Beale Street Brewing (http://bealestbrewing.com) founder Kelvin Kolheim has always been a flavor enthusiast. From coffee and tea to different culinary traditions, he’s spent his life sampling and filing away those memories of flavor. Today, with his small beer brand—soon to have a brewery home of its own—Kolheim pulls from that vast mental library as he designs beers to connect with a variety of people, from adventurous drinkers to those who might not consider themselves craft beer fans at all. The common thread, of course, is flavor. In this episode, Kolheim discusses: his process of reverse-engineering flavors the creative process from start to finish—or finish to start, in some cases lowering bitterness and warming up the tone with elements such as honey malt brewing hazy IPAs with modern hop products on the hot side and traditional dry hopping building acid-forward fruit beers without a Lacto souring process the additive method for finding the right balance of ingredients Among other topics, he also dives into the ways in which the brewery connects with the community by honoring influential public figures—such as musicians, sports stars, and more—but always respectfully and with permission. From soul to blues to hip hop, Beale Street Brewing connects legendary music to great beer. *This episode is brought to you by: * G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): Like your flagship beer you can rely on G&D Chillers for the same quality and consistency. G&D guarantees that every chiller they build will hit 28 degrees without breaking a sweat. They never stop. They draft, they craft, they service each and every brewery – big or small. All in an effort to build one hell of a chiller. For nearly 30 years, G&D's been committed to cold. Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com (https://gdchillers.com) BSG (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) Meet the latest in the BSG Hop solutions portfolio, Citiva. Strong expressions of stone fruit, floral, and resinous/pine flavors and aromas define this blend, crafted specifically for use in hazy IPAs, and other hop-forward beers. Citiva is ideal for aroma, whirlpool, and dry hop additions to Hazy and Juicy IPAs, or for any other hoppy styles where a combination of citrus, tropical fruit, and pine aromatics are desired. Go to bsgcraftbrewing.com (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) to learn more, or call 1-800-374-2739. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): A brewery might have 99 problems, but your fruit supplier shouldn't be one. Old Orchard is already known for their quality concentrates, but they also pride themselves on consistent product and reliable supply. When brewers need assistance, Old Orchard is just an email, phone call, or even a text away. Based in Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan—better known as Beer City, USA—Old Orchard is core to the brewing community. To join their fruit family, learn more at www.oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer). ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com): Are you ready to Brew Like A Pro? ProBrew has the equipment, systems and technology to take your brewery production to the next level. Check out www.probrew.com (https://www.probrew.com) for ProCarb inline carbonation technology, ProFill rotary filling & seaming can fillers, the Alchemator inline alcohol separation system, 7 – 50bbl Brewhouses and more! ProBrew offers the craft beer industry innovative solutions to help you Brew Like A Pro! Go to www.probrew.com (https://www.probrew.com) for more info! Fermentis (https://fermentis.com): Hey nano-brewers! Fermentis, the obvious choice for beverage fermentation, soon offering our dry ale and lager yeasts in flexible 100g packaging. To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation, and for the latest on their exciting new product releases, visit Fermentis.com (https://fermentis.com) Clarion Lubricants (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do): As a brewery owner, you know how important it is to keep your machines running so you don't have to deal with the hassle caused by contamination, recalls and downtime. Clarion makes food-grade lubricants to protect your equipment from the wear and tear that results in breakdowns that cut into your bottom line. Clarion gives you peace of mind so you can focus on what you do best: pouring out great-tasting beverages. Learn more at www.clarionlubricants.com (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do)

Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

Episode 209: Kelvin Kolheim of Beale Street Connects Through Flavor

“People who visit the space, they understand and get that there’s this intimate quality to the beer,” says Aaron Kleidon. “I don’t think we’ve ever had a desire to add weird things to a beer just for the sake of adding weird things.” Scratch (https://www.scratchbeer.com) is decidedly weird. From their focus on beers made with ingredients foraged from the brewery property, to their intensely manual brewing process, it’s clear that the brewery is an exercise in exploring a different idea about beer—one rooted in place and time. You don’t find many breweries whose yeast choice is determined by the ambient temperature of their water or the ambient temperature of the fermentation cellar, but that’s how Scratch brews—mixed fermentation beers using their house sourdough culture (the same culture they use for their bread and pizza crust) in the warmer months, lagers in the colder months. You also don’t find many breweries who’ll change up their brewing schedule just because a storm took a tree down, and they suddenly have access to bark that they didn’t expect to have. Indeed, it’s a different way of thinking about brewing ingredients altogether. In this episode, Josephson and Kleidon explore the many facets of their brewing program, including: Building their own “spice kit” of foraged ingredients from the brewery property The learning process behind pushing ingredients further up in the boil rather than thinking about all ingredients like they would hops Methods of evaluating new or unfamiliar ingredients Brewing with tree bark and understanding the tannin contribution of foraged ingredients Channeling sense memory in drinkers by using ingredients that trigger memory Brewing with the ingredients in season, and yeasts that work in different seasonal temperature ranges The challenge of brewing in a wood-fired kettle with open puncheon mash tuns Finding “tropical” fruit flavors in local midwestern ingredients Prizing drinkability despite disparate ingredient lists And more. *This episode is brought to you by: * G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): Like your flagship beer you can rely on G&D Chillers for the same quality and consistency. G&D guarantees that every chiller they build will hit 28 degrees without breaking a sweat. They never stop. They draft, they craft, they service each and every brewery – big or small. All in an effort to build one hell of a chiller. For nearly 30 years, G&D's been committed to cold. Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com (https://gdchillers.com) BSG (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) Even the best yeast deserves a helping hand with seltzer fermentation, which is why Pathfinder N-Pure Seltzer Nutrient ensures reliable and complete fermentation of a seltzer base, while providing a clean, neutral fermentation profile. Not to mention it provides all the essential nutrients required by yeast for production of hard seltzer bases fermented from those sweet refined sugars. Give your seltzer yeast a boost by visiting bsgcraftbrewing.com (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) and searching for Pathfinder N-Pure Seltzer Nutrient, or call BSG at 1.800.374.2739. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): The most common complaint about hard seltzers? They need more flavor. Extract alone is a weak flavoring agent and can leave a chemical aftertaste. But there's a better way. The craft concentrate blends from Old Orchard are packed with REAL FRUIT FIRST, no added sugars, and just enough natural flavor. Breweries are turning to Old Orchard concentrates for seltzer with more body, color, and aroma. Turn seltzer skeptics into supporters with seltzer that drinks like a beer. Get started at www.oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer). ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com): Still emptying those overflowing wastebins of crushed, low-fills or under carbonated cans every canning day? It’s time to Fill Like a Pro. ProFill Can fillers from ProBrew use rotary, true-counter-pressure-gravity filling and seaming technology to run at speeds of 100 to 300 cans per minute with minimal DO pickup. Stop wasting perfectly good beer. Email ProBrew at contact@probrew.com today! Fermentis (https://fermentis.com): Working on a new sour beer? Fermentis, the obvious choice for beverage fermentation, now offering an expanding range of dry bacteria for the production of sour beers. To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation, and for the latest on their exciting new product releases, visit Fermentis.com (https://fermentis.com). Clarion Lubricants (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do): As a brewery owner, you know how important it is to keep your machines running so you don't have to deal with the hassle caused by contamination, recalls and downtime. Clarion makes food-grade lubricants to protect your equipment from the wear and tear that results in breakdowns that cut into your bottom line. Clarion gives you peace of mind so you can focus on what you do best: pouring out great-tasting beverages. Learn more at www.clarionlubricants.com (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do)

