
• Fresh grapefruit juice
• Grapefruit zest

In terms of equipment, you will need:

• A brewing kettle
• A fermenter
• Bottling equipment
• A scrub brush
• A potato/vegetable peeler
• A lemon zester
• Small Tupperware

The Brewing Process

The brewing process for a grapefruit IPA can be broken down into several steps:

• Start by washing and scrubbing your grapefruits. You'll want to use about 3-4 grapefruits for every 5 gallons of beer.
• Use a potato peeler to peel the grapefruits, taking wide pieces of the skin without going too deep into the white, bitter pith.
• Peel all but one grapefruit, and then zest the remaining skin with a lemon zester.
• Place the zest and peels in a Tupperware container and cover with vodka. Let this mixture sit in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
• Mash the grains and boil the wort, adding the hops at different intervals.
• During the cooling of the wort, add the grapefruit infusion to your brew, ensuring that the zest and peels are properly incorporated.
• Follow the remaining steps of the brewing process, including fermentation and carbonation.

Helpful Tips

• Use the freshest ingredients possible for the best flavour.
• Be precise when following the recipe, and take notes throughout the process so you can refine your techniques for future brews.
• Clean and sanitise all equipment before and after use to ensure a successful brew.

By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to crafting a delicious and refreshing grapefruit IPA that's uniquely your own. Enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create your perfect brew.

Frequently asked questions