Writer: Ashton Lewis
Brewing with Fonio, Subbing DME for LME, & Dip Hopping
Fonio is an ancient African grass that has been gaining attention in the craft beer world in recent years. Learn more about brewing with this flavorful ingredient. Plus, advice on swapping dried for liquid malt extract and following up on previous discussions around dip hopping.
Dip hopping further explained
A. It’s not often that we receive two questions related to the same topic at roughly the same time. Seems that the stars are aligned, and inquisitive brewers are again interested in
Subbing DME for LME
Both DME and LME are great options for homebrewers looking to brew without the hassle of mashing. In general, DME has a longer shelf life than LME because of its lower water
Brewing With Fonio
Fonio caught the attention of Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery in 2019 by way of a TED Talk, “A Forgotten Ancient Grain that Could Help Africa Prosper,” presented in 2017 by Senegalese
Stressing Yeast, Dough Balls, & Remote Brewing
The discussion of stressing yeast to increase phenolics for styles like hefeweizens has been around for a long time. The Wizard weighs in on if this is necessary and shares other options if you aren’t getting the aromas you want from your yeast. He also answers questions on preventing dough balls and offers up advice for homebrewing in environments where climate and remoteness prove challenging.
Avoiding Dough Balls
Dough balls are an undeniable nuisance to brewers of all sizes because the malt in the dough ball is not wetted and does us brewers no good. Unless you are stirring with
Brewing in remote regions
From time to time, I take space in my column to write about something timely and exciting to share. Wilco’s dilemma is a challenge for me because there is a limit to
Stressing yeast to increase phenolics
This is a great question that is perfect for a short answer. Contrary to my love of marching to my own beat, I do believe in following supplier suggestions. I would start
Yeast Nutrients, Dry Hop Oxidation & Low-ABV Beers
The Wizard explains why some recipes call for yeast nutrients and others don’t — but why you should consider using it more often than not. Plus, tips to stop beer from oxidizing when dry hopping, and the latest on the no/low-alcohol beer trend.
Using Yeast Nutrients
This is a great question. Before digging into details, you make an interesting observation about the “Oak It Up” article. On the surface, a brewer may assume that recipes calling for nutrients
Avoiding Dry Hop Oxidation
Oxidation associated with dry hopping is a challenge faced by homebrewers and commercial brewers alike. The frustrating thing about this problem is the thin body of solid references related to the topic.
No/Low ABV Beer Trends
I recently attended the 2024 World Brewing Congress (WBC). The WBC is a joint meeting of the Master Brewers Association of the Americas, the American Society of Brewing Chemists, the European Brewery
