Writer: Gordon Strong
Scottish Export: The pale ale of Scotland
An often misunderstood style here on this side of the Atlantic, shilling ales should be sessionable and refreshing. Gordon Strong explores Scottish export ales.
Gordon Strong’s German Helles Exportbier
This beer is bolder than your typical lawnmower beer, but it is meant to reward a hard day’s work. So go cross something off your to-do list, then grab a cold one, like life was meant to be.
Helles Exportbier: Dortmunder export, for those of you who aren’t German
Here in the U.S., it is often known as Dortmunder export beer, but in Germany a better name is helles exportbier. Learn the historical context for the style as well as possible techniques and ingredients to brew a classic interpretation.
Gordon Strong’s American Amber Ale
The challenge in this style to me is restraint, and keeping the flavors in balance. If you do that, this could be a choice as one of your regular house beers.
American Amber Ale
While its popularity peaked in the earlier years of the craft beer movement American amber ales are far from dead. Learn some of the key traits to brewing one of the classic styles in American craft beer lore.
Gordon Strong’s Witbier
The beer should ferment dry but not seem bitter because of the low IBUs. This should increase drinkability, as long as it is carbonated well. The spices shouldn’t be heavy, but if you find yourself wanting more, you can always make a quick “tea” of the parts you want to increase and blend it in post-fermentation.
Witbier: A hazy shade of summer
Adding fruit, spices, or other flavorings to beer is commonplace for homebrewers and craft brewers alike, but there are many ways to go about extracting the flavor.
Gordon Strong’s Leichtbier
When I first thought about giving a recipe for this style, I was going to say, “just take your favorite Pilsner or helles recipe, but use more water” – and I wouldn’t be too far from the mark. But there is a little more to it than that.
Leichtbier: Light in alcohol, not flavor
German light beer is much different than what Americans have come to expect of “lite” beer. Learn some of the keys to crafting a full-flavored and balanced leichtbier.
Winter Seasonal Beers: Winter warmers, Christmas beers, and holiday treats
With the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, winter warmers can be found on beer shelves everywhere. This year, make your own best version at home with some guidance from Gordon Strong.
Gordon Strong’s Winter Seasonal Beer
I’ve been making Christmas beers since my fifth batch and this version has several of my favorite ingredients and combinations, and is richly malty, complex, and spicy for the season.
The Rise of Brazilian Beer
The rise of Brazil’s craft and homebrewing scene over the last decade has resulted in some unique beer styles taking advantage of the country’s tropical fruits and ingredients. Plus: Craft clones and homebrew recipes that capture the local flavors in a glass.
