Potassium-Based Isomerized Kettle Extract (PIKE)

Description

Potassium-based Isomerized Kettle Extract (PIKE) contains the potassium salt of iso-alpha acids, beta acids, and essential oils. PIKE is produced from generic or variety specific CO₂ Hop extract and can be used for a late hop addition at the end of wort boiling or as a partial/complete replacement for CO₂-extract. Due to the pre-isomerization of alpha acids, the yields in the brewing process can be higher. Brewers who are operating at high altitude where the temperature of the boil is significantly below 212°F (100°C) will find that PIKE is more readily soluble and yields better utilization than IKE or CO₂ Hop Extracts.

• Technical Product Data Sheet
• Safety Data Sheet

Advantages

• Bitterness
• High altitude brewing
• Higher utilization than CO2 extract

Usage & Methods 

• PIKE can be added early in the boil for bitterness, with expected utilization of iso-alpha acids of 45-60%. Long boil times will result in volatilization of most of the aromatic compounds
• Late boil additions will preserve more of the aromatic oils that contribute to late kettle hop flavor and aroma and should not affect utilizations
• Warm extract to liquify and pour into kettle/whirlpool
• Remove can lid and place inside brewhouse hop dosing vessel

Notes & Recommendations

• It is best to add extract no earlier than 10 minutes after the beginning of the boil so that hop acids are not entrained in the coagulating wort proteins, reducing efficiency
• To maximize hop aroma it is best to add no later than 10 minutes before the end of boil to assure complete mixing and to avoid having an “oil slick” of extract floating on top of the wort
• Utilization of iso-alpha acids will vary depending on brewing equipment and original gravity and wort pH
• If splitting into partial container(s), the extract should be warmed to above 120°F (50°C) to liquify and the container should be thoroughly stirred to homogenize

Package & Storage 

• Note that all elements of the can, including inks, are food-safe
• Standard packaging is as a semi solid paste packed in metal cans filled based on customer requirements for grams of iso-alpha acids
• PIKE stored in sealed containers at temperatures <50°F(10°C) is best used within 2 years from the date of packaging.
• Open containers should be covered, kept as cold as possible and used within two weeks