Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA Clone Recipe

Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA Clone Homebrew Recipe

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The Torpedo Extra IPA is an undisputed legend of the West Coast IPA style. Known for its intense hop flavor and iconic resinous finish, it redefined what a mass-market IPA could be. Our clone recipe honors that legacy, focusing on the aggressive hop profile that makes the original so distinct. Whether you're a hop-head looking for that classic bite or just want to master a reliable, high-gravity IPA, this recipe is designed to deliver that quintessential "Torpedo" experience in your own glass.

The Recipe

  • Batch Size: 5 gallons

  • Method: BIAB or traditional all-grain

  • Boil Time: 60 minutes

  • Fermentation Temp: 64°F–68°F

Target Stats:

  • OG: 1.067

  • FG: 1.012

  • ABV: ~7.2%

  • IBU: 65

Grain Bill

  • 13 lb Briess 2-Row Malt

  • 1 lb Briess Caramel 40L Malt

Mash: Mash at 154°F for 60 minutes. This temperature is essential for achieving the right balance of fermentability and body, ensuring the beer is substantial enough to support the intense, hop-forward profile of this Extra IPA.

Hop Schedule

  • 1 oz Magnum Hops @ 60 min

  • 1 oz Citra Hops @ 30 min

  • 1 oz Crystal Hops @ 15 min

  • 1 oz Citra Hops @ 5 min

  • 2 oz Citra Hops (Dry Hop 3-5 Days)
  • 1 oz Crystal Hops (Dry Hop 3-5 Days)

Yeast

  • 1 packet White Labs WLP001 Yeast

    WLP001 is the gold standard for the West Coast IPA style. It is incredibly clean, neutral, and highly attenuative, exactly what this beer needs to let the complex Magnum, Citra, and Crystal hop profile take center stage without any distracting yeast esters.

Brew Day Notes

  • Water Profile: Target a slightly mineral-forward, balanced profile. The Torpedo style benefits from a touch of sulfate to accentuate the crisp, clean hop bitterness, which contrasts perfectly with the assertive citrus and pine notes.

  • Dry Hopping: The dry hop addition is crucial to this recipe's "Torpedo" profile. Ensure your Citra and Crystal hops are added to a clean fermenter 3–5 days after primary fermentation is complete to lock in that signature aromatic punch.

  • Conditioning: While this beer has a sturdier backbone than a session IPA, it is still a hop-forward experience. For the best flavor, aim to consume within 6–8 weeks, ensuring you enjoy the intense resinous and floral aromatics while they are at their peak.

Tasting Notes

  • Appearance: Deep gold with a rich, persistent off-white head that leaves a lacing on the glass.

  • Aroma: A powerful blast of pine resin and citrus zest, complemented by subtle floral and tropical undertones.

  • Flavor: Assertive and complex. A sturdy malt backbone provides the perfect canvas for a bold, hop-forward bite that is unmistakably West Coast.

  • Finish: Firmly bitter, crisp, and clean. The classic, lingering finish of a true Extra IPA.

Troubleshooting

  • Not enough hop aroma? Ensure you are adding your dry hops (Citra and Crystal) only after primary fermentation has slowed. If added too early, the active fermentation can scrub away those vital, delicate aromatics.

  • Too heavy or sweet? Double-check your mash temperature; keeping it strictly at 154°F is key to achieving the proper fermentability for this style's body and dryness.

  • Hazy? A cold crash for 48 hours and a Whirlfloc tablet (or Irish Moss) added at 10 minutes left in the boil will help ensure your Torpedo clone pours bright and clean.