Date: March-April 2020
Hard Seltzer Made Easy
FREEHard seltzer has become the fastest growing segment of the brewing industry. Learn two unique ways homebrewers can make these light beverages at home.
Water Adjustments: Tips from the Pros
FREEJust because water is safe to drink doesn’t mean it is ideal for making great beer. Changing the chemistry of water is the first step great brewers take when creating a recipe,
Brewing for Competition
Digital and Plus Members OnlyTo some, homebrew competitions are overwhelming. To others they are a waste of good beer. But to us, they are serious business. The ability to brew up the perfect beer that nails the target style and is in its prime right as it’s being judged truly shows mastery of our great homebrewing hobby. As challenging
DIY Electric Brewing
Digital and Plus Members OnlyMany homebrewers start their adventure with the kitchen stove or a turkey fryer pot and propane burner, coupled with a cooler converted into a mash tun. It worked for Charlie Papazian, it worked for John Palmer, and it has worked for thousands of homebrewers across the country. These systems are often cobbled together from this,
Homebrew Glycol System Comparison
Digital and Plus Members OnlyEveryone who brews beer knows that fermentation temperature control is one of the most critical aspects to consistent, flawless beer. When the fermentation temperature gets too warm, off flavors are sure to follow. Even if you have a cool spot in the house, daily temperature swings during fermentation can still wreak havoc on beer flavor.
Brewing with Reverse Osmosis Water
Digital and Plus Members OnlyYou can’t trust water: Even a straight stick turns crooked in it.” – W.C. Fields. Over the years, I’ve probably had more discussions, debates, and arguments with other brewers over water than just about any other topic. And I think I know why. It’s a fairly advanced topic that requires some scientific understanding, but also
Hard Seltzer
Digital and Plus Members OnlyHard seltzer 5.25 gallons/20 L OG = ~1.031 FG = ~1.000 ABV = ~ 5% Neutral Base Ingredients 21 L reverse osmosis (RO) or distilled water 4.5 g gypsum (adjusts calcium concentration to 50 ppm) 1.65 kg cane sugar 11.5 g packet SafAle US-05 or other neutral yeast strain 2.5 g Yeastex 82 yeast nutrient
Drop and Give Me Ten . . . Gallons
FREENot many people think about working out while homebrewing . . . but they should. Think about all the downtime that many homebrewers have on brew day. Get pointers on mixing in some exercises to your brewing routine.
The WashAll System: Not your everyday keg washer
Digital and Plus Members OnlyCleaning has always been one of the least favorite aspects of the homebrewer’s hobby. One reader decided to take matters into his own hands and create a cleaning system to make this chore a breeze. Say hello to the WashAll system.
It’s Complicated: Understanding oxygen in brewing
Digital and Plus Members OnlyOxidation has negative connotations in all areas of brewing except one. Learn how oxygen finds its way into our beer and some of the keys to controlling it.
Brewing Sugars: Finding your sugary zen
Digital and Plus Members OnlyAdding sugar to beer has been a bit of a pariah in the brewing world thanks to homebrew lore of old. It’s time to set the record straight on this brewing adjunct and put it back in its rightful place in our brewing kettles and fermenters.
German Weiss: Weissbier in the south, Hefeweizen in the north
Digital and Plus Members OnlyOutside of American IPAs, German weissbiers seem to garner the most questions from our readers about brewing strategies. Gordon Strong gives some clear advice to those looking to brew this hazy style.