Here I write about beer brewing and especially the niche types such as sour beers.
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…
As a seasoned brewer, I’ve often puzzled over the role of yeast in brewing. This seemingly insignificant ingredient plays an enormous role in the final taste, aroma, and overall character of your brew. There’s a multitude of yeast strains available, each with its own specific qualities. So how do you pick the right one for…
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…
When it comes to the art of brewing, there’s no denying that oxygen plays a crucial role – but only at the right time. In the early stages of brewing, oxygen provides the yeast with the energy it needs to reproduce and kick start the fermentation process. However, oxygen can be a brewer’s worst enemy…
As a brewer who has dedicated many years to the craft, I have had the pleasure of brewing and tasting a diverse range of beverages. Two of my favorites are mead and beer. These two have been consumed for centuries and have a rich history that adds to their allure. One question I often get…
Braggot essentially tastes like a balanced blend of beer and mead, combining the maltiness of beer with the sweetness of honey. It can range from light to dark in color and from sweet to bitter in taste, depending on the ingredients used. Its flavor is rich, complex, and unlike any other beer you’ve ever tasted.…
As a seasoned brewer, I often get questions about the quantity of yeast to add when brewing. The yeast type certainly matters – but does the amount really matter? The short, simplified answer is yes, but only to a certain point and not as much as you might think! This is because the growth rate…
As a seasoned brewer with years of experience under my belt, I’ve dipped my toes into various forms of brewing. From crafting the perfect pint of beer to concocting a sweet and satisfying mead, I’ve done it all. But one question I often get asked is, “Is mead easier to make than beer?“ The answer…
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?…