Bottle condition Peak

[Louz]

I'm sure answers will vary on this.

But for IPA's, in general, how many weeks of bottle conditioning before the beer reaches its peak flavor/aroma?

I have been experimenting myself with labeling and refrigerating different weeks to try and pinpoint the best conditioning length. Just curious what you guys have found.

 

[TwistedGray]

Single, double, or triple? What hops? What yeast? How was it brewed? Too many variables, BUT 1.5-3 weeks in my experience.

 

[cactusgarrett]

Technically, fermentation scrubs beer of hop essence and IPAs are freshest as early as possible anyway. By that rationale peak flavor/aroma is before you bottle, but that's not very practical/useful. Therefore, the optimal time is once it's sufficiently carbed, then drink early and often.

 

[hottpeper13]

There's a post on here where the bottles were sampled every day after 2 weeks and the end result was 31 days at ~70* was when the carbonation was perfect. For me those beers you talk about are best kegged and force carbed and consumed rite away.

 

[thehaze]

I think in most cases, more than 4 weeks is too much. I rarely brew/drink IPAs, but when I do, I drink them as fast as possible.

My latest one * 6.4% ABV ( OG: 1.060 / FG: 1.010 )+100% Golden Promise + All Citra and Amarillo - really great beer * was brewed on May 14, 2018 and bottled on May 26, 2018. It is now finished, and I had like 5.5 gallons of it in bottles. Fresh is best in most cases. Some IPAs will benefit from more time ( like 2 weeks and not months ), but not many. I like them fresh, dank, in your face.

 

[El Nino]

I personally like my IPA's after a week of conditioning, but it all depends what you like. The hop flavors are a little stronger (some might call it green beer), but I like the taste of the hops. I drink it as soon as it's carbed, but haven't tried any other styles. I recently brewed a golden ale which I may not sample until 2 weeks though. Made that one specifically for an upcoming party with mostly lighter beer drinkers, so going for a more smooth tasting beer for that.