The NEIPA Water Treatment
The New England IPA (NEIPA), emerged in the early 2010s as a response to the increasingly hop-forward West Coast IPAs, offering a smoother, juicier, and hazier alternative. Pioneered by breweries like The Alchemist and Tree House, NEIPAs became known for their soft mouthfeel, juicy hop character, and appearance with a cloudy haze. This haze comes from a combination of high-protein grains, such as oats and wheat, and careful dry-hopping techniques.
The water profile in NEIPA plays a significant role in the overall experience, especially the balance of brewing salts like chloride, sulfate, and calcium. Higher chloride levels (200 ppm) accentuate the smooth, fuller mouthfeel, contributing to the beer’s roundness and softness. Lower sulfate levels (75 ppm) ensure that the beer's bitterness remains subdued, allowing the juicy, fruity hop flavors to shine through without a harsh finish. Maintaining calcium levels under 150 ppm helps stabilize the beer’s body and enhances the overall mouthfeel. These carefully balanced water adjustments help accentuate the juicy, fruity flavors and create a smooth, drinkable beer that's beloved by craft beer enthusiasts for its velvety, satisfying finish.
Pricing
We offer a water treatment packet for NEIPA brewing to optimize your water profile. The pricing for our service is as follows:
With an extra fee of $1.50 for a 5-gallon batch, $1.75 for a 10-gallon batch, and $2.00 for a 15-gallon batch, you will receive the following:
- One packet for the final 5 minutes of the boil to achieve the target levels of chloride, sulfate, and calcium.
With all three packets combined (Mash, Sparge, and Boil) it will allow you to achieve the ideal water profile for mash efficiency and the NEIPA final mouthfeeel, ensuring that your beer has the optimal balance of juiciness and smooth mouthfeel.
Order Water Treatment Packets