Here I write about beer brewing and especially the niche types such as sour beers.
Introduction Cold crashing is the process of rapidly lowering the temperature of your brewed beer or cider before bottling or kegging. This process helps clarify the beer, remove unwanted flavors, and improve the overall taste by allowing solids like yeast and hop particles to settle at the bottom. But what if you don’t have a…
Conical fermenters are a popular choice for home brewers who want to take their beer-making to the next level. These specialized containers are designed to create a more controlled fermentation process, avoiding some of the racking and oxygen exposure usually associated with it. Not only do you avoid racking, but you can also do secondary…
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…
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…
Discover the fascinating world of ice beer, its history, taste, and how to craft your very own version.
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…
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…
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…
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…