Writer: Ashton Lewis
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
Yeast Slants, Candi Sugar, & Cold Crashing
The Wizard answers questions about creating yeast slants and building up a population of yeast from them. He also defines and offers advice around candi sugar and cold crashing.
Building a population from yeast slants
I think I am following your plan and will rephrase so that what follows is clear. You want to buy a single liquid pack, “borrow” a bit to prepare 7–8 slants, and
What is candi sugar?
Candy sugar (or “candi” sugar as it is commonly spelled) has a long history in Belgium because of the busy trading port of Antwerp. Until the 19th century, Europe did not produce