Episode 208: Marika Josephson and Aaron Kleidon of Scratch Brew With the Seasons

For Alma Mader Brewing, combining lager brewing with a broad approach to hazy IPA provides the best of both worlds—a dogmatic approach to technical brewing measured against a ranging program to squeeze every ounce of classic and creative flavor from their hops. Founder and head brewer Nick Mader studied and worked with industry leading breweries before heading back home to Kansas City, Missouri to open the eponymously named brewery, and that studied, nuanced approach to beer design is evident no matter which style you order. In this episode, Mader first discusses lager, including: Quality, consistency, and expression in Saaz hops Dialing in utilization of Noble hops in lagers Utilizing later hop additions in lager Balancing bitterness and malt character Manipulating pH to achieve proper expression Keeping minerality in check The significant differences in different lager yeasts Then, the discussion turns to hazy IPA, and Mader covers: Their two-pronged approach to hazy IPA with more dry and more sweet veins Boil additions in hazy IPA for hop flavor in the mid palate The impact of specific hop varieties on expression of “juicy” The benefit of using gypsum A west coast approach to hazy IPA Cool pooling for better hop aroma and more. *This episode is brought to you by: * G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): Like your flagship beer you can rely on G&D Chillers for the same quality and consistency. G&D guarantees that every chiller they build will hit 28 degrees without breaking a sweat. They never stop. They draft, they craft, they service each and every brewery – big or small. All in an effort to build one hell of a chiller. For nearly 30 years, G&D's been committed to cold. Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com (https://gdchillers.com). BSG (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) …brought to you by Rahr North Star Pils. A new base malt to set your compass by. Rahr North Star Pils is crafted for brewers looking for a domestic pilsner malt with low color and low modification. North Star Pils carries overtones of honey and sweet bread, supported by flavors and aromas of hay and nutty character. Suitable for any beer style, but particularly craft brewed versions of classic lagers. Let Rahr North Star Pils guide your craft by visiting bsgcraftbrewing.com (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/), or contact them at 1.800.374.2739. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): A brewery might have 99 problems, but your fruit supplier shouldn't be one. Old Orchard is already known for their quality concentrates, but they also pride themselves on consistent product and reliable supply. When brewers need assistance, Old Orchard is just an email, phone call, or even a text away. Based in Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan—better known as Beer City, USA—Old Orchard is core to the brewing community. To join their fruit family, learn more at www.oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer). ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com): What if you could take your favorite recipe and make a nonalcoholic version without sacrificing the flavor, color or beer quality? N/A? No Problem! The Alchemator from ProBrew uses proprietary membrane technology to strip the alcohol from the beer without sacrificing all the elements – like flavor and color - that make the beer great! Are you ready to Brew Like A Pro? The Alchemator from ProBrew. NA? No Problem! Email contact@probrew.com for more info. Fermentis (https://fermentis.com): Looking for a good lager yeast? Fermentis, the obvious choice for beverage fermentation, providing brewers large and small with the most complete portfolio of dry lager yeast available anywhere. To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation, and for the latest on their exciting new product releases, visit Fermentis.com (https://fermentis.com). Clarion Lubricants (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do): When it comes to brewing, nobody has your back like Clarion. Because their food-grade lubricants are formulated to help make your brewing system 100% food safe. That means, when you switch to Clarion, you can put the costly potential of contamination and recall out of your mind. All you need to worry about is brewing great beer. And since you already do that, well, it’s more like focusing on business as usual. Go to clarionlubricants.com (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do) to learn more.

Episode 207: Nick Mader of Alma Mader Brewing Balances Lager With the Two Sides of of Hazy IPA

Breweries making barrel-aged beer tend to lean heavily on romance. From name-checking the origins of their barrels to weaving stories of long, laborious boils and careful searches for the perfect ingredients, there’s no story today’s brewers can’t embellish. But for Shaun Berns and Phase Three Brewing (https://www.phasethreebrewing.com) in Lake Zurich, Illinois, it’s the quality of the end-product—and not the romanticized mysteries of barrel-aged beer production—that matter. In this episode, Berns walks us through their barrel-aged stout process, from base malt through barrel selection. Along the way, he touches on contrarian choices such as using dried malt extract in lieu of long boils, fermenting with dried yeast, weaning off higher finishing gravities, and not overthinking barrel selection. He discusses the challenge of forecasting consumer trends several years out, the benefit of debittered malts such as Carafa Special II, using malted oats more than flaked oats, selecting lighter crystal malts to control the expression of dark fruit flavors, the challenge of scaling when using low-efficiency ingredients, and more. “It’s not romantic, it’s the truth,” Berns says, while behind the curtain of a market niche full of fancy beers. These stouts don’t need fantastic tales to sell. The proof is in the glass. *This episode is brought to you by: * G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): Like your flagship beer you can rely on G&D Chillers for the same quality and consistency. G&D guarantees that every chiller they build will hit 28 degrees without breaking a sweat. They never stop. They draft, they craft, they service each and every brewery – big or small. All in an effort to build one hell of a chiller. For nearly 30 years, G&D's been committed to cold. Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com (https://gdchillers.com). BSG (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) Meet the latest in the BSG Hop solutions portfolio, Citiva. Strong expressions of stone fruit, floral, and resinous/pine flavors and aromas define this blend, crafted specifically for use in hazy IPAs, and other hop-forward beers. Citiva is ideal for aroma, whirlpool, and dry hop additions to Hazy and Juicy IPAs, or for any other hoppy styles where a combination of citrus, tropical fruit, and pine aromatics are desired. Go to bsgcraftbrewing.com (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) to learn more, or call 1-800-374-2739. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): A brewery might have 99 problems, but your fruit supplier shouldn't be one. Old Orchard is already known for their quality concentrates, but they also pride themselves on consistent product and reliable supply. When brewers need assistance, Old Orchard is just an email, phone call, or even a text away. Based in Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan—better known as Beer City, USA—Old Orchard is core to the brewing community. To join their fruit family, learn more at www.oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer). ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com): Are you ready to Brew Like A Pro? ProBrew has the equipment, systems and technology to take your brewery production to the next level. Check out www.probrew.com (https://www.probrew.com) for ProCarb inline carbonation technology, ProFill rotary filling & seaming can fillers, the Alchemator inline alcohol separation system, 7 – 50bbl Brewhouses and more! ProBrew offers the craft beer industry innovative solutions to help you Brew Like A Pro! Go to www.probrew.com (https://www.probrew.com) for more info! Clarion Lubricants (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do): When it comes to brewing, nobody has your back like Clarion. Because their food-grade lubricants are formulated to help make your brewing system 100% food safe. That means, when you switch to Clarion, you can put the costly potential of contamination and recall out of your mind. All you need to worry about is brewing great beer. And since you already do that, well, it’s more like focusing on business as usual. Go to clarionlubricants.com (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do) to learn more.

