Writer: John Blichmann
Fermenting Under Pressure
Fermenting under pressure allows for natural carbonation during fermentation and the ability to utilize CO2 to pressure transfer to kegs. However, arguably the most enticing benefit is the ester suppression and ability to make lager-style beers fermented at warmer temperatures in a fraction of the time. Learn more about pressure fermentation and how the resulting beers compare to traditional lager fermentations.
Preparing to Go Electric
Electric brewing has numerous benefits — from being easier and safer to do indoors, less expensive, better efficiency, and easier controls when compared to gas. However, there is as much or more work that goes into setting up an electric brewery — from planning, installing appropriate power supplies, ventilation, and more. We go through what you’ll need to consider if you plan to take your brewing electric.
Homebrewery Design
John Blichmann offers advice for setting up a homebrewery area that includes thought for practical brewing, storage, and maneuverability.
Cellar Considerations: Planning and care
Once your brewhouse sizing is determined, the next big decision a brewery-in-planning needs to figure out is their cellar capacity. Take a peek down this rabbit hole as well as considerations for expansion
Brewhouse Considerations: Digging into the details
One of the most important decisions a new brewery needs to land upon is the size of their brewhouse. John Blichmann explains some of the considerations one needs to make.
Fundamentals of Stainless Steel Conicals
Conical fermenters provide a lot of options for homebrewers that other fermentation vessels don’t. Explore the various uses, benefits, and best practices of stainless conicals from the man who helped popularize them in the homebrew market two decades ago.
Bring the Heat
There are many factors to consider when deciding between propane, natural gas, and electricity as a heat source for your homebrew. John Blichmann walks us through those considerations, plus the pros and cons of each.
Reiterated Mashing
During an episode of the Brew Strong podcast, the topic was raised about brewing really high-gravity beers where mash tun space was limited. This is actually a very common question: What is
Ventilation: Proper Airflow in your Homebrewery
Having grown up in Northern Iowa I’ve always liked the cold winters, crisp air, and a blanket of snow covering the ground. Northern Indiana, where I live now, isn’t quite as cold
Choosing and Using Fittings
Anywhere your wort or beer moves, there’s a fitting involved — barbed fittings, flared fittings, heat-resistant fittings, plastic fittings, stainless fittings, garden hose fittings, brass fittings, sanitary fittings, and pipe fittings. Familiarize yourself with the options available so you can choose the best fittings for the job that also fits your budget.
Big Batch Brewing Techniques
If you find yourself in need of more homebrew it is time to start brewing bigger batches. If you’re ready to “go Big,” Here is how to go beyond the basic homebrew
