WLP002 for an APA?

[gurtpint]

I think my next brew will be an American pale ale. Basically just pale malt with some crystal for body and maybe a touch of torrified wheat for head retention. Has anyone here brewed one using White Labs English Ale yeast? I do have a sachet of US-05, but I still have a few bottles of split 002 and I'd rather make use of it before it gets too old and save the dried yeast for a spur of the moment beer. Which hops might suit the yeast?

 

[dennisking]

Never done an APA but always found WLP002 a versatile yeast.

 

[gurtpint]

^ Never done an APA either, but if I'm not mistaken many seem to prefer yeasts like US-05 for that style due to its clean flavour profile that allows the hops to the fore. I've been wondering if a yeast like 002 would take that edge off.

 

[Good Ed]

As Dennis says, I think you'll be fine with the WLP002, with an APA you are aiming for a good balance of malt and hops, it's not an IPA. Use Cascade, Centennial, Columbus or Amarillo hops for a hoppy, floral, citrus aroma and taste, to 30-40 IBU.

One end of the APA scale is Sierra Nevada Pale Ale which is dry, bitter and hoppy, and at the other is Mirror Pond which is malty, softer and gently hopped; so there's plenty of scope. :

 

[gurtpint]

I'll give it a go! I have something along the lines of SNPA in mind, more on the drier and hoppier side of things. I guess I'll throw in the reminder of my Bramling Cross stash for that slight currant-y twist (maybe some Challenger too). Need to order some Yank hops (Cascade for sure, others I'll have to think about) and get experimenting. :

 

[gurtpint]

This has more to do with the hops than the yeast, but anyway... I presume I could get away with a 60 min boil, right? Would a good hopping schedule be 60 mins, 30 mins, 10 mins and post-boil hops at flameout (and possibly some dry hopping malarky)? Is there any ratio for the additions I could use?

Anyone used Bramling Cross as an aroma hop for an APA?