Episode 206: Shaun Berns of Phase Three Brewing Prefers the Pragmatic to the Romantic

Jeremy Grinkey worked in wine for the better part of a decade before joining The Bruery (https://www.thebruery.com) in Orange County, California. That winemaking background still informs the way the director of brewing operations and the Bruery itself make beer. From their club-focused sales approach—with special access for their best customers—to the focus on blending and the use of wine grapes as an ingredient, the influence is palpable. In this episode, Grinkey discusses: Their process of developing new beers and growing them as they move through the various “tiers,” from special events through smaller and then larger clubs Putting faith in barrels and the aging process Developing a sensory-based understanding of how barrel-aged beer will evolve with time The freedom to let things go and to make beers what they can and should be The difficulty in forecasting brewing for barrel-aged stock years before a beer’s release Leaving space and place for sweetness in beer design The technical process behind wine-beer hybrids Using fermentation aids as well as heat to your advantage Bottle-conditioning to amplify funk The changing tastes for high-gravity beers And more. *This episode is brought to you by: * G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): Like your flagship beer you can rely on G&D Chillers for the same quality and consistency. G&D guarantees that every chiller they build will hit 28 degrees without breaking a sweat. They never stop. They draft, they craft, they service each and every brewery – big or small. All in an effort to build one hell of a chiller. For nearly 30 years, G&D's been committed to cold. Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com (https://gdchillers.com). BSG (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) Even the best yeast deserves a helping hand with seltzer fermentation, which is why Pathfinder N-Pure Seltzer Nutrient ensures reliable and complete fermentation of a seltzer base, while providing a clean, neutral fermentation profile. Not to mention it provides all the essential nutrients required by yeast for production of hard seltzer bases fermented from those sweet refined sugars. Give your seltzer yeast a boost by visiting bsgcraftbrewing.com (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) and searching for Pathfinder N-Pure Seltzer Nutrient, or call BSG at 1.800.374.2739. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): The most common complaint about hard seltzers? They need more flavor. Extract alone is a weak flavoring agent and can leave a chemical aftertaste. But there's a better way. The craft concentrate blends from Old Orchard are packed with REAL FRUIT FIRST, no added sugars, and just enough natural flavor. Breweries are turning to Old Orchard concentrates for seltzer with more body, color, and aroma. Turn seltzer skeptics into supporters with seltzer that drinks like a beer. Get started at www.oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer). ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com): Still emptying those overflowing wastebins of crushed, low-fills or under carbonated cans every canning day? It’s time to Fill Like a Pro. ProFill Can fillers from ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com) use rotary, true-counter-pressure gravity filling and seaming technology to run at speeds of 100 to 300 cans per minute with minimal DO pickup. Stop wasting perfectly good beer. Email ProBrew at contact@probrew.com today! Clarion Lubricants (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do): When it comes to brewing, nobody has your back like Clarion. Because their food-grade lubricants are formulated to help make your brewing system 100% food safe. That means, when you switch to Clarion, you can put the costly potential of contamination and recall out of your mind. All you need to worry about is brewing great beer. And since you already do that, well, it’s more like focusing on business as usual. Go to clarionlubricants.com (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do) to learn more.

Episode 205: Jeremy Grinkey of The Bruery Puts His Faith in the Blend

Julian Shrago is not afraid to ruffle feathers. The outspoken brewmaster for Beachwood Brewing (http://beachwoodbrewing.com) (Long Beach, California) has cultivated an intense persona, but that passion and focus is evidenced in the beers they brew and the awards they’ve racked up over the past ten years, including 19 GABF medals and 9 World Beer Cup medals. In this episode, he discusses: Beachwood’s flavor-first creative process Building predictive sensibilities around recipe development The evolution of West coast IPA in general, and the particular evolution of Beachwood’s IPAs The cross-pollination between New England and West coast IPA brewing techniques Bittering contribution from dry hopping Creating a saturated wall of flavor in IPA Using acidity to temper bitterness Setting up biotransformation precursors through hop choice and terpenes Building expressive balance in dark beers with coffee and more. *This episode is brought to you by: * G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): Like your flagship beer you can rely on G&D Chillers for the same quality and consistency. G&D guarantees that every chiller they build will hit 28 degrees without breaking a sweat. They never stop. They draft, they craft, they service each and every brewery – big or small. All in an effort to build one hell of a chiller. For nearly 30 years, G&D's been committed to cold. Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com (https://gdchillers.com). BSG (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) This episode is brought to you by Rahr North Star Pils. A new base malt to set your compass by. Rahr North Star Pils is crafted for brewers looking for a domestic pilsner malt with low color and low modification. North Star Pils carries overtones of honey and sweet bread, supported by flavors and aromas of hay and nutty character. Suitable for any beer style, but particularly craft brewed versions of classic lagers. Let Rahr North Star Pils guide your craft by visiting bsgcraftbrewing.com (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/), or contact us at 1.800.374.2739. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): The world of craft beer is a different place now. Margins are more important than ever, so why not lower your ingredient cost? Craft juice concentrates from Old Orchard are the cost-effective solution for your fruit-forward needs. Old Orchard produces high volumes of their retail juice brand, so economies of scale keep prices low for their bulk supply program. A little concentrate goes a long way, and you won't lose some of it through filtering like you would with purees. To start increasing your margins now, head on over to www.oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer). ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com): What if you could take your favorite recipe and make a nonalcoholic version without sacrificing the flavor, color or beer quality? N/A? No Problem! The Alchemator from ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com) uses proprietary membrane technology to strip the alcohol from the beer without sacrificing all the elements – like flavor and color - that make the beer great! Are you ready to Brew Like A Pro? The Alchemator from ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com). NA? No Problem! Email contact@probrew.com for more info. Clarion Lubricants (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do): Your beer deserves all your attention. Clarion makes that a little easier. Their food-grade lubricants will help keep your system running smooth, while also safeguarding your product from costly contamination and recall. Because then you’ll be in full compliance with food safety standards. And it’s all thanks to a simple switch to Clarion. A food-safe system that lets you focus on your craft? We’ll drink to that. Go to clarionlubricants.com (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do) to learn more.

