Barley wine is a unique and complex style of beer with a rich history and a wide range of flavor profiles, making it a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts. One important aspect of enjoying barley wine is understanding how to store it properly. As an experienced brewer, I’ve learned firsthand that proper storage can make…
Beer lovers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease often wonder how much gluten is in their favorite brews. The answer is not straightforward, as the gluten content of beer can vary depending on the type and brewing process. Ales and wheat beers have the highest gluten levels, with an average of 3,120 ppm and 25,920…
In this blog post, we will discuss how to carbonate cider in a keg. Carbonating cider in a keg is a simple and efficient way to have a consistent and delicious product. As an experienced brewer, I have used this method countless times with great success. With that said, let’s dive into the world of…
As a brewer and microbiologist with years of experience under my belt, I have often been asked the question about substrates for fermentation (yeast food, that is!). And This one is not different: So can you ferment high fructose corn syrup? The short answer is yes, you can ferment high fructose corn syrup. But not…
Secondary fermentation is a crucial step in the brewing process that often gets overlooked. It refers to the period of fermentation after the initial primary fermentation but before the beer is ready for consumption. This secondary fermentation is a term for when the brewer transfers the brew after primary fermentation. Secondary fermentation allows for further…
Mead, a honey-based alcoholic beverage, has gained popularity in recent years. If you’re considering opening a meadery, this guide will help you navigate the process and turn your passion for mead into a successful business. Crafting mead is an art that requires expertise and knowledge. To start, you need to understand the fermentation process, ingredient…
Bottling mead without a siphon is easy if you follow the right steps. In this blog post, I will share my personal experience on how to bottle mead without using a siphon, while maintaining the quality and flavor of the final product. I’ll cover everything from the equipment you’ll need, to the techniques you can…
Bottle carbonating cider is a rewarding and enjoyable experience for homebrewers. It allows you to add natural carbonation to your cider, making it fizzy and more refreshing. The process of bottle carbonating cider involves fermenting the cider a second time, but in a sealed bottle, which traps the carbon dioxide produced by the yeast, giving…
Ageing mead is a crucial step in the brewing process that can significantly enhance its flavor and complexity. By allowing the mead to mature over time, the desired flavors have a chance to blend and develop, while any unwanted off flavors can dissipate. There are various methods and containers for ageing mead, including oak barrels,…
Kombucha has been around for centuries, and it is currently enjoying a surge in popularity. The fizzy, fermented tea is touted for its probiotic benefits and unique flavor. As a home brewer, I’ve spent countless hours perfecting my kombucha recipe and experimenting with various fermentation methods. One question that often comes up when discussing kombucha…