As a seasoned brewer, I’ve had my fair share of krausen blowouts. This is a common occurrence, especially for beginners, but it is entirely avoidable. To avoid krausen blowout, you need to understand what causes it and how to mitigate these factors. This blog post will take you through the essential steps and best practices…
Beer, a beloved alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains and hops, has been cherished for centuries. While beer crafting is relatively straightforward, it requires the addition of yeast to initiate the fermentation process. Adding a significant amount of yeast to your brew at the outset can kickstart fermentation and expedite the beer-making process. However, you…
Yes, fermenting beer should ideally be done in the dark. Especially if using a transparent fermenter! This is because light and heat can cause a chemical reaction in the beer, altering its taste and potentially reducing its quality. The beer can develop an unpleasant flavor often referred to as being “light-struck” or “skunked”. Now, let’s…
A refreshing beer with a slice of orange is a sight that instantly screams summer. But not all beers are suited to this citrusy garnish. So, what beers do you drink with an orange slice? Wheat beers, namely Belgian Witbiers and German Hefeweizens, are the perfect candidates for an orange slice. In the US, Blue…
If you’ve ever opened a can of Guinness Draught, you may have noticed a small plastic ball, or ‘widget’, bouncing around inside. It may seem perplexing to find a plastic ball in Guinness beer cans, but there is a method to this madness. The introduction of this unusual addition serves a specific purpose that goes…
The world of beer is as vast as it is exciting, with hundreds of styles and thousands of brands to explore. In this journey of discovery, you might have come across two names that sound somewhat similar: Grolsch and Kölsch. Although they rhyme, you might find yourself wondering: is Grolsch a Kölsch type of beer?…
In our beer-loving community, the question has circulated a lot: Is Blue Moon a Hefeweizen beer? The short and simple answer is no, Blue Moon is not a Hefeweizen beer; it is a Belgian-style wheat beer. However, the longer, more complex answer requires a deeper dive into the world of beer styles, brewing techniques, and…
How long to ferment barley wine? Barley wine is a complex and strong ale that typically requires a longer fermentation period than most other beer styles. The fermentation time can range from 2-3 weeks for primary fermentation, followed by an extended secondary fermentation or aging period of several months to over a year. In this…
How many ounces are in a yard of beer? A yard of beer typically holds 48 ounces of liquid, making it an impressive sight and a fun way to enjoy your favorite brew. As an experienced brewer, I have had my fair share of experience with the yard of beer and its rich history. In…
Is keg beer always carbonated? The short answer is no. Keg beer comes in a variety of styles and carbonation levels, depending on the brewer’s intentions and the specific recipe used. As an experienced brewer, I’ve had the opportunity to try countless keg beers, and I can assure you that not all keg beers are…