i wrote this in the middle of drinking it last night but in many basic or cheap IPAs i get a sorta husky, scratchy, sour perception of hops, unpleasant hoppy feel and taste. i find i for sure get it in beers that definitely have a very high bitterness but are off-brand or noname brand IPAs. hope that clears things up. what do you think this is from?
Can you name hoppy beers you like? That might steer you in the right direction.
https://amsterdambeer.com/products/boneshaker-ipa-473ml-can - was the one i just had with a harshness
i have a very different selection than you but for example a beer by that same brewing company - who i do think are pretty competent overall, they make clean and consistent tasting products (Amsterdam brewing) - amsterdam space invaders is probably the single canadian IPA i really like. it's dialed back a bit but still probably 50IBU, but just a very different taste, nice and clear, pale and simple maltbill.
but by this bitter stuff i really mean a pilsner style bitterness and hopping amped up with increased gravity as well. its been so long since having access to american IPAs i honestly cant think of one. but 10, 12 years ago i would greatly and thoroughly enjoy all the major offerings of IPA by rogue, new belgium, stone, etc. ive gotten lagunitas IPA a few times when i see it around and it has none of that harshness in it.
So, please i guess advice if you have any on a high IBU with maximum smoothness while still having high perceptable bitterness. obviously sulfate will be a factor, and probably reducing crystal style malts etc