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I had a question concerning making a high gravity beer. I'm planning on brewing a high gravity wheat beer and I am using Coopers 1.7kg hopped wheat malt extract. Apparently it's labelled at 200 IBU. I've previously read the posts about Coopers extracts and how the IBU # is the amount over 22-23 litres of beer. My question concerns using that hopped extract for approximately a 2-2.1 gallons batch (roughly 8 litres). I plan to do this to up the alcohol % to about 7-7.5%. I'm figuring that the IBU will be through the roof if I do so. I've estimated 38 IBU for the batch; is this approximately correct?

also, what could I do to counteract the bitterness? Would adding a ton of sugar help? I figured I'll try buying unhopped extract next time but bought this one because I didn't have unhopped wheat extract available to me from where I live.

Given the formula of: predicted IBU = stated IBU * 1.7 / batch volume

Your IBU would be more like 42.5 IBU for an 8L batch.

You could offset this by adding some spec grain - this will raise your FG, leaving some sweetness to balance the bitterness. I wouldn't use sugar as you've suggested as it will ferment out completely. IMO, the alc (flavour) will be a bit too hard to control as it is.

Alternatively you could dilute the tin a bit more to get the bitterness down and add LDME to compensate to your desired alc level.

Thanks man!