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May/June 2024

In this issue, we take a look at how the new-age Pilsners of the world diverge from their contemporaries. Plus, tips on storing your yeast either short or long term, and how to make summer refreshers.

In this issue

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    Gordon Strong’s German Pilsner

    This German Pilsner recipe can be used as a template for any hoppy Pilsner. Replace bittering hops with a first wort hop addition of a flavor hop, move flavor and aroma hops to the whirlpool or dry hopping, and alter the variety of hops to match the target profile for the style.

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    Piney River Brewing Co.’s Black Walnut Clone

    A dark wheat ale brewed with black walnuts that contribute a nutty, fruity flavor

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    Gordon Strong’s British Brown Ale

    The base malt is a mix of Maris Otter and Golden Promise. Torrified wheat provides some of the character flavor and a little body. Mid-range crystal malts provide some caramel flavors, and the light dose of chocolate malt gives enough of the nutty flavor without tasting overtly chocolate-like.

  • Orange question mark over a beer Mr. Wizard logo.
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    Explaining Hop Utilization

  • Orange question mark over a beer Mr. Wizard logo.
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    Why do some batches exhibit hop creep?

  • Orange question mark over a beer Mr. Wizard logo.
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    An alternative way to judge beers in competition

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    Easy-Drinking Fermented Beverages

    Want to try a new type of fermentation? Here are three easy-drinking, low-ABV beverages that are perfect for the warming weather: Tepache, ginger beer, and kefir soda. They each rely on Lactobacillus and can be made with little effort and equipment.

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    Fermenting Under Pressure

    Fermenting under pressure allows for natural carbonation during fermentation and the ability to utilize CO2 to pressure transfer to kegs. However, arguably the most enticing benefit is the ester suppression and ability to make lager-style beers fermented at warmer temperatures in a fraction of the time. Learn more about pressure fermentation and how the resulting beers compare to traditional lager fermentations.

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    Pilsners of the World

    The Pilsner beer style began in the Czech city of Pilsen, but has been adopted and adjusted to consumer tastes worldwide since its origin. Get to know the modern Pilsners of the world, what makes them different, and how you can make each at home.

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    Understanding Mash Chemistry

    Changing the chemistry of the mash can play an important role in the outcome of the final beer. Learn how to make adjustments based on your water and grist.

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    Piney River Brewing Co.

    The Replicator visits the Ozarks to crack the code on using black walnuts in a beer. Learn about Piney River Brewing Co., built on the founders’ farm over a decade ago, and their Black Walnut wheat ale.

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    Hop Creep, Hop Utilization, and a Different Approach to Beer Judging

    Hop creep isn’t new, so why are we hearing so much more about it in recent years? Brewing scientists now believe it has to do with a push from brewers for hops to be kilned at lower temperatures to preserve aromatics. The Wizard also gets geeky about hop utilization and shares a different approach to beer competitions.

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    British Brown Ale

    British brown ale is open to a wide range of interpretations, however one constant is that the style is all about drinkability and balance. Learn more about its history, which at a time nearly went extinct, and how to brew your own version.

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    Yeast on Repeat

    There are many reasons homebrewers may want to reuse yeast, starting with cost savings. And there are also many ways to do it, from easy methods such as immediate reuse, to careful collection and storage. Learn more about how to get the most from your yeast, batch after batch.

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    How Nanos can Benefit from Test Results

    A quality control program is only as good as the accuracy of the equipment used. The process begins with calibrations and proper use, and then it’s up to you to catch problems as they begin to form and the batch can still be saved.

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    Tap Handle Mania

    Many homebrewers create unique bottle labels for each beer they brew. But if you keg your beers then a unique tap handle for each beer would be a lot better. That’s exactly what one homebrewer decided to do with just wood, a knife, paint, and some old Boy Scout training.

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    2024 Homebrew Father’s Day Gift Guide

    Nothing says “I love you” to a homebrewer quite like a homebrew-related gift. Say so this Father’s Day with the help of our Gift Guide.

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    Gordon Strong’s Pre-Prohibition Lager

    I’m presenting a modern homebrew version of this recipe that uses flaked maize rather than a cereal mash, and has some upgraded malt and hops.

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    New Zealand Pilsner

    This pale lager combines some of the better attributes of Pilsner and Kölsch with intriguing modern New Zealand hops.