Articles
Thiol Boosting with Grape Skins
Released a couple of years ago, Phantasm powder is a revolutionary product made from thiol-rich Sauvignon Blanc grape skins. Learn how to get the most from Phantasm in your next brew.
Are Thiols Worth the Hype?
Having brewed dozens of different beers with thiolized yeasts and thiol-enhancing products, Michael Tonsmeire explains what thiols do to beer, for better or for worse. Learn what thiols are, where they come from, and the impact they have on beer.
Christmas Traditions: Unwrapping the secrets to Anchor’s Our Special Ale
With the announced closing of Anchor Brewing Company this summer, one tradition many beer aficionados realized would be coming to an end was enjoying the brewery’s beloved Our Special Ale, a beer it releases in time for the holidays every year. Learn more about the history of this beer and how it has evolved since its inception nearly 50 years ago. Plus, get advice from a former Anchor Brewmaster to brew a beer similar in style that may just become your new tradition to share with family and friends.
Single- and Two-Vessel Brew Systems
Find out about the intricacies of single- and two-vessel brewing systems, pros and cons, and how they operate.
Live Video Chat with Drew Beechum & Denny Conn
View the playback of our September 2023 Live Video Chat with “Techniques” columnists Drew Beechum and Denny Conn here.
SMaSH Brewing: Tips from the Pros
While SMaSH (Single Malt and Single Hop) beers are relatively simple by nature, that doesn’t mean they can’t taste great. Two brewers with SMaSH beers in their regular rotation share pointers for crafting a great SMaSH brew and the benefits of doing so.
Evaluating Brewing Ingredients
A brewer must understand the impact each ingredient will have on the final beer in order to master recipe development. Get tips on how to properly evaluate each ingredient. With practice, everyone can master these skills and start brewing better beers.
Keep it Simple — It’s a SMaSH!
SMaSH (Single Malt and Single Hop) recipes are about as simple as they get. That doesn’t mean this technique is just for beginners, however. SMaSH beers are a great way for all homebrewers to evaluate new ingredients, while also having the benefits of an easier brew day and a way to use up ingredients that may be nearing expiration. Let’s look closer at why SMaSH brewing is such a great tool for homebrewers and how to get the most from it.
10 Must-Haves for Pros and Amateurs
The scale is different, however there is a lot of crossover in commercial craft brewing and homebrewing. A pro brewer who still keeps his mash paddle busy at home shares the pieces of equipment he couldn’t brew without, no matter the size of the batch.
Live Video Chat with Dan Russo (2023)
Click here to view the Live Video Chat with Oakshire Brewing’s Brewmaster/COO Dan Russo from July 2023.
Live Video Chat with Brad Smith (2023)
Click here to watch a replay of our Live Video Chat with Brad Smith from August 2023.
Jimmy Carter and Homebrewing
In 1979, President Jimmy Carter signed into law the legalization of homebrewing in the United States and its ramifications have been immense worldwide. A Georgia homebrewer offers up some insight into the former President’s personal experiences and views on this topic.
