Dead Set IPA — Extract Beer Kit

Dead Set IPA is a single-hop American IPA built entirely around Centennial hops, delivered across four additions including a dry hop. At 6.2% ABV and 70 IBU, it sits in the assertive-but-balanced range of the style — firm bitterness and a solid malt structure to keep it drinkable. Batch size is 20 litres. Ready to drink in approximately six weeks.

Flavour profile 

Aroma: citrus peel, fresh flowers, light pine — driven by late hop and dry hop additions. Mid-palate carries clean malt sweetness with light caramel warmth from the crystal malt component. Finish is dry and bitter, long enough to pull you back. Colour is pale amber. Mouthfeel is medium-bodied with crisp carbonation. The 70 IBU reads as firmly bitter rather than harsh — the malt bill holds the balance.

Why This Recipe Works

Single-hop builds like this are defined by addition timing. Dead Set uses four Centennial additions: early for alpha acid extraction and clean bitterness, late and dry for aromatic citrus and floral oils. Crystal malt adds body and residual sweetness without muddying hop character — the same structural principle behind most West Coast IPA grain bills. Mangrove Jacks Westcoast Ale yeast ferments clean at 18–22°C, contributing minimal ester character so the Centennial profile stays front and centre. OG 1.064 gives the malt enough presence to balance 70 IBU without tipping into sweetness.

When This Style Shines

• Works well if you're building hop addition timing skills before moving to multi-hop schedules.
• A strong choice when you want an IPA that's assertive but finishes dry rather than sweet and heavy.
• Good option for all-weather drinking — the firm carbonation and dry finish compensate for the 6.2% ABV.
• The beer to open for someone who says they don't like IPAs.

Batch Specs

Style	American IPA
ABV	6.2%
IBU	70
EBC	~12 (pale amber)*
OG	1.062 - 64
FG	~1.012* approx
Fermentation Temp	18–22°C
Batch Volume	20 L
Difficulty	Intermediate
Ready to Drink	~6 weeks

*Estimated — verify FG with hydrometer before packaging.

Whats in the box?

• Liquid malt extract— fermentable base; staggered additions during the boil improve hop utilisation and limit colour pickup.
• Crystal malt— adds body, light caramel warmth, and pale amber colour.
• Centennial hops— split across four additions: bittering, flavour, aroma, and dry hop.
• Mangrove Jacks M44 Westcoast Ale yeast— clean American ale strain, reliable attenuation, optimal at 18–22°C.
• Full step-by-step brewing instructions 

In the Glass

• Aroma: Citrus peel, fresh flowers, light pine resin — dry hop character is immediately present.
• Appearance: Pale amber, moderate clarity, off-white head.
• Flavour: Clean malt sweetness opening, light caramel mid-palate, firm bitterness from 70 IBU.
• Mouthfeel: Medium body, crisp carbonation.
• Finish: Dry, long, bitter — 70 IBU finish with minimal residual sweetness.

Comparison Note -

Comparable to Stone IPA and Sierra Nevada Torpedo in approach — single-hop focus, West Coast bitterness, clean yeast character. Dead Set sits below Torpedo's 7.2% ABV but matches on hop intensity. Lower resin character than most pine-forward West Coast IPAs; Centennial skews citrus and floral, making it more approachable at 70 IBU than a Simcoe or Chinook build at the same level. 

 Hamish's verdict

 

FAQ's

Q.What's the target final gravity?

Approximately 1.012 with M44 at 18–22°C. Confirm with two consistent readings 48 hours apart.

Q.What fermentation temperature gives the best result?

18°C produces the cleanest finish. Fermenting at 22°C is within M44's range but may slighltly increases ester production, which competes with Centennial's citrus character.

Q.How long does the dry hop take?

3–4 days at fermentation temperature. Allow for 24–48 hours after fermentation to drop hop material before bottling.

Is this kit suitable for beginners?

Intermediate. Four hop additions require timing and attention. 

Q.Can I bottle this?

Yes. Prime using carbonation drops. Condition at room temperature for for a minium of 3 weeks before refrigerating.

Q.Can I adjust the hop character?

Yes — extend the dry hop contact time before increasing addition size. An extra 3–4 days of contact often delivers more aroma than adding more hops.

Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team — April 2026

Last updated: April 2026