Episode 204: For Julian Shrago of Beachwood Brewing, There Are No Additives, Only Ingredients

Firestone Walker (https://www.firestonebeer.com) doesn’t rest on its laurels. Innovation and new product development is a constant, but well within creative boundaries of flavor that define the brewery, and constantly underpinned by an expectation of quality—it’s Firestone Walker, it has to be great. Firestone Walker Propagator Brewhouse Manager Sam Tierney has carved out space in this high performance organization, earning respect for flavor-driven experimentation that has continued to feed into the flavor evolution of the venerable brand. In this episode, he discusses: The parameters of the innovation process Triangulating experimental beers with new hops against existing brewery knowledge The consumer-focused tasting and evaluation process using Firestone taprooms Mind Haze and hop evaluation in the world of hazy beer Considering the hazy IPA roots in Bavarian hefeweizen and Belgian witbier The impact of appearance on flavor perception Moving to malted more than flaked ingredients The impact of ABV on hop expression Pushing to the “ester breaking point” Tailoring base beers to ingredient approach in IPA Exploring hoppy lager and the impact of sulfur on hop expression And more. *This episode is brought to you by: * G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): Born in the Pacific Northwest from a lot of hard work and singular goal, G&D has become the best damn chiller company in the world. Like you, G&D never settles—they are relentless and strive to be better every single day because they take pride in the work they do. They are craftsmen who know that "good enough" just won’t cut it. Visit G&D Chillers at the CBC, Booth #3011! Or reach out directly at GDChillers.com (https://gdchillers.com). BSG (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) Meet the latest in the BSG Hop solutions portfolio, Citiva. Strong expressions of stone fruit, floral, and resinous/pine flavors and aromas define this blend, crafted specifically for use in hazy IPAs, and other hop-forward beers. Citiva is ideal for aroma, whirlpool, and dry hop additions to Hazy and Juicy IPAs, or for any other hoppy styles where a combination of citrus, tropical fruit, and pine aromatics are desired. Go to bsgcraftbrewing.com (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) to learn more, or call 1-800-374-2739. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): A brewery might have 99 problems, but your fruit supplier shouldn't be one. Old Orchard is already known for their quality concentrates, but they also pride themselves on consistent product and reliable supply. When brewers need assistance, Old Orchard is just an email, phone call, or even a text away. Based in Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan—better known as Beer City, USA—Old Orchard is core to the brewing community. To join their fruit family, learn more at www.oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer). ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com): Are you ready to Brew Like A Pro? ProBrew has the equipment, systems and technology to take your brewery production to the next level. Check out www.probrew.com (https://www.probrew.com) for ProCarb inline carbonation technology, ProFill rotary filling & seaming can fillers, the Alchemator inline alcohol separation system, 7 – 50bbl Brewhouses and more! ProBrew offers the craft beer industry innovative solutions to help you Brew Like A Pro! Go to www.probrew.com (https://www.probrew.com) for more info! Clarion Lubricants (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do): Your beer deserves all your attention. Clarion makes that a little easier. Their food-grade lubricants will help keep your system running smooth, while also safeguarding your product from costly contamination and recall. Because then you’ll be in full compliance with food safety standards. And it’s all thanks to a simple switch to Clarion. A food-safe system that lets you focus on your craft? We’ll drink to that. Go to clarionlubricants.com (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do) to learn more.

Episode 203: Sam Tierney of Firestone Walker Takes the Dynamic Approach to Flavor

For Brandon Capps of New Image Brewing (https://www.nibrewing.com) (Arvada, Colorado), the question of how to push more hop intensity in beer flavor and aroma, despite the inherently inefficient process of extracting those vital hop compounds in the weak alcohol solution of beer, pushed him down the rabbit hole of brewing with extracted terpenes. And the deeper he gets, the more excited he becomes about its prospect for reducing environmental impacts while also achieving intense and vibrant flavors. In this episode of the podcast, Capps discusses: Using terpenes to overcome limits to saturation in hop extraction through dry hopping The impact of hop variety on the extraction process Singular terpene extraction versus full spectrum extract Improving solubility of extracted terpenes The upsides and downsides of hyper-efficient supercritical CO2 extraction The value of short and cold dry hopping Reducing vegetal matter in the dry hop to limit reabsorption of hop compounds Maximizing Thiol expression Malt choices that benefit hop expression and more. While the science is evolving and initial results are mixed, Capps has found some clear preferences, and offers his thoughts for brewers intrigued by this scientific approach to brewing. *This episode is brought to you by: * G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): Born in the Pacific Northwest from a lot of hard work and singular goal, G&D has become the best damn chiller company in the world. Like you, G&D never settles—they are relentless and strive to be better every single day because they take pride in the work they do. They are craftsmen who know that "good enough" just won’t cut it. Visit G&D Chillers at the CBC, Booth #3011! Or reach out directly at GDChillers.com (https://gdchillers.com). BSG (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) Even the best yeast deserves a helping hand with seltzer fermentation, which is why Pathfinder N-Pure Seltzer Nutrient ensures reliable and complete fermentation of a seltzer base, while providing a clean, neutral fermentation profile. Not to mention it provides all the essential nutrients required by yeast for production of hard seltzer bases fermented from those sweet refined sugars. Give your seltzer yeast a boost by visiting bsgcraftbrewing.com (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) and searching for Pathfinder N-Pure Seltzer Nutrient, or call BSG at 1.800.374.2739. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): The most common complaint about hard seltzers? They need more flavor. Extract alone is a weak flavoring agent and can leave a chemical aftertaste. But there's a better way. The craft concentrate blends from Old Orchard are packed with REAL FRUIT FIRST, no added sugars, and just enough natural flavor. Breweries are turning to Old Orchard concentrates for seltzer with more body, color, and aroma. Turn seltzer skeptics into supporters with seltzer that drinks like a beer. Get started at www.oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer). ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com): Are you ready to Brew Like A Pro? ProBrew has the equipment, systems and technology to take your brewery production to the next level. Check out www.probrew.com for ProCarb inline carbonation technology, ProFill rotary filling & seaming can fillers, the Alchemator inline alcohol separation system, 7 – 50bbl Brewhouses and more! ProBrew offers the craft beer industry innovative solutions to help you Brew Like A Pro! Go to www.probrew.com for more info! Clarion Lubricants (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do): Your beer deserves all your attention. Clarion makes that a little easier. Their food-grade lubricants will help keep your system running smooth, while also safeguarding your product from costly contamination and recall. Because then you’ll be in full compliance with food safety standards. And it’s all thanks to a simple switch to Clarion. A food-safe system that lets you focus on your craft? We’ll drink to that. Go to clarionlubricants.com (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do) to learn more.

