Escarpment Hydra Liquid Yeast: The Juicy Powerhouse for Hazy IPAs

Crafting the perfect hazy, hoppy beer just got easier with Escarpment Hydra from Escarpment Laboratories. This liquid yeast is a unique genetic blend of two beloved strains — Cerberus and Vermont — offering a lower attenuation rate that brings out a juicy flavour profile with strong mango and citrus aromatics. If you’re looking to brew sensational hazy IPAs, Session IPAs, and DIPAs, Hydra could be your secret weapon.

Unique Characteristics and Performance

What sets Hydra apart is its ability to navigate the complexities of brewing hazy IPAs. Its lower attenuation (65–72%) means your beer retains a deliciously juicy flavour while effectively combating the high attenuation that sometimes results from hop creep in unbalanced hazy IPAs. With a medium fermentation rate and medium-low flocculation, Hydra promotes a quality fermentation while preserving the haze crucial to certain beer styles.

Optimal Brewing Conditions

For best results, keep Hydra in its optimal fermentation temperature range of 20–25ºC (68–77ºF). Ensure you give it extra attention in the form of extra wort oxygenation — at least 10 parts per million — to allow it to perform at its peak. Although it has a medium alcohol tolerance, its high biotransformation capability makes it ideal for hop-forward styles, ensuring that the hop notes you so carefully select truly shine.

Pairing and Beer Styles

Hydra is ideally suited for American IPAs, NEIPAs, and Session IPAs. To complement its fruity profile, consider pairing it with hops known for citrus and tropical flavours, such as Citra, Mosaic, or Galaxy. The combination will enhance the mango and stone fruit notes, bringing depth to your brew. If you like experimenting with malt, try a base of pale ale malt with a touch of oats for added creaminess, which will pair well with the yeast’s juicy finish.

Why Choose Hydra?

You might wonder why choose Hydra over other similar strains. The answer lies in its specifically engineered nature — a balance between two proven yeast strains that offer a juicy flavour profile without the typical trade-off on fermentation control. Hydra’s high biotransformation efficiency means it plays beautifully with hops, ensuring you achieve the bright tropical and citrus notes so hallmark to hazy IPAs.

Whether you’re a seasoned home brewer or just starting your brewing journey, Hydra provides reliability and a flavourful twist to your creations. Choose it for juicy hops, unparalleled flavour, and yeast performance you can rely on when brewing hazy beauties.