Category: Beer

Here I write about beer brewing and especially the niche types such as sour beers.

  • 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…

  • How Much Gypsum To Add To Brewing Water?

    How Much Gypsum To Add To Brewing Water?

    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 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…

  • Low Histamine Beers: A Guide To Histamine In Beer

    Low Histamine Beers: A Guide To Histamine In Beer

    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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Shiner Bock vs. Guinness: A Brewer’s Deep Dive into Two Classics

    Shiner Bock vs. Guinness: A Brewer’s Deep Dive into Two Classics

    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…