Topic: Mr Wizard
Hitting Target FG, Knowing Your OG and Magnesium Salts in Beer
A pair of homebrewers are struggling to hit their target gravities, although one is focusing on final gravity and the other is looking at original gravity. The Wiz talks them through his thoughts on each topic as well as an anonymous brewer’s question on using magnesium salts in their brewing water.
Dry Yeast Advancements, Alternate Decoction Mash Purpose, and Heating a Fermenter
For decades dry yeast manufacturers have recommended brewers rehydrate their yeast prior to pitching, but that advice has changed recently. The Wizard explains why. Also, learn why a brewery may use decoction mashing to produce a light beer and ways to heat up a fermenter.
Contradictory Advice, Nanobrewing Business Model, and Recipe Rantings
Process-oriented controversies and seemingly contradictory instructions are nothing new to the brewing world. Explore a few such controversies, as well as the nanobrewing business model, and the Wiz wants to discuss homebrew recipes.
Carbonation Issues, Excess Foaming, and Mash Thickness
A homebrewer new to kegging pours his first beer a week after packaging only to find a flat beer. Mr. Wizard has some advice to speed up the process as well as for a homebrewer with the opposite problem of excess foaming. Also, learn the importance of mash thickness.
Water Ways, Fermenting Seltzers, And All-In-One Brew Systems
A good water calculator makes pH adjustments and salt additions much easier and predictable. Mr. Wizard explains his calculator and shares tips for both making flavorful hard seltzers and a first-time brewer on an all-in-one brew system
Sparge Temperatures, Overcarbonation, Frozen Beer, and Brewing Calculations
Brewers often have a specific routine when it comes to lautering their mash. But in reality it’s a very forgiving process. Mr. Wizard provides his thoughts on this key step as well as overcarbonated kegs, a frozen beer crisis, and brewing calculations
A Kettle/Fermenter Conversion and The Time Traveling Brewer Has Some Advice
A homebrewer obtains a beast of a stainless steel tank and is looking to modify it into a brewing kettle and fermenter. Mr. Wizard walks him through the steps he recommends. Also, take a trip back to brewing in medieval times and the advice a modern brewer could take away from it.
Fermentation Under Pressure, A Solera System, A New Flavor in a Classic Beer, and Cooking Beer
Fermenting beer under pressure using a spunding valve in a pressure-rated vessel is something many homebrewers have been experimenting with and Mr. Wizard has some pointers. Also, find out about a solera system, a new flavor in a classic beer, and removing alcohol through heat.
Carbonating Thoughts, Star San Water Temperature, and Sprouted Grains
A homebrewer wonders about carbonating his beer in a keg or growler. Mr. Wizard explains the safety concerns with these two options. Also, is Star San supposed to be diluted in warm or cool water? Get the answer and the scoop on sprouted grains.
Low-Alcohol Beer Production, Gravity Drops and the Effects of a Cold-Water Extraction
Low- and no-alcohol commercial beer production has seen a noticeable uptick in recent years, especially in the craft beer world. Mr. Wizard explains how to produce one in your homebrewery. Also, an unexplained drop in gravity and re-using cold-mashed grains.
Fermentation Temperatures, Balancing a Draft System, and Honey Malt
A lot of attention is paid to fermentation temperature, and for good reason. But are we focusing on the right details? Get the meaning of this statement, along with the Wizard’s explanation on calculated draft tubing length disparities and honey malt.
Removing Trub, Munich Malts Explained, D-rests, and Dip Hopping
How important is it to remove the trub before fermentation? Get the Wizard’s thoughts on this topic as well as an in-depth look at Munich-style malts, the importance of diacetyl rests, and a primer on dip hopping.
