Mr. Wizard
Mash pH Importance
Mash pH is extremely important. Enzyme activity is a function of pH and all enzymes are only active in a relatively narrow range around their optimum pH. In the case of mashing,
Over-Oxygenation of Wort
I have been writing this column for nearly 18 years and I think I have been writing about the importance of wort aeration for nearly the same time period. While oxygen is
Batch Sparging Temperatures
This question is a bit more about semantics than any real issues with sparge temperature, in my view of things. Bear with me while I explain how commercial brewers normally mash out
Chill Haze
I am one of those brewers who believe in sticking to the fundamentals of brewing and then bringing in special tools and brewing aids only after knowing that the fundamentals are being
Hop Oils
I consider my knowledge on this topic typical for the average craft brewer and will answer your question from my perspective and comment on some of the topics brewers and hop researchers
How many batches does it take to make good beer?
Wow, this is really the million dollar question. I don’t think there is any magic number of brews that are required before a brewer successfully brews the first batch of good beer.
Mash Hopping
Thanks for the good question, Keith. I have always thought that the notion of adding hops early in the process, either as mash additions or pre-boil additions to the kettle, in an
Airlock Blowout
In the commercial world of brewing, one of the biggest fears is a fermentation that is slow to start or one that lacks vigor when it does come to life. These traits
High Gravity Fermentation
This is one of the questions that makes me scratch my head, and for more reasons than one. My first response actually has nothing at all to do with the question. And
Water Filtration
The answer to this question depends on what type of water filtration that you are planning to use. Carbon filtration is the most common type of home water filtration. Carbon filters contain
Seeking a Crisp Finish
Ah, in search of that wonderful crisp finish. I too prefer beers that do not linger on the palate and have a certain zip to them, and I have spent a fair
