History of American Porters The American porter is the newest limb to sprout of the porter family tree and its history is a mere 40 years old. But the porter tree has been growing for much longer than that, with origins dating back to the 1700's. The root and trunk of this great tree is the Brown … [Read more...]
Most every homebrewer starts with an ingredient kit. That's simple logic. When learning a new skill start with the easiest form of that skill. Build upon what you learn slowly and steadily. Add a new technique only when you've mastered the processes and ingredients you've been working with. This … [Read more...]
ALE TALE Quick Characteristics Brewery: Avery Brewing Company Location: Boulder, CO Style: Barrel Aged / Spice Autumn Seasonal ABV: 18.2% IBU: ? Appearance: Dirty, burnt orange color with three finger … [Read more...]
As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, most beer nerds start craving darker, maltier beers. From the sweeter, smoky Scottish ales to the dry Irish stouts, the flavors of the darker malts go very well with colder weather and fall and winter foods. One of my favorite winter beers is … [Read more...]
Quick Characteristics Brewery: Bell's Brewing, Inc. Location: Kalamazoo, MI Style: British Brown Ale ABV: 5.8% IBU: 35 Appearance: Rich orange-brown with off-white head Aroma: Rich aroma of toasted … [Read more...]
History of Centennial Hops Centennial is the third hop that makes up the trio known as the "Three Cs" hops; the other two being Cascade and Columbus, though many consider Chinook a "C" hop and have expanded the grouping to include it. These hops are grouped together because they most represent the … [Read more...]
History of White IPA The white IPA is basically a marriage of two distinct beer styles; the American IPA with its high hop character and the wheat-based Belgian Wit with its refreshing and spicy presence. So, what brought these two unique beer styles, which seem to have so little in … [Read more...]
ALE TALE: Quick Characteristics Brewery: AleSmith Brewing Company Location: San Diego, CA Style: American Amber ABV: 6.66% IBU: 24 Appearance: A beautiful bright red with a thick head of off-white foam. … [Read more...]
In the spirit of the season, every year on Halloween, we like to offer up a list of our favorite "Halloween Beers." This year, we went with the scary theme. So, whether you are out trick or treating, handing out candy at home, or just being "that guy" that turns their porch light off, here are 20 … [Read more...]
Any home brewer switching to all grain has come to the problem of what to do with the pounds of spent brewer's grain (SBG) left behind. Probably, at least at the beginning, many brewers just throw the grain away. But, more than beer can come out of a brew day. Don't let that spent grain go to … [Read more...]
ALE TALE Quick Characteristics Brewery: Avery Brewing Company Location: Lexington, KY Style: Grand Cru ABV: 15-17% IBU: 63 Appearance: Deep mahogany with flecks of amber and orange with off-white head. … [Read more...]
History of Cascade Hops: Cascade is considered by many the quintessential American Hop and with good reason. It was the first hop to come out of the USDA hop breeding program and has become an essential hop addition in many American Pale Ales and most West Coast IPAs. The start of hop farming … [Read more...]
