Date: March-April 2005
Growing Your Own Backyard Hops
FREEOne of the easier ways you can put the “home” in homebrewing is to grow your own hops. This widely distributed plant, with the latin name Humulus lupulus, is broadly part of the family of nettles. It is somewhat more closely related to cannabis, although it has few if any of the mind-altering properties and none of the legal consequences of its notorious cousin.
Cereal Mashing
Digital and Plus Members OnlyCereal mashing allows you to mash corn grits, rice or unmalted wheat for certain beer styles. It also allows you to experiment with virtually any starchy food. Plus: a “corny” cream ale recipe.
Growing Hops: Tips from the Pros
Digital and Plus Members OnlyTwo professional hop growers give their gardening tips for growing backyard hops.
Growing Hops
Digital and Plus Members OnlyAt your local homebrew supply store, the grains are probably stored in bins or barrels at room temperature. In contrast, the hops are — or should be — refrigerated. The hops are stored cold for a reason — because fresher hops taste better.
Wheat: The Oldest Grain
Digital and Plus Members OnlyWheat beers — whether German hefeweizens, Belgian wits or any of the other classic styles of wheat beers — are great beers. But wheat beer is not only a great beer, it also has a great story behind it. Deciding where to start is a problem, though.