Episode 202: Brandon Capps of New Image Brews Better IPAs Through Chemistry

For cofounders Michael Messenie and Tim Lee, the idea behind Dutchess Ales (https://www.dutchessales.com) in Wassaic, New York, was to recreate the kinds of cask-conditioned ale they loved when living in Britain. If you’ve enjoyed a proper pint of cask ale in New York City in recent years, there’s a good chance it came from Dutchess. Today, the brewery is branching out, brewing beer for distribution at a host brewery on Long Island, and even making forays into lagers (such as Ketzer Helles (https://beerandbrewing.com/review/dutchess-ales-ketzer-helles-lager-1614187707/), which scored a 98/100 with our blind panel). But their first love is, and always will be, cask ale. These are no historical reenactors. Messenie blends just a touch of inspiration from his Southern California roots with this British focus, resulting in beers that aren’t slavish renditions but exhibit a flash of personality (within proper context). That same fusion with a heavy dose of tradition informs newer beers such as GB Pale Ale, where seven malts and a copitched blend of three yeast strains lends it notes of past and present. In this episode, Messenie discusses: Cask ale roots, history, and inspiration How pale ale speaks in a more compelling way than IPA Brewing GB Pale Ale with blended yeast and an evolving malt bill Tilting pub ales toward a drier finish Blending malts to build character Finding interesting notes in lesser-known English hops Working collaboratively through contract brewing And more. *This episode is brought to you by: * G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): Born in the Pacific Northwest from a lot of hard work and singular goal, G&D has become the best damn chiller company in the world. Like you, G&D never settles—they are relentless and strive to be better every single day because they take pride in the work they do. They are craftsmen who know that "good enough" just won’t cut it. Visit G&D Chillers at the CBC, Booth #3011! Or reach out directly at GDChillers.com (https://gdchillers.com). BSG (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) This episode is brought to you by Rahr North Star Pils. A new base malt to set your compass by. Rahr North Star Pils is crafted for brewers looking for a domestic pilsner malt with low color and low modification. North Star Pils carries overtones of honey and sweet bread, supported by flavors and aromas of hay and nutty character. Suitable for any beer style, but particularly craft brewed versions of classic lagers. Let Rahr North Star Pils guide your craft by visiting bsgcraftbrewing.com (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/), or contact us at 1.800.374.2739. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): The world of craft beer is a different place now. Margins are more important than ever, so why not lower your ingredient cost? Craft juice concentrates from Old Orchard are the cost-effective solution for your fruit-forward needs. Old Orchard produces high volumes of their retail juice brand, so economies of scale keep prices low for their bulk supply program. A little concentrate goes a long way, and you won't lose some of it through filtering like you would with purees. To start increasing your margins now, head on over to www.oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer). ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com): What if you could take your favorite recipe and make a nonalcoholic version without sacrificing the flavor, color or beer quality? N/A? No Problem! The Alchemator from ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com) uses proprietary membrane technology to strip the alcohol from the beer without sacrificing all the elements – like flavor and color - that make the beer great! Are you ready to Brew Like A Pro? The Alchemator from ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com). NA? No Problem! Email contact@probrew.com for more info. Clarion Lubricants (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do): Your beer deserves all your attention. Clarion makes that a little easier. Their food-grade lubricants will help keep your system running smooth, while also safeguarding your product from costly contamination and recall. Because then you’ll be in full compliance with food safety standards. And it’s all thanks to a simple switch to Clarion. A food-safe system that lets you focus on your craft? We’ll drink to that. Go to clarionlubricants.com (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do) to learn more.

Episode 201: Michael Messenie of Dutchess Ales Loves to Keep Ale Real

Sierra Nevada (https://sierranevada.com) founder Ken Grossman has been working on “innovation” beers since the brewery’s first days in the early ’80s. Beers we all know and love, such as Celebration and Bigfoot, were once “innovation” beers. That culture of trying new things while brewing traditionally inspired beers that speak to audiences today is written into the very DNA of the company. It’s no surprise that they continue to lead even now, as they move into their fifth decade. But creating new products comes with challenges in everything from creative approach to technical performance and connecting with drinkers. It’s not easy to find that perfect mix of compelling beer and brand, and even today Sierra Nevada has to approach branding and marketing with focus and discipline. In this episode, Grossman explains how Sierra Nevada approaches innovation and quality, touching on: How online shopping and beer pickup and delivery have changed the industry Creating beers that delight, excite, and mean something to somebody Marrying the creative process with the technical development process The approach to small-scale piloting and R&D brewing Maintaining and promoting consistency and creativity between Sierra Nevada’s two breweries with weekly taste panels The brewery’s relationship with growers on the agricultural side of beer Underwriting investments by growers in new hop varieties Imbuing the company with a culture of quality Developing new beer ideas, as well as beyond-beer product lines And more. Ken Grossman has earned his reputation as a brewer’s brewer through an unyielding focus on quality. Here, you’ll understand why. *This episode is brought to you by: * G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): Like your flagship beer you can rely on G&D Chillers for the same quality and consistency. G&D guarantees that every chiller they build will hit 28 degrees without breaking a sweat. They never stop. They draft, they craft, they service each and every brewery – big or small. All in an effort to build one hell of a chiller. For nearly 30 years, G&D's been committed to cold. Reach out for a quote today at GDChillers.com (https://gdchillers.com). BSG (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) Meet the latest in the BSG Hop solutions portfolio, Citiva. Strong expressions of stone fruit, floral, and resinous/pine flavors and aromas define this blend, crafted specifically for use in hazy IPAs, and other hop-forward beers. Citiva is ideal for aroma, whirlpool, and dry hop additions to Hazy and Juicy IPAs, or for any other hoppy styles where a combination of citrus, tropical fruit, and pine aromatics are desired. Go to bsgcraftbrewing.com (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) to learn more, or call 1-800-374-2739. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): A brewery might have 99 problems, but your fruit supplier shouldn't be one. Old Orchard is already known for their quality concentrates, but they also pride themselves on consistent product and reliable supply. When brewers need assistance, Old Orchard is just an email, phone call, or even a text away. Based in Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan—better known as Beer City, USA—Old Orchard is core to the brewing community. To join their fruit family, learn more at www.oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer). ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com): Are you ready to Brew Like A Pro? ProBrew has the equipment, systems and technology to take your brewery production to the next level. Check out www.probrew.com (https://www.probrew.com) for ProCarb inline carbonation technology, ProFill rotary filling & seaming can fillers, the Alchemator inline alcohol separation system, 7 to 50bbl Brewhouses and more! ProBrew offers the craft beer industry innovative solutions to help you Brew Like A Pro! Go to www.probrew.com (https://www.probrew.com) for more info! Clarion Lubricants (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do): There’s nothing easy about brewing beer. It’s an intricate, time-consuming art. The last thing you need to face is a recall or contamination that can hurt your pride and your pocketbook. Clarion lubricants meet strict purity and performance standards to help make your system 100% food safe. That’s protection for your equipment and your beer. So, make the switch to Clarion, and ensure your system is running smooth and safe. Go to clarionlubricants.com (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do) to learn more.

