BJCP 21B · IPA
Brut IPA
A very pale, extremely dry IPA with high carbonation, low bitterness and fruity hop aroma. Light-bodied, it's reminiscent of sparkling wine.
Brut IPA by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 6.0 – 7.5%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 20 – 30 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 2 – 4 SRM4–8 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.046 – 1.057on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 0.990 – 1.004on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Brut IPA is like
A very pale IPA, dried out as far as it goes with enzymes, bubbly like a brut sparkling wine and low in bitterness. The hops come through mainly as fruity aroma and flavor, without the bitter punch of an American IPA.
Appearance
Very pale straw to pale gold, clear to slightly hazy. Abundant white head, though it may not last long.
Aroma
Medium to high intensity hops, fruity or tropical, over nearly imperceptible malt. No caramel at all.
Flavor
Fruity hops over a neutral malt base, low to moderate bitterness and an extremely dry finish with no residual sweetness.
Mouthfeel
Very light body, very high carbonation and some alcohol warmth that the dryness makes more noticeable.
Where Brut IPA comes from
It was created in San Francisco in 2017 at Social Kitchen & Brewery, using the enzyme amyloglucosidase to make an IPA as dry as sparkling wine. It took off fast and the BJCP added it to the specialty IPAs.
Ingredients
Pilsner or very light pale malt, sometimes with adjuncts like rice or corn, and no caramel malt. Fruity American or New World hops, a clean ale yeast and the enzyme amyloglucosidase.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Brut IPA at home
Add amyloglucosidase in the fermenter or in the mash to convert the unfermentable sugars, and ferment at 18–20 °C (64–68 °F) with a clean yeast. Put nearly all the hops in the whirlpool and the dry hop so the bitterness stays low. Carbonate high, to about 3 volumes of CO₂, and use bottles that can handle it.
Food pairing
A good match for oysters, sushi or salted nuts as an appetizer.
Glassware: tulip glass, it concentrates the aroma and holds the head.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Brut IPA?
Between 6.0% and 7.5% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a high strength.
How bitter is Brut IPA?
It has 20 to 30 IBUs, a moderate bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Brut IPA?
Straw to yellow: 2 to 4 SRM (4 to 8 EBC).
What food pairs well with Brut IPA?
A good match for oysters, sushi or salted nuts as an appetizer.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try American IPA and White IPA.
If you like Brut IPA, try these
Classification and statistics: official Brut IPA guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.