Belgium has long been synonymous with exceptional beer, and my fascination with the brewing arts can’t help but acknowledge the innovation found in the city of Bruges. This picturesque medieval town isn’t just home to gothic architecture and meandering canals; it’s also the site of a remarkable feat of engineering tailored specifically for beer enthusiasts: the world’s first beer pipeline. Conceived by the Halve Maan brewery, this pipeline is not only a unique solution to modern distribution challenges but also a testament to the Belgian commitment to preserving their deep-rooted beer culture ..read more

As someone fascinated by the origins and traditions of brewing, I’ve come across some compelling trivia on the topic. Enthusiasts often ask about the oldest operating brewery in the world, and it’s a testament to the enduring legacy of beer as a craft and staple. Situated in Bavaria, Germany, the Weihenstephan Brewery holds this esteemed title. Founded in 1040, this brewery stands on the grounds of the former Weihenstephan Monastery, which historically had ties to local hop production. Knowing the roots of brewing can enrich your appreciation and approach to homebrewing. Each beer has a story ..read more

Gulden Draak is a beer that defies ordinary. As an experienced homebrewer who appreciates the intricate dance of brewing, I’ve come to regard this Belgian Dark Tripel as a masterpiece of balance and depth. It’s a beer with a rich history, originating from Brouwerij Van Steenberge in Belgium, and is a perfect example to study if you’re looking to understand the complexities of Belgian-style ales. Tasting Gulden Draak is a journey through the senses. The beer’s dark, inviting color promises a robust flavor profile that includes hints of caramel, chocolate, and a touch of bitterness that comes fr ..read more

The craft of brewing beer has deep roots, stretching all the way back to ancient Mesopotamia. As a seasoned homebrewer, I find inspiration in the traditions of the Sumerians who thrived between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. They are credited with creating the world’s oldest known beer recipe, which is not just a testament to their ingenuity but also a reflection of beer’s longstanding cultural significance. This ancient beverage was more than just a pastime for the Sumerians; it was an integral part of their society. This recipe, estimated to be over 4,000 years old, was inscribed in a hym ..read more

Ever had a lager at a bar and thought “I could make this better”? Brewing a Standard American Lager is not as simple as the commercial examples make it appear. It is a highly sensitive style. Brew a refreshing Standard American Lager with soft water that has more chlorides than sulfates. Fill your grain bill with pale 2-row or 6-row malt with either corn or rice. Use American hop varieties or hops with floral, herbal, or spicy traits. Pick a yeast strain that has high attenuation, high flocculation, and no ester production. There’s a lot more work that goes into an American lager than one woul ..read more

A Schwarzbier is one of those styles that makes you do a double take the first time you try it. It looks like a Stout but doesn’t have as heavy of a flavor profile. To brew this contradicting beer, it is important to approach it with skill and knowledge. Brew a delectable Schwarzbier with neutral water with a balance between chlorides and sulfates. Start with Pilsner, Munich, or both for the base grains. Add complexity with chocolate, crystal, and Carafa specialty grains. Use German noble hops with a highly attenuating yeast that flocculates well and produces no esters. A Schwarzbier is not as ..read more

Looking for a crisp, light, easy-drinking beer with a more complex flavor profile than hints of malt and corn? A Berliner Weisse offers tantalizing tartness with the light body of a lager. The question is how to brew a Berliner Weisse. Brew a thirst-quenching Berliner Weisse with soft water that has light mineral additions. Fill the grain bill with wheat and pilsner malt. Pick German noble hops or similar varieties. Use a yeast that has good attenuation, medium flocculation, and little ester production. Sour with either Lactobacillus or lactic acid. This delicate brew is challenging to get jus ..read more

If you love malty, sweet beers, pick up a Scotch Ale. This is a strong, malty beer with the perfect balance of sweetness, but what if you want to try to brew this ale at home? Brew a full-bodied Scotch Ale – or Wee Heavy – with slightly hard water that has more chloride than sulfate. Start with a basic grain such as a British Pale Malt. Use specialty grains such as roasted, crystal, chocolate, and black malts. Use British hops in light quantities. Ferment using a clean yeast that has a low attenuation rate. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the ingredients and process for ..read more

There are several nations that are well-known for their beer, and Germany tops the list. Of the many delicious German beers, the Weizenbock is one of the most curious. A mix between a Weissbier and a Doppelbock, this beer can be a deliciously malty wheat beer. Once you’ve mastered brewing more common styles, it’s time to start looking into Weizenbock recipes! Brew a complex Weizenbock with slightly hard water that has more chlorides than sulfates. Start with a grain bill primarily filled with wheat malt and your choice of Pilsner, Munich, Special B, or crystal malts. Use German hops solely for ..read more

You’re a fan of a lager, but maybe you want something with a little more character? What do you reach for? If you immediately thought of a Vienna Lager, you’re not alone. If you’re ready to take it a step further, let’s take a look at some Vienna lager recipes. Brew a smooth Vienna lager with slightly hard water that has more chlorides than sulfates. Use a majority of Vienna malt in your grain bill supplemented by Munich or Pilsner malt. Choose German Noble hops or others with similar characteristics. Finally, use a clean fermenting yeast with medium to high attenuation and high flocculation ..read more