Date: October 2023
SMaSH Brewing: Tips from the Pros
Digital and Plus Members OnlyWhile SMaSH (Single Malt and Single Hop) beers are relatively simple by nature, that doesn’t mean they can’t taste great. Two brewers with SMaSH beers in their regular rotation share pointers for crafting a great SMaSH brew and the benefits of doing so.
Evaluating Brewing Ingredients
Digital and Plus Members OnlyA brewer must understand the impact each ingredient will have on the final beer in order to master recipe development. Get tips on how to properly evaluate each ingredient. With practice, everyone can master these skills and start brewing better beers.
Keep it Simple — It’s a SMaSH!
Digital and Plus Members OnlySMaSH (Single Malt and Single Hop) recipes are about as simple as they get. That doesn’t mean this technique is just for beginners, however. SMaSH beers are a great way for all homebrewers to evaluate new ingredients, while also having the benefits of an easier brew day and a way to use up ingredients that may be nearing expiration. Let’s look closer at why SMaSH brewing is such a great tool for homebrewers and how to get the most from it.
Cascade SMaSH Pale Ale
Digital and Plus Members OnlyCascade SMaSH Pale Ale (5-gallons/19-L all-grain)OG = 1.048 FG = 1.010IBU = 42 SRM = 4 ABV = 5% Ingredients10 lbs. (4.5 kg) North American 2-row pale malt6.5 AAU Cascade hops (60 min.) (1 oz./28 g at 6.5% alpha acids)6.5 AAU Cascade hops (30 min.) (1 oz./28 g at 6.5% alpha acids)1 oz. (28 g)
Tettnang SMaSH Kölsch
Digital and Plus Members OnlyTettnang SMaSH Kölsch (5-gallons/19-L all-grain)OG = 1.040 FG = 1.008IBU = 20 SRM = 3 ABV = 4.1% Ingredients8 lbs. (3.6 kg) continental Pilsner malt4 AAU Tettnang hops (60 min.) (1 oz./28 g at 4% alpha acids)4 AAU Tettnang hops (10 min.) (1 oz./28 g at 4% alpha acids) White Labs WLP029 (Kölsch Ale), Omega Yeast OYL-044 (Kölsch II),
Simcoe® SMaSH IPA
Digital and Plus Members OnlySimcoe® SMaSH IPA (5-gallons/19-L all-grain)OG = 1.058 FG = 1.012IBU = 65 SRM = 4 ABV = 6% Ingredients12 lbs. (5.4 kg) North American 2-row pale malt12 AAU Simcoe® hops (60 min.) (1 oz./28 g at 12% alpha acids)12 AAU Simcoe® hops (15 min.) (1 oz./28 g at 12% alpha acids)1 oz. (28 g) Simcoe® hops (hopstand)2
10 Must-Haves for Pros and Amateurs
FREEThe scale is different, however there is a lot of crossover in commercial craft brewing and homebrewing. A pro brewer who still keeps his mash paddle busy at home shares the pieces of equipment he couldn’t brew without, no matter the size of the batch.
Jimmy Carter and Homebrewing
Digital and Plus Members OnlyIn 1979, President Jimmy Carter signed into law the legalization of homebrewing in the United States and its ramifications have been immense worldwide. A Georgia homebrewer offers up some insight into the former President’s personal experiences and views on this topic.
DIY Keg Beer Level Management System
Digital and Plus Members OnlyIt’s always a sad day when you go to pull a pint of your favorite draft beer and the faucet starts spitting foam into the glass. Always know how much beer is actually left in the keg with this awesome DIY scale with display functionality.
The Many Forms of Hops
FREEThe world of hopping beers has been revolutionized in recent years. Make sure you are informed on the latest and greatest ways to get the most from the various hop products that are available in the marketplace these days.
Concept Beers
Digital and Plus Members OnlyOnce your mind is set on brewing a new take on a beer, the next step is to design the recipe. Drew and Denny offer up their best advice on taking a concept for a beer and making it become a reality via the most direct route.
Gordon Strong’s West Coast IPA
FREE(5 gallons/19 L, all-grain)OG = 1.063 FG = 1.011IBU = 72 SRM = 6 ABV = 6.9% Ingredients5.5 lbs. (2.5 kg) Pilsner malt5 lbs. (2.3 kg) 2-row pale malt1.5 lbs. (680 g)