Episode 200: Ken Grossman of Sierra Nevada Is Obsessed with Innovation and Quality

Kettle sours get a bad rap in some brewing circles, but Urban South’s (https://urbansouthbrewery.com) Alex Flores would love to change your mind. Recalibrating and considering these beers as their own thing—rather than some faster approximation of other sour traditions—and you just might see the in a new light. They’ve definitely grown on the fans of Urban South, who’ve fallen hard for the tart beers. The brewery has nurtured a range of beers within the broader family. On one end, beers such as Cucumber Lime Gose strike a crisp and refreshing pose with light salinity, freshly juiced cucumber, and subtle tartness. On the other, heavily fruited beers thick with purée scratch that fruit-smoothie itch. Adjacent to those are more creative expressions, such as the Drip line of fruited coffee sours. Urban South is committed to exploring this particular expression of acid and fruit in beer. In this episode, Flores discusses: The importance of vigorous lactic fermentations for better-tasting beer Avoiding hop cross-contamination in the kettle Controlling oxygen when kettle souring Managing water and salinity in delicate tart beers Dialing in sweetness to highlight fruit flavors Homogenizing flavors through the mash, souring, boil, and fermentation Adjusting and tweaking flavors Processes for getting punchy natural fruit and vegetable expression Blending whole bean and ground coffee in beer additions for better results And more. In Flores’ words, “You can’t kettle-sour your way into a Cuvée de Tomme,” but that’s not the point—they shouldn’t be viewed as contemporaries with traditional, funk-forward mixed-fermentation beers. When approached with the right frame of mind, and a buttoned-up process, brewers can make exciting beers that customers love. *This episode is brought to you by: * G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): Born in the Pacific Northwest from a lot of hard work and singular goal, G&D has become the best damn chiller company in the world. Like you, G&D never settles—they are relentless and strive to be better every single day because they take pride in the work they do. They are craftsmen who know that "good enough" just won’t cut it. Visit G&D Chillers at the CBC, Booth #3011! Or reach out directly at GDChillers.com (https://gdchillers.com). BSG (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) Even the best yeast deserves a helping hand with seltzer fermentation, which is why Pathfinder N-Pure Seltzer Nutrient ensures reliable and complete fermentation of a seltzer base, while providing a clean, neutral fermentation profile. Not to mention it provides all the essential nutrients required by yeast for production of hard seltzer bases fermented from those sweet refined sugars. Give your seltzer yeast a boost by visiting bsgcraftbrewing.com (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) and searching for Pathfinder N-Pure Seltzer Nutrient, or call BSG at 1.800.374.2739. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): The most common complaint about hard seltzers? They need more flavor. Extract alone is a weak flavoring agent and can leave a chemical aftertaste. But there's a better way. The craft concentrate blends from Old Orchard are packed with REAL FRUIT FIRST, no added sugars, and just enough natural flavor. Breweries are turning to Old Orchard concentrates for seltzer with more body, color, and aroma. Turn seltzer skeptics into supporters with seltzer that drinks like a beer. Get started at www.oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer). Brewmation (https://www.brewmation.com): With nearly 20 years of innovation and experience, Brewmation specializes in electric, steam, and direct fire brew houses, complete cellar solutions, and automated controls for the craft brewing industry. From a half barrel to thirty barrel systems, Brewmation puts you in control to design a brewery that fits your needs and brewing style. Whether you’re starting a new brewery, upgrading your cellar, or just need some parts to keep you up and running, Brewmation has you covered. Visit Brewmation.com (https://www.brewmation.com) to get started. Clarion Lubricants (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do): There’s nothing easy about brewing beer. It’s an intricate, time-consuming art. The last thing you need to face is a recall or contamination that can hurt your pride and your pocketbook. Clarion lubricants meet strict purity and performance standards to help make your system 100% food safe. That’s protection for your equipment and your beer. So, make the switch to Clarion, and ensure your system is running smooth and safe. Go to clarionlubricants.com (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do) to learn more.

