Writer: Ashton Lewis
At Home Solera System
Quick definition for our readers: The solera process is a type of fractional blending used to produce a diverse range of aged liquids including Sherry, vinegar, wine, whiskey, and beer. The term
Fermenting Beer Under Pressure
Yes, using gravity to monitor fermentation status is the best method for use at home because observing bubble activity and kräusen appearance are simply not reliable indicators. I am a fan of
Boiling Off the Alcohol In Beer
Wow! Talk about a blast from the past and a reminder of how brewing trends often slowly develop. The topic of no-alcohol and low-alcohol beers is certainly gaining traction in the world
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.
Using Sprouted Grains in Brewing
Sprouted grains have been used for thousands of years for cooking and brewing, with malt being the ultimate sprouted grain product. The history of food and cooking is largely comprised of stories
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.
Carbonating in Kegs or Growlers
This is a great question and one I always like answering. Beer can be conditioned, a.k.a. naturally carbonated, by capturing carbon dioxide produced by yeast in a conditioning tank, bottle, can, or
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.
The Effects Of Cold-Water Extraction
Homebrewers are always pushing the envelope for cool ideas and this one is certainly doable. Let’s start with a quick review of what happens in a cold mash. When milled grains, be
An Unexpected Drop in Gravity
I want to begin with a true confession about how I write this column. Using no special system, I select questions for discussion from those that are sent into BYO. The best
Ways to Brew Low-Alcohol and Non-Alcohol Beers
Before jumping into a review of some of the methods used to produce no- and low-alcohol beers, so-called NABLABs where NABs (non-alcohol beers) contain less than 0.5% ABV and LABs (low-alcohol beers)
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.
