Wednesday, 14 January 2026

Let's Brew Wednesday - 1897 Fremlin IPA

A Fremlins IPA label featuring a red elephant and the text "Guaranteed Bittered enitrly with Hops|.
And here we finally are at the top of the Pale Ale tree. It’s been a long climb, but worth it.

You might be a little confused by this beer. As it actually looks like an IPA is “supposed to”: over 6% ABV and hopped to hell. By this time, you’ve probably realised that most of the IPAs brewed in the UK didn’t fit that profile. Other than the ones brewed in Burton.

The recipe is generally similar to the other Pale Ales. Except that the adjunct is flaked wheat. Why was that? For head retention? Possibly. But wouldn’t the same be desirable in all the other Pale Ales, too?

Once again, the sugar is a combination of No. 2 invert and dextro-maltose. Which I’ve consolidated to all No. 2 invert.

Pretty sure that this was a Stock Ale. Nine to twelve months with Brettanomyces is my guess. 

1897 Fremlin IPA
pale malt 9.50 lb 70.37%
flaked wheat 0.75 lb 5.56%
No. 2 invert sugar 3.25 lb 24.07%
Fuggles 120 mins 2.00 oz
Goldings 90 mins 4.00 oz
Goldings 60 mins 2.00 oz
Goldings dry hops 1.50 oz
OG 1069
FG 1018
ABV 6.75
Apparent attenuation 73.91%
IBU 101
SRM 12
Mash at 148º F
Sparge at 170º F
Boil time 120minutes
pitching temp 58º F
Yeast Wyeast 1099 Whitbread ale

 

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