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September 2018

Though not as glamorous as hops and yeast, or even specialty malts, for that matter, base malt is the backbone of beer. Learn what differentiates each base malt and when one may be better than another.

In this issue

  • Orange question mark over a beer Mr. Wizard logo.
    mr-wizard

    Brewing a Brut IPA

  • Orange question mark over a beer Mr. Wizard logo.
    mr-wizard

    Yeast Dosing Specifics

  • mr-wizard

    Brewing a Hop Bomb

  • Orange question mark over a beer Mr. Wizard logo.
    mr-wizard

    Carbonating in a Unitank

  • article

    Caution: Homebrewers at Work

    The fun hobby of homebrewing can become dangerous if safety precautions are not taken. Always keep these safety tips in mind.

  • article

    Malt Mills

    Grain mills all serve the same general purpose, but each rely on unique features and materials to get the job done. We compare 10 homebrew mills on the market so you can find the mill that best suits your needs.

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    Return of a Classic Sour Ale

    Lambics have become popular among brewers around the world as the craft beer bug spreads, but we return to where it all began to learn the techniques and history of Belgian lambic.

  • recipe

    Zoc’s Traditional Lambic

    A traditional lambic from Paul Zocco.

  • article

    Understanding Base Malt

    Though not as glamorous as hops and yeast, or even specialty malts, for that matter, base malt is the backbone of beer. Learn what differentiates each base malt and when one may be better than another.

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    Master Malt Analysis

    Get a better understanding of what makes up the malt you use by learning how to interpret a malt spec sheet.

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    Kombucha

    Got fermentation fever? Kombucha — tea fermented with Brettanomyces and other microbes — may be a fun change of pace. Learn the history, brewing techniques, and recipes for this ancient fermented beverage that has boomed in popularity in recent years.

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    Apple Pie Kombucha

    Easy-to-make apple pie kombucha.

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    Pomegranate Blueberry Kombucha

    Easy-to-make pomegranate blueberry kombucha.

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    Pear Ginger Kombucha

    Easy-to-make pear ginger kombucha

  • recipe

    Kombucha

    An easy-to-follow recipe for kombucha.

  • a single-tier, three-vessle homebrew system
    article

    Homebrew Drool Systems – Fully electric, bottom-drained, HERMS system

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    Understanding Malt Lingo

    There are plenty of technical terms that surround the cereal grains that we brewers use as a source of sugar to make beer. Understanding the brewing jargon used when talking about malt can be very helpful.

  • article

    Junkyard Brewing Co.

    The Replicator chats with Junkyard Brewing Co. to uncover some secrets to making a great peanut butter stout.

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    Junkyard Brewing Co.’s Peanut Butter Bandit clone

    One of the largest concerns with adding peanuts to a beer centers on the slick and unpleasant mouthfeel contributions and impedance of head formation/retention due to peanuts’ significant oil content. When compared to other eating nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, pine nuts, etc.), peanuts share a similar profile to another nut used commonly in brewing, the hazelnut.

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    Brewing a Hop Bomb, Yeast Dosing Specifics and Carbonating in a Unitank

    The Wiz answers a reader question about brewing the most aromatic kind of IPA possible. Also find tips on adding yeast for bottling and force carbing in a unitank.

  • article

    American IPA – The flagship American craft beer

    American IPAs continue to dominate the craft beer market. Gordon Strong brings his knowledge of crafting a delicious homebrewed version of this style, for all to enjoy.

  • recipe

    Gordon Strong’s American IPA

    My recipe is a bit old school since I’m not using the latest sexy hop varieties. I’m just using good old Centennial, which was first called a “Super Cascade” when introduced. It has many of the same characteristics, like citrus, grapefruit, and pine. It’s like talking to an old friend.

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    Wort Aeration – Providing an environment to flourish

    Wort aeration is an important part of growing happy and healthy yeast in your fermenter. Aaron Hyde explains the how, what, why, and when of this technique.

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    Sour Sans Bacteria – Brewing with lactic acid-producing yeast

    New strains of yeast are being released in dizzying array thanks to yeast wranglers. Discover some of the benefits and pitfalls of these new strains being offered.

  • project

    Glass Rinser – A portable cup rinsing station

    Ever served your beer at a brewfest only to find you’re pouring your beer into dirty glassware? Here is a portable DIY glass-rinsing station to put your best beer forward. Alternatively, this concept could be used to add a rinse station to your bar at home.

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    The Freedoms of Nanobrewing

    Due to size alone, nanobrewers can take advantage of certain freedoms that larger-scale brewers would find inhibitory. Ashton Lewis explores this concept.

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    A Brewer’s Story – Discovering the world through beer

    Join one homebrewer as he tastes and brew-hops his way on a four-month trip around the world.

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    BIAB: Tips From the Pros

    Brew-in-a-bag (BIAB) continues to grow in popularity around the world. Learn from two brewers well versed in maximizing the BIAB experience.