Episode 199: Alex Flores of Urban South Kettle-Sours the Hard Way

From their small outpost in McMinnville, in Oregon wine country, Heater Allen (http://heaterallen.com) has flown the lager flag for its 14 years of their existence—long before it was “cool.” The father-daughter duo of Rick and Lisa Allen have embraced lager with dogged determination, convincing drinkers of its place in the craft canon, and doing so while growing slowly and organically. In this episode of the podcast, Lisa Allen goes into detail on their approach to cold fermentation, touching on: Her path from wine production to brewing Embracing the small influences of lager yeast Lager cellaring in a very small brewhouse Dialing in yeast process to ensure successful results Foregoing diacetyl rests in favor of longer conditioning and more time on yeast Achieving the flavors of decoction without the decoction step Championing smooth but strong bitterness with first-wort hopping Their creative process for creating new beers inspired by European influences And more. “You make the beer you can with the system that you have,” Allen says. But for Heater Allen, that doesn’t mean accepting what you get. It means evaluating and tweaking every choice along the way, to keep honing their lagers into exactly the beers they want them to be. *This episode is brought to you by: * G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): Born in the Pacific Northwest from a lot of hard work and singular goal, G&D has become the best damn chiller company in the world. Like you, G&D never settles—they are relentless and strive to be better every single day because they take pride in the work they do. They are craftsmen who know that "good enough" just won’t cut it. Visit G&D Chillers at the CBC, Booth #3011! Or reach out directly at GDChillers.com (https://gdchillers.com). BSG (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) This episode is brought to you by Rahr North Star Pils. A new base malt to set your compass by. Rahr North Star Pils is crafted for brewers looking for a domestic pilsner malt with low color and low modification. North Star Pils carries overtones of honey and sweet bread, supported by flavors and aromas of hay and nutty character. Suitable for any beer style, but particularly craft brewed versions of classic lagers. Let Rahr North Star Pils guide your craft by visiting bsgcraftbrewing.com (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/), or contact us at 1.800.374.2739. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): The world of craft beer is a different place now. Margins are more important than ever, so why not lower your ingredient cost? Craft juice concentrates from Old Orchard are the cost-effective solution for your fruit-forward needs. Old Orchard produces high volumes of their retail juice brand, so economies of scale keep prices low for their bulk supply program. A little concentrate goes a long way, and you won't lose some of it through filtering like you would with purees. To start increasing your margins now, head on over to www.oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer). Brewmation (https://www.brewmation.com): With nearly 20 years of innovation and experience, Brewmation specializes in electric, steam, and direct fire brew houses, complete cellar solutions, and automated controls for the craft brewing industry. From a half barrel to thirty barrel systems, Brewmation puts you in control to design a brewery that fits your needs and brewing style. Whether you’re starting a new brewery, upgrading your cellar, or just need some parts to keep you up and running, Brewmation has you covered. Visit Brewmation.com (https://www.brewmation.com) to get started. Clarion Lubricants (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do): There’s nothing easy about brewing beer. It’s an intricate, time-consuming art. The last thing you need to face is a recall or contamination that can hurt your pride and your pocketbook. Clarion lubricants meet strict purity and performance standards to help make your system 100% food safe. That’s protection for your equipment and your beer. So, make the switch to Clarion, and ensure your system is running smooth and safe. Go to clarionlubricants.com (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do) to learn more.

Episode 198: Lisa Allen of Heater Allen Takes the Patient Approach to Lager and Business

Hanabi Lager Company’s (https://hanabilager.com) Nick Gislason has always been a builder, and that same DIY sensibility drives his lager-focused brewery project today. For the past decade, he’s been head winemaker for Screaming Eagle, a small estate winery that makes some of the most coveted wines in California. But before wine, he was a brewer, and Hanabi is his way to stay connected with this parallel passion. Crossover stories are ripe for criticism—Michael Jordan playing baseball was not the success he might have envisioned—and it’s easy to assume that a winemaker dabbling in the beer world is nothing more than a dilettante. The Hanabi story is different. Years of piloting, years of hand-building a bespoke brewhouse, and an intense focus on the equipment to make the beer set a different background for the Hanabi story. Notably, Hanabi is a lager brewery. Gislason’s affinity for exploring the flavors of grains led him to focus on lager brewing, as the delicate structure of lager allows for clearer malt expression. Hanabi releases only one beer per quarter, which they brew then patiently lager before releasing as a one-time event. Each beer is an event and an exploration. In this episode, Gislason discusses this somewhat unique structure and focus, while also touching on: Building the brewhouse from scratch, welding their own vessels, and designing the brewhouse specifically for lager brewing The Hanabi beer development process Brewing with heirloom barley varieties Searching for historical barley to brew with And more. *This episode is brought to you by: * G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): Born in the Pacific Northwest from a lot of hard work and singular goal, G&D has become the best damn chiller company in the world. Like you, G&D never settles—they are relentless and strive to be better every single day because they take pride in the work they do. They are craftsmen who know that "good enough" just won’t cut it. Visit G&D Chillers at the CBC, Booth #3011! Or reach out directly at GDChillers.com (https://gdchillers.com). BSG (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) Meet the latest in the BSG Hop solutions portfolio, Citiva. Strong expressions of stone fruit, floral, and resinous/pine flavors and aromas define this blend, crafted specifically for use in hazy IPAs, and other hop-forward beers. Citiva is ideal for aroma, whirlpool, and dry hop additions to Hazy and Juicy IPAs, or for any other hoppy styles where a combination of citrus, tropical fruit, and pine aromatics are desired. Go to bsgcraftbrewing.com (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) to learn more, or call 1-800-374-2739. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): A brewery might have 99 problems, but your fruit supplier shouldn't be one. Old Orchard is already known for their quality concentrates, but they also pride themselves on consistent product and reliable supply. When brewers need assistance, Old Orchard is just an email, phone call, or even a text away. Based in Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan—better known as Beer City, USA—Old Orchard is core to the brewing community. To join their fruit family, learn more at www.oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer). Brewmation (https://www.brewmation.com): With nearly 20 years of innovation and experience, Brewmation specializes in electric, steam, and direct fire brew houses, complete cellar solutions, and automated controls for the craft brewing industry. From a half barrel to thirty barrel systems, Brewmation puts you in control to design a brewery that fits your needs and brewing style. Whether you’re starting a new brewery, upgrading your cellar, or just need some parts to keep you up and running, Brewmation has you covered. Visit Brewmation.com (https://www.brewmation.com) to get started. Clarion Lubricants (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do): There’s nothing easy about brewing beer. It’s an intricate, time-consuming art. The last thing you need to face is a recall or contamination that can hurt your pride and your pocketbook. Clarion lubricants meet strict purity and performance standards to help make your system 100% food safe. That’s protection for your equipment and your beer. So, make the switch to Clarion, and ensure your system is running smooth and safe. Go to clarionlubricants.com (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do) to learn more.

Episode 197: Nick Gislason of Hanabi Lager and Screaming Eagle Wines Admires the Beauty of Grains Through the Canvas of Lager

