Author: Mark Thomsen

  • My Favorite Chocolate Stout Recipe!

    My Favorite Chocolate Stout Recipe!

    Today, we’ll delve into the world of Chocolate Stout. This rich and decadent beer style has a fascinating history and unique characteristics that make it a favorite among beer enthusiasts. Stout has its roots in the 18th century London, where it was originally known as “stout porter.” It quickly gained popularity due to its robust…

  • Sulfites in Beer – A Deep Dive!

    Sulfites in Beer – A Deep Dive!

    Sulfites in beer? You might be surprised to learn that they exist. Sulfites are commonly associated with wines, but they can also be found in certain beers. Let’s dive into the world of sulfites in beer and explore their purpose and importance. Overview of sulfites in beer Sulfites, including sulfur dioxide, are compounds that are…

  • Good Beers To Ferment At High Temperatures?

    Good Beers To Ferment At High Temperatures?

    The answer lies in the selection of yeast strains and beer styles that are tolerant to higher fermentation temperatures. From my personal experience, certain styles of beer, such as Saisons and Belgian Ales, along with specific yeast strains like, Norwegian Kveik, Brettanomyces and Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. diastaticus, are suitable for fermenting at higher temperatures. Ales…

  • When To Add Gypsum To Beer?

    When To Add Gypsum To Beer?

    In the world of brewing, there are many ingredients and processes that come into play to create the perfect pint. One such ingredient is gypsum, also known as calcium sulfate. But when should you add gypsum to beer? The answer to this question lies in understanding the chemistry of brewing and the role that gypsum…

  • The Sneaky Nature of Hop Creep in Brewing – and How to Tame It!

    The Sneaky Nature of Hop Creep in Brewing – and How to Tame It!

    You’ve probably experienced it: the unexpected buttery taste in your freshly brewed beer, an ABV that doesn’t quite align with your calculations, or even that dreaded overpressurization resulting in a messy bottle eruption. Welcome to the world of “Hop Creep”, the uninvited guest in the brewing process. It’s not a game, nor is it the…

  • How to Choose Beers with Minimal Sulfite Levels?

    How to Choose Beers with Minimal Sulfite Levels?

    For beer enthusiasts, labels can be quite an educational experience. One label that always raises eyebrows is the “Contains Sulfites” notification. Sulfites, known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, have a notorious reputation that often sends beer lovers into a tizzy of questions. But the real query is: Can you get beers with low or…

  • Shiner Bock vs. ZiegenBock – Battle of the Bocks!

    Shiner Bock vs. ZiegenBock – Battle of the Bocks!

    Ah, the age-old debate among Texan beer enthusiasts: Shiner Bock vs. ZiegenBock. If you’ve spent even a short amount of time in the Lone Star state’s beer scene, you’ve no doubt come across this discussion. The two bocks are quite similar and they both hold a place in the hearts of many, but which one…

  • Low Hop Beers – Which Beers Have the Lowest Hop Content?

    Low Hop Beers – Which Beers Have the Lowest Hop Content?

    If you’re a beer enthusiast, you may know a lot of hoppy beers that are known for their strong and bitter flavor. But there are also beers with low hop content out there! These are especially appealing if you don’t like the bitterness of hops in your beer. These beers offer a milder and less…

  • The Texas Showdown: Shiner Bock vs. Shiner Light Blonde!

    The Texas Showdown: Shiner Bock vs. Shiner Light Blonde!

    Introduction: Ah, the age-old debate amongst Texan beer aficionados: Shiner Bock versus Shiner Light Blonde. Both have made their marks as iconic brews from the Lone Star State’s historic Spoetzl Brewery. Which should you pour into your pint glass on a sultry Texas evening? In the world of beer, the answer isn’t always as straightforward…

  • Shining a Light on Beers: Shiner Bock vs. Modelo Especial

    Shining a Light on Beers: Shiner Bock vs. Modelo Especial

    When it comes to beers, every enthusiast has their favorite. While some of us might gravitate towards hop-forward IPAs, others might have a penchant for malt-centric brews. Today, we’re diving deep into a much-debated topic amongst beer aficionados: Shiner Bock vs. Modelo Especial. Which of these reigns supreme? Well, grab a cold one and read…