Rye IPA: brewing with wet hops

I personally enjoy brewing with wet hops. The fresh, grassy, hoppy aroma and flavor adds a unique character to the beer. The final beer has a fresh taste that is impossible to replicate. Unfortunately, my 2014 hop crop was lacking because I planted the rhizomes so late. But, a local homebrewer donated a pound of fresh Centennial hops.

I've been wanting to brew a Rye IPA  before this summer ends, so the timing was perfect. I used pellet hops for everything, except the hop steep after flame out. Using the 6:1 (5:1) rule for wet hops: pellet hops, the hop steep addition should be equivalent to 2.5 - 3.0 ounces of pellet hops.There is nothing too special about the grist on this beer, as I am looking for the wet hops to dominate the beer. The grain bill is mostly 2-Row, a little crystal, carapils, and rye malt. The rye malt only makes up 13.3% of the grist, which is fairly mild for this style. I am going to see how it turns out, but may up the rye malt for future batches.

Tasting Notes: Michigan Summer Ale vs Bell's Oberon vs Short's Nicie Spicie

In order: Oberon, Nicie Spicie, Michigan Summer Ale

Beer info and tasting notes:

North Peak Brewing Company

North Peak Brewing Company sits in downtown Traverse City, MI. I first noticed North Peak Brewing Company when I moved back to Michigan. Their bottles are very unique, think red stripe style bottle, and I bought a six pack just so I could reuse the bottles for my homebrew. I was up north this July and stopped in for dinner and a few drinks at what I would call a very average brewery.

Northern Lights - suprisingly flavorful for a light, golden ale. I tasted a lot of pilsner malt and Saaz. Very czech pilsner like, but missing the lager yeast. Light, crisp, and complex. Perfect beer after a day on the beach.

Shirley's Irish Stout - perfect balance. There was a great mix of roasted character and hop bitterness. Tasted almost like drinking cold, stale coffee. But, the nitro smooths out all the flavors. Definitely the best beer on tap, that night.

Diabolical IPA - nothing too special. A lot of bitterness up front, but lacking in hop flavor and aroma.