Can I bitter hops after fermentation?

[IndyBlueprints]

So I have an IPA that is not bitter enough. Can I boil some hops for 60 minutes in a smaller amount of just water, and then a
Just add that water? Is that a crazy idea, or should I just call this one a pale ale?

 

[Denny]

People do that, but personally I don't care for the results. You could brew a small, very bitter batch and blend them. Or dry hop heavily...contrary to myth, you can get quite a bit of bitterness from dry hopping.

 

[IndyBlueprints]

Well, I'm dry hopping heavily for two weeks with 4 different variety of hops. So, I'll let that work its magic, then taste again.

 

[Cauchy]

Well you will certainly get a lot of hoppiness this way, along with some bitterness. If you haven't messed with water chemistry yet, Brulosophy did an experiment where they added gypsum after fermentation, allegedly increasing the perception of bitterness. This might add a more abrasive or pronounced bitterness, as higher gypsum ratios tend to impart.

http://brulosophy.com/2015/12/14/wa...tion-mineral-adjustments-exbeeriment-results/

 

[Denny]

Well, I'm dry hopping heavily for two weeks with 4 different variety of hops. So, I'll let that work its magic, then taste again.

Good idea!

 

[Denny]

Well you will certainly get a lot of hoppiness this way, along with some bitterness. If you haven't messed with water chemistry yet, Brulosophy did an experiment where they added gypsum after fermentation, allegedly increasing the perception of bitterness. This might add a more abrasive or pronounced bitterness, as higher gypsum ratios tend to impart.

http://brulosophy.com/2015/12/14/wa...tion-mineral-adjustments-exbeeriment-results/

You can also add CaCl2 post fermentation to mellow things out.