Brewing with Phantasm
Phantasm is a powder made from Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc grapes. They are incredibly rich in Thiol precursors, which when added correctly to a fermenting beer, can unlock rich, Strong tropical fruit aromas.
Alright, fellow beer geeks, nerds and lovers - let's talk about kickin' your IPA game into overdrive. If you're all about getting your hands dirty and brewing up some real flavorful magic, you're going to want to hear about Phantasm Powder. Yeah, you heard me right – we're talkin' about that secret ingredient that's gonna make your IPAs stand out like a toolbox in a library (The Community Brew Shop is not advocating taking your tools to the library lol).
First things first, let's break down what this Phantasm Powder is all about. It's like the secret sauce of the brewing world, a blend of fruits, herbs, and stuff that's gonna make your taste buds do a dance.
Why Phantasm Powder for Your IPAs?
Now, you might be wondering', "Why should I mess with my tried and true IPA recipe?" Well, let me tell ya, it's like giving your IPA a makeover – the kind that turns heads and gets people talking. If you're lookin' to mix things up and create an IPA that's gonna make folks say, "What's in this?!" then Phantasm Powder is your ticket. Many smaller producers in NB have already starting experimenting with this additive, so lets talk about what has worked for us when brewing with Phantasm.
Picking the Right Hops
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of this. You might be wondering', "What kind of hops work best with this Phantasm Powder voodoo?" Hops like Citra, Amarillo, and Mosaic are like the dream team here. They've got those fruity, citrusy vibes that can totally groove with the Phantasm magic. Imagine a blend of tropical punch and a pine forest – that's the kind of combo we're talking about. Many popular varieties of hops found in the new age NEIPA style work well, and really shine with the addition of Phantasm Powder. Remember, the powder is meant to enhance the hop aroma and flavour - so for a first test with this additive we recommend using hops you are familiar with so that you have a baseline to compare you results with.
Balancing Act: Making Your Flavors Pop
Look, when it comes to brewing, it's all about balance. You don't wanna go throwing a whole order of Phantasm Powder in there like it's confetti at a party. Start small - a little sprinkle goes a long way. You want to enhance those hop and malt flavors, not drown them out. So, start with a pinch, taste as you go, and find that sweet spot where the Phantasm and your hops do a dance on your tongue. See the paragraph above about using hops you are familiar with as a starting point.
Aroma that Wows
Picture this: you crack open a bottle or pour a pint of your freshly brewed IPA, and before it even hits your lips, you're hit with an aroma that's like a bouquet of awesomeness. Phantasm Powder has this knack for amping up the aromas like a rockstar at a concert. Think about hops with floral and fruity notes – Simcoe, Cascade, and Centennial are your buddies here. They'll team up with the Phantasm to give you an aroma that'll make you wanna dive right in.
Let Your Freak(ish) Flag Fly
Phantasm Powder is your playground, your canvas, your chance to go wild. While we recommend starting slow, don't just stick with the usual suspects after an attempt or two with Phantasm – experiment, explore, and let your freak flag fly. How about a blueberry-infused IPA with a hint of sage? Or a peachy IPA with a twist of thyme? The sky's the limit, my friend. Don't be afraid to get a little crazy. Phantasm primarily enhances hop aroma and taste, but that doesn't mean that's the only thing you can focus on. Remember, flavours compliment each other in meaningful ways in beer, so after you find your sweet spot with the powder be sure to expand your flavour offerings to get even more bang for your brew.
Craftsmanship and Consistency
Remember, brewing's like a skilled trade and you're about to try a new ingredient – you have to put in the time to hone your craft. When you're working with Phantasm Powder, keep a journal or expand upon the notes you already keep in a brewing log. Note down every sprinkle, every tweak, every "aha" moment. That way, when you hit that IPA gold, you'll know exactly how you got there. Consistency's key.
The Bottom Line
So there you have it, the lowdown on Phantasm Powder and how it's gonna level up your IPA game. It's like adding a turbo boost to your brew, giving it flavors and aromas that'll make heads turn and taste buds sing. Remember, it's about balance, creativity, and craftsmanship. So grab your hops, get that Phantasm Powder, and start brewing up a storm that's gonna have everyone raising their glasses to your down-to-earth brewing wizardry.
Cheers, and happy brewing.
Christian & Derek