Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

249: Andy Hooper, Former Seismic Brewmaster, is Taking Light Lager Back for Craft


Listen Later

Light lager may not be the style most brewers are passionate about, but it’s one that many people drink. Long dominated by macro brewers and beers lightened by corn and rice adjuncts, it’s a competition category that fewer craft brewers have found success in. But for Andy Hooper, former brewmaster of Seismic Brewing in Santa Rosa, California, the beer style was ripe for craft reinvention.

A very technically-minded brewer, Hooper had built out the brewhouse and cellar to allow for a fine degree of control, but the process of dialing in light lager using organic malt that was grown and malted in California by craft maltsters required quite a bit of fine tuning. In this episode, Hooper discusses:

  • designing a brewery with wastewater reclamation and sustainability at its core
  • connecting with craft maltsters and modifying stock malting processes for lightness and flavor
  • committing to minimalist brewing with a focus on ingredients
  • hot side process and constantly monitoring pH
  • specific lautering parameters geared toward clean light lager
  • gentle ingredient handling to minimize any distracting flavors
  • controlled aeration
  • developing a nitrogen-based process for breaking up hop cones for fresh-hopped lager
  • And more.

    _Note- after this episode was recorded, Andy resigned from Seismic Brewing, hence the designation as "former" Seismic brewmaster. _

    G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): G&D Chillers new Micro Channel Condensers! G&D’s Micro Channel Condensers are highly efficient in hotter regions, use a fraction of the refrigerant over traditional chillers which provides less opportunity for leaks along with lower global warming potential. Contact G&D Chillers today at gdchillers.com

    Probrew (https://www.probrew.com) Still emptying those overflowing wastebins full of low-fills, crushed and damaged cans, or under carbonated beer every canning day? It’s time to Fill Like a Pro. Email [email protected] for more information on ProFill Can fillers from ProBrew. Probrew is a subsidiary of TechniBlend, now a ProMach brand.

    Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): Looking for innovation in your next beverage break-through? Think outside the purée box and let your brand stand out with Old Orchard's craft concentrate blends. To join the core of Old Orchard's brewing community, learn more at oldorchard.com/brewer

    Fermentis (https://fermentis.com): Hey nano-brewers! Fermentis will soon be 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.

    Country Malt Group (https://countrymaltgroup.com/the-brewdeck-podcast/): The secret is out and Canada Malting Co.'s newest malt is here! Introducing Euro-Pils, made from the finest overseas low-protein barley available. Contact Country Malt Group to try Euro-Pils in your next brew.

    Arryved (https://www.arryved.com): Arryved mobile point of sale powers places with personality. No contracts and no monthly fees make Arryved a no brainer for your craft business. Go to Arryved.com/cbb to set up a free, customized demo.

    Support Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine PodcastBy Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine

    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7

    4.7

    334 ratings


    More shows like Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

    View all
    Basic Brewing Radio by James Spencer

    Basic Brewing Radio

    516 Listeners

    The Brewing Network Presents | The Jamil Show by Jamil Zainasheff

    The Brewing Network Presents | The Jamil Show

    160 Listeners

    The Brewing Network Presents | The Session by The Brewing Network

    The Brewing Network Presents | The Session

    569 Listeners

    The Brewing Network Presents |  Brew Strong by Justin Crossley

    The Brewing Network Presents | Brew Strong

    275 Listeners

    BeerSmith Home and Beer Brewing Podcast by Brad Smith and Friends

    BeerSmith Home and Beer Brewing Podcast

    412 Listeners

    The Brewing Network Presents | Dr. Homebrew by The Brewing Network

    The Brewing Network Presents | Dr. Homebrew

    89 Listeners

    Homebrew Happy Hour by Pearl Media Network

    Homebrew Happy Hour

    130 Listeners

    Experimental Brewing by Denny Conn, Drew Beechum

    Experimental Brewing

    274 Listeners

    The Full Pint Podcast by TheFullPint.com

    The Full Pint Podcast

    152 Listeners

    Master Brewers Podcast by Master Brewers Association of the Americas (MBAA)

    Master Brewers Podcast

    252 Listeners

    The Brülosophy Podcast by Brülosophy

    The Brülosophy Podcast

    1,056 Listeners

    Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl by All About Beer

    Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl

    112 Listeners

    BYO Nano Brew Podcast by Brew Your Own

    BYO Nano Brew Podcast

    29 Listeners

    The Brü Lab by Brülosophy

    The Brü Lab

    103 Listeners

    All About Beer by All About Beer

    All About Beer

    24 Listeners