Craft Beer
Ruse Brewing's Innovative Approach to IPA Flavor Development
2025-08-01
This article explores the innovative brewing philosophy of Ruse Brewing in Portland, Oregon, focusing on cofounder Shaun Kalis's distinct approach to crafting IPAs. It delves into how Ruse leverages both established and novel methods in hop application to achieve exceptional and enduring flavor profiles in their beers.

Unleashing Unprecedented Hop Dimensions: Ruse's Fusion of Tradition and Innovation in Every IPA

Mastering Hop Expression: A Dual Approach to IPA Flavor

Situated strategically near prime hop cultivation regions, Portland, Oregon's brewing community benefits from unparalleled access to diverse hop varieties and evolving processing technologies. Ruse Brewing, under the visionary guidance of cofounder Shaun Kalis, fully embraces this advantage. Their brewing philosophy champions an experimental spirit, constantly seeking to amplify flavor intensity through the integration of the latest flowable hop extracts, while simultaneously honoring the robust aromatic contributions of earlier-generation hop products. This thoughtful combination, applied with meticulous precision, forms the bedrock of their distinguished IPA creations.

Strategic Ingredient Selection for Enhanced IPA Characteristics

Shaun Kalis meticulously outlines several key strategies for optimizing IPA flavor and aroma. He advocates for the use of flaked wheat and rice to precisely manage fermentation byproducts, resulting in a cleaner, crisper finish. For bitterness, he prefers early-harvest Columbus hops, complemented by generous additions of CO2-extracted Mosaic or Simcoe, alongside traditional T-90 pellets, to build a lasting hop presence. Kalis also emphasizes the nuanced selection of different expressions within the same hop variety, allowing for intricate layering of character. A notable aspect of their process involves elevating inherent dank notes to boost overall hop perception. Furthermore, he meticulously adjusts pH during the brewing of fresh hop beers and employs specific hot-side hopping techniques to maximize flavor impact and longevity. These pioneering concepts are also skillfully adapted for their hazy IPA interpretations.

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