For Kevin Ashford, brewmaster of Figueroa Mountain Brewing (https://www.figmtnbrew.com) in Buellton, California, every beer can always be improved. After winning two medals for their Danish Red Lager, Ashford and team made the difficult decisions to simplify the malt bill, dry it out a touch, and add a decoction step—significant moves for a beer that had a following and had wowed judges. But for Ashford, truly great beers are created through a process of subtraction—iterating and eliminating anything that doesn’t need to be there, while using all the tools in the brewing playbook to maximize the expression in what’s left. In this episode of the podcast, Ashford shares his optimization strategies, primarily in the lager realm. These include: Decocting Mexican-style lager to build malt character and create “weight” in light lagers Using Contessa hops for a classic but fresh feel Employing multiple lager yeast strains in the production brewhouse Cellaring with a combo of cylindroconical fermenters and brite tanks to optimize clarity Understanding the importance of time in lager brewing Using contemporary hops like El Dorado and Strata in lagers The benefit of cold fermentation on retaining hop aromas And more. *This episode is brought to you by: * G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): Like your flagship beer you can rely on G&D Chillers for the same quality and consistency. G&D guarantees that every chiller they build will hit 28 degrees without breaking a sweat. They never stop. They draft, they craft, they service each and every brewery – big or small. All in an effort to build one hell of a chiller. For nearly 30 years, G&D's been committed to cold. Reach out for a quote today at GDChillers.com (https://gdchillers.com). BSG (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) Even the best yeast deserves a helping hand with seltzer fermentation, which is why Pathfinder N-Pure Seltzer Nutrient ensures reliable and complete fermentation of a seltzer base, while providing a clean, neutral fermentation profile. Not to mention it provides all the essential nutrients required by yeast for production of hard seltzer bases fermented from those sweet refined sugars. Give your seltzer yeast a boost by visiting bsgcraftbrewing.com (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) and searching for Pathfinder N-Pure Seltzer Nutrient, or call BSG at 1.800.374.2739. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): The most common complaint about hard seltzers? They need more flavor. Extract alone is a weak flavoring agent and can leave a chemical aftertaste. But there's a better way. The craft concentrate blends from Old Orchard are packed with REAL FRUIT FIRST, no added sugars, and just enough natural flavor. Breweries are turning to Old Orchard concentrates for seltzer with more body, color, and aroma. Turn seltzer skeptics into supporters with seltzer that drinks like a beer. Get started at www.oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer). Brewmation (https://www.brewmation.com): With nearly 20 years of innovation and experience, Brewmation specializes in electric, steam, and direct fire brew houses, complete cellar solutions, and automated controls for the craft brewing industry. From a half barrel to thirty barrel systems, Brewmation puts you in control to design a brewery that fits your needs and brewing style. Whether you’re starting a new brewery, upgrading your cellar, or just need some parts to keep you up and running, Brewmation has you covered. Visit Brewmation.com (https://www.brewmation.com) to get started. Clarion Lubricants (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do): There’s nothing easy about brewing beer. It’s an intricate, time-consuming art. The last thing you need to face is a recall or contamination that can hurt your pride and your pocketbook. Clarion lubricants meet strict purity and performance standards to help make your system 100% food safe. That’s protection for your equipment and your beer. So, make the switch to Clarion, and ensure your system is running smooth and safe. Go to clarionlubricants.com (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do) to learn more.

Episode 196: Kevin Ashford of Figueroa Mountain Does More by Using Less

East Brother Beer in Richmond, California, makes its living by nailing classic styles, including an oatmeal stout in the core range. Naturally they also brew IPA—Gold or Red, take your pick—but their top two sellers are Bo Pils and Red Lager. Their seasonal lager series includes a maibock, Baltic porter, pre-Prohibition lager, and festbier—no wonder head brewer Paul Liszewski’s customized California license plate says “LAGER.” While its sneakily hop-forward yet balanced Bo Pils is beloved by local drinkers, it also gets respect from peers—including a Great American Beer Festival silver medal in 2019. Chris Coomber and Rob Lightner founded East Brother in 2016; Liszewski joined up in 2017. He says that Bo Pils is still essentially the homebrew recipe that Coomber perfected in his own kitchen—any changes since then have mainly been process tweaks and fine-tuning. (For more about brewing that beer, see Liszewski’s Brewer’s Perspective (https://beerandbrewing.com/brewers-perspective-brewing-bo-pils-with-east-brother/).) In this episode, Liszewski digs further into the brewery’s lager program and its approach to brewing consistent crowd-pleasers. Among other topics, he goes deep on Bo Pils—which accounts for about 40 percent of the brewery’s production—as well as Pre-Prohibition Lager, whose classic recipe includes six-row craft malt from Admiral Maltings in Alameda, California, in conjunction with flaked maize. As with the Bo Pils, they didn’t forget the hops—it gets a helthy portion of Cluster to the tune of 38 IBUs. Tune in for lager talk and much more. *This episode is brought to you by: * G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): Born in the Pacific Northwest from a lot of hard work and singular goal, G&D has become the best damn chiller company in the world. Like you, G&D never settles—they are relentless and strive to be better every single day because they take pride in the work they do. They are craftsmen who know that "good enough" just won’t cut it. Visit G&D Chillers at the CBC, Booth #3011! Or reach out directly at GDChillers.com (https://gdchillers.com). BSG (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/) This episode is brought to you by Rahr North Star Pils. A new base malt to set your compass by. Rahr North Star Pils is crafted for brewers looking for a domestic pilsner malt with low color and low modification. North Star Pils carries overtones of honey and sweet bread, supported by flavors and aromas of hay and nutty character. Suitable for any beer style, but particularly craft brewed versions of classic lagers. Let Rahr North Star Pils guide your craft by visiting bsgcraftbrewing.com (https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/), or contact us at 1.800.374.2739. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): The world of craft beer is a different place now. Margins are more important than ever, so why not lower your ingredient cost? Craft juice concentrates from Old Orchard are the cost-effective solution for your fruit-forward needs. Old Orchard produces high volumes of their retail juice brand, so economies of scale keep prices low for their bulk supply program. A little concentrate goes a long way, and you won't lose some of it through filtering like you would with purees. To start increasing your margins now, head on over to www.oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer). Brewmation (https://www.brewmation.com): With nearly 20 years of innovation and experience, Brewmation specializes in electric, steam, and direct fire brew houses, complete cellar solutions, and automated controls for the craft brewing industry. From a half barrel to thirty barrel systems, Brewmation puts you in control to design a brewery that fits your needs and brewing style. Whether you’re starting a new brewery, upgrading your cellar, or just need some parts to keep you up and running, Brewmation has you covered. Visit Brewmation.com (https://www.brewmation.com) to get started. Clarion Lubricants (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do): There’s nothing easy about brewing beer. It’s an intricate, time-consuming art. The last thing you need to face is a recall or contamination that can hurt your pride and your pocketbook. Clarion lubricants meet strict purity and performance standards to help make your system 100% food safe. That’s protection for your equipment and your beer. So, make the switch to Clarion, and ensure your system is running smooth and safe. Go to clarionlubricants.com (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do) to learn more.

Episode 195: East Brother’s Paul Liszewski Has a License Plate that Says “LAGER”

Listen to the podcast for those who make and drink great beer. Every week we talk to professional brewers and industry experts about practical brewing advice, in-depth coverage of brewing trends that matter to you, and tips for getting the most out of your homebrew.

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Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

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