Most homebrewers measure the specific gravity of their beer at the beginning of fermentation and then at the end. They then use these numbers to calculate (usually using software) what the ABV of their batch of beer is. This can be very useful knowledge, especially when the brewer is asked the … [Read more...]
Quick Characteristics Brewery: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Location: Chico, CA Style: Imperial Pilsner ABV: 7.0% IBU: 55 Hops: Palisade, El Dorado, Citra, Equinox Malts: Two-row Pale, Pilsner, … [Read more...]
History of California Common Beer California Common was historically known as Steam Beer, a name that is now trademarked by Anchor Brewing Company. It is one of maybe only three styles that have their origins firmly entrenched on American soil. Gold had been discovered in California and a … [Read more...]
There are many ways to consistently improve the consistency of your brewing process. Measuring and evaluating the results of a brew day is one of the most important ways you can evaluate your ability to make consistent beer and identify areas in which you can improve your process. Of all of the … [Read more...]
Quick Characteristics Brewery: Samuel Smith Brewing Company Location: Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, UK Style: Light Euro Lager ABV: 5.0% IBUs: 25 Appearance: Sun-Drenched Straw with Fluffy White Foam Aroma: … [Read more...]
History of Kölsch The city of Cologne is situated along the Rhine in Western Germany. It is an old city. Founded in the first century A.D., it has seen and played its part in much of history. Not the least of which is Colognes contributions to Germany’s beer history. Cologne’s brewing past … [Read more...]
As a club, we purchased a 55-gallon bourbon barrel from a local distillery. 11 people made 5-gallon batches to add to the barrel. Your numbers may be significantly different on an individual basis than those listed below. The numbers below represent an average of the 11 batches. This was a great … [Read more...]
Brewhouse efficiency is an important concept to understand. The efficiency of an individual’s brewing practices and system is ultimately responsible for their original gravity and how much grain will be required to brew a given recipe. What is Brewhouse Efficiency? Brewhouse efficiency is a … [Read more...]
Quick Characteristics Brewery: Sierra Blanca Brewing Co. Location: Moriarty, NM Style: English Brown Ale ABV: 5.0% IBUs: 16 Hops: English Fuggle Appearance: Dark Chestnut Brown with Amber Highlights; Tan … [Read more...]
What is a Keg Coupler? As one of the most important components of a kegerator, a keg coupler acts as the "key" and the valve of the keg acts as the "lock." Without the coupler, you would have a difficult time getting the beer out of the keg. The coupler attaches to the valve and the CO2 line, … [Read more...]
Quick Characteristics Brewery: Smog City Brewing Co. Location: Torrance, CA Style: Robust Porter ABV: 6% IBUs: ? Appearance: Like a Black-Hole in a Glass; Two Fingers of Mocha-Colored Foam; Aroma: Bold … [Read more...]
Barrel Aging for Beginners If you have been a part of the craft beer / homebrewing scene for a while, you would know that barrel aging is very much alive and well. Historically speaking, all beers were barrel aged, given that beers were served directly out of wooden barrels and even stored in … [Read more...]
