The Brewer: Jon, Julie, and Mac Kowalske
Brewing Guide for a Hop Hazy Double IPA Utilizing Component Brewing Technique Featuring Zebra Hop Variant
Hey there! Here's the scoop on us - we're the Kowalskes! Jon's the boss man of Component Brewing, joined by his two cousins, Steve and DJ. This liquor love child started as a personal pastime for one of us, but it's morphed into a family obsession, as we're passionate about keeping the flame alive for Milwaukee's beer legends. Our craft beer hall serves up a mix of traditional and out-there brews, sporting a whopping 20 taps dedicated to our own liquid creations.
We dig beer, but we're all about family - and our brand represents that.
The Beer: Hazy Double IPA (Zebra Hop)
Five years ago, our world took an unexpected turn when our middle son, Mac, was diagnosed with Malan Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Seeking help, we stumbled upon the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), a vital resource that's now become a lifeline for Mac, my wife, and me – not to mention countless other families and folks grappling with rare diseases. Lucky for us, Mac's thriving and his infectious laugh, love for hockey, and knack for sales have won us all over.
To honor this journey, we've conjured up a collaborative beer that's near and dear to our hearts – the Hazy Double IPA, or "Zebra Hop." Made with cutting-edge brewing techniques and ingredients, this bad boy showcases the pioneering advancements in medicine and the pursuit of cures for rare diseases.
Once a year, on the last day of February (because who needs 30 or 31 days, right?), Component Brewing hosts a Zebra Hop Release Party to honor National Rare Disease Day. Breweries all around town join in the fun, and every penny raised from this shindig goes directly to NORD.
If you're not in Milwaukee, no worries! You can still get in on the action by brewing up your own Zebra Hop or a "rare" brew of your own to support this noble cause. If you've got the recipe this year, be sure to let us know!
This year's recipe features new hops and yeast products, as well as some fresh hops on the market. This blend symbolizes medical researchers' ceaseless pursuit of cures for rare diseases. And to tie it all together, the can boasts a sleek zebra design, emblematic of the rare-disease community and its distinctive black-and-white stripes.
The Recipe: Zebra Hop
INGREDIENTS
- GRAIN: 9lbs Pilsen Malt, 2.5lbs Flaked Oats, 1lb Flaked Wheat, 1lb Dextrose, 1lb Dextrin Malt
- HOPS: Boil hops - Temp Saaz in Mash, 0.5 oz Nelson Sauvin- 0:30min, Whirlpool @ 180oF / 15 minutes: 20g Citra Incognito, 1oz Nelson Sauvin & 1oz Waiema Dry Hops: 2.5oz Nelson Sauvin - 3 Days, 2oz Waiema - 3 Days, 2oz Nectaron- 3 Days
- YEAST: Omega OYL-402 Cosmic Punch
INSTRUCTIONS
- BATCH SIZE: 5gal
- OG: 1.076
- FG: 1.018
- IBU: 40
- ABV: 7.5%
- EFFICIENCY: 70%
- MASH TEMP: 152oF
- BOIL: 30min
- FERMENTATION: 66oF - 14 days
How to Get Involved
Spreading awareness about rare diseases and downing a tasty brew? Count us in! Brewing and sharing this beer with your bosoms and mates will help shine a light on those who face rare diseases daily.
To learn more about Mac's tale, click HERE. For more on Zebra Hop, NORD, or to donate, check it out HERE.
So let's show our stripes this February – cheers to rare disease advocacy and good beer, y'all!
Cheers, Jon, Julie, and Mac Kowalske
Spike Summarizes: All Things Hazy IPA
Maybe you've heard of 'em – Hazy IPAs are a sensation in the beer world, known for their hazy glory, potent hop aroma, and velvety texture. Unlike their clearer counterparts, Hazy IPAs are brewed with a special mix of malts, hops, and yeast to create their signature cloudy appearance and dreamy mouthfeel. Fruity and jam-packed with tropical and citrus notes, these beers are an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.
The birthplace of Hazy IPAs can be traced back to The Alchemist brewery in Vermont. Founded in 2003 by John and Jen Kimmich, they released their first Hazy IPA, Heady Topper, in 2011, which quickly became a cult classic and laid the groundwork for the style we know today.
Compared to traditional IPAs, Hazy IPAs are more hop-forward and less bitter, balanced with fruity flavors rather than a bitter bite. They also tend to have a slightly higher ABV, ranging from 6-10%. Dual-purpose hops, aroma and bittering hops, as well as minimal filtration provide the distinct components that make Hazy IPAs the fabulous brews they are.
So there you have it, the lowdown on all things Hazy IPA – bottoms up, connoisseurs!
- The Kowalskes, consisting of Jon, Julie, and Mac, run Component Brewing, a passion project turned family obsession that pays tribute to Milwaukee's beer legends.
- In addition to beer, the family values family, and their brand represents that unity.
- Five years ago, Mac, their middle son, was diagnosed with Malan Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.
- To support those battling rare diseases, the family created the Hazy Double IPA, or "Zebra Hop," using advanced brewing techniques and ingredients.
- On the last day of February, Component Brewing hosts a Zebra Hop Release Party to commemorate National Rare Disease Day, with proceeds going to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).
- community members can brew their own Zebra Hop or a "rare" brew of their own to contribute to this cause – sharing the recipe is encouraged.
- The recipes for Zebra Hop feature new hops, yeast products, and fresh hops on the market, symbolizing medical researchers' unceasing quest for cures for rare diseases.
- The can design of Zebra Hop showcases a sleek zebra pattern, emblematic of the rare-disease community.
- Involvement in the Zebra Hop initiative not only aids in raising awareness for rare diseases but also allows participants to enjoy a unique and delicious brew.
- Hazy IPAs, such as the Zebra Hop, are known for their hazy appearance, potent hop aroma, and velvety texture, with fruity and tropical flavors.
- The Alchemist brewery in Vermont is credited with the creation of the Hazy IPA style, with their Heady Topper release in 2011 establishing the trend for the modern Hazy IPA.
