As an experienced brewer, one question I get asked a lot is, “Can you open the lid during fermentation?”. The short answer to this is: No, you shouldn’t open the lid during fermentation if you can avoid it. The further the fermentation has progressed, the worse the effects of opening the lid. In general, it…
As a seasoned home brewer, one of the questions I frequently get asked how much gypsum to add to mash when brewing beer? The answer to that isn’t as straightforward as you might think. It depends on several factors, including the type of beer you’re brewing, the water you’re using, and your desired flavor profile.…
As an experienced brewer, I have spent countless hours crafting different types of brews, from beer to wine, and of course, mead. Mead is one of the oldest known alcoholic beverages, created by fermenting honey with water, and occasionally adding fruits, spices, grains, or hops. One question that often comes up from both beginner and…
Apple juice and cider can be affected by a variety of microbes during different stages of their production. I am a microbiologist by education, so this topic is of particular interest to me! These microbes can originate from the apples themselves, the equipment used for processing, the water, or the environment in which the apples…
Histamine sensitivity is a topic that’s garnered quite a bit of attention in recent years. For those of us who love a good brew, this can be particularly challenging. So, what’s a beer enthusiast to do? There are, in fact, some great low histamine beers available. Let’s dive into the specifics. What’s the Deal with…
As a seasoned brewer, I understand the concerns that many novice brewers have regarding the role of water chemistry in brewing. One of the most common questions I receive is, “How much gypsum to add to brewing water?” To answer this question, it is important to understand that the amount of gypsum (calcium sulfate) to…
When it comes to selecting a beer, the choices can be overwhelming. The craft beer revolution has brought us an incredible variety of brews, each with its own unique flavors, textures, and stories. Among the myriad options, two stand out with their own loyal following: Shiner Bock and Blue Moon. But which one is better?…
Ah, beer. This ancient and beloved beverage is as diverse as the cultures that created it. Among the endless varieties and styles, two stand out in discussions: Shiner Bock and Guinness. Which is better? Well, that’s subjective, but let’s embark on a journey comparing these two iconic brews. Shiner Bock and Guinness are both exceptional…
Beer enthusiasts around the world often indulge in the eternal debate: which beer is superior? Today, we’re diving deep into the fascinating comparison between two American classics: Shiner Bock and Coors Banquet. So, which one takes the crown? History and Origin Shiner Bock: The Texas Gem Originating from the small town of Shiner in Texas,…
Mead, a delightful alcoholic beverage crafted from fermented honey, has a rich history dating back centuries. While mead-making shares some fundamental principles with cider production, yeast plays a crucial role in initiating the fermentation process in both cases. Adding an excessive amount of yeast to your mead may kickstart fermentation and accelerate the brewing process,…