BeerSmith Home Brewing

By Brad Smith and FriendsEducation Arts Food Hobbies

BeerSmith Home Brewing episodes

April 09, 2025Making Mead with Alex Mendoza – BeerSmith Podcast #323
This week Alex Mendoza from Hiveworks meadery joins me to discuss styles of mead, making mead and his personal story about opening a meadery.

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Topics in This Week’s Episode (44:02)
This week I welcome Alex Mendoza, co-founder and CEO of Hiveworks Meadery. Alex shares his story of making mead, starting a meadery, various styles of mead and how you can make mead at home.

We start with a short discussion of how Alex got started making mead at home, and how that evolved into starting his own meadery.

Alex explains the cultural history of mead and how mead is arguably the oldest beverage in human history. We also talk about how mead moved from a mainstream beverage into more of a niche product.

Alex tells us why he thinks mead has so much potential and why it is growing so rapidly.

We dive into mead making and Alex provides an overview of how you can make mead at home.

Alex explains why he decided to make “session meads” and how he balances out a relatively low, dry finishing gravity to create a drinkable beverage.

We talk about the three main offerings he is producing at the moment: Skyborne, Crimson Queen and his hopped mead.

Alex tells us how you can get to Hiveworks meadery as well as where you can find canned versions of his mead.

He shares his closing thoughts.
Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsor Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine for sponsoring this episode. I encourage you to subscribe to their great magazine!

Also check out BeerSmith, BeerSmith Web, BeerSmith Mobile software and the DVDs John Palmer and I filmed – How to Brew with Malt Extract and How to Brew All Grain are available now. You can subscribe to the BeerSmith newsletter for free to get some great articles on home brewing.
iTunes Announcements: I launched a new video channel for the BeerSmith podcast on iTunes, so subscribe now! At the moment it will only feature the new widescreen episodes (#75 and up). Older episodes are available on my revamped Youtube channel. Also all of my audio episodes are on iTunes now – so grab the older episodes if you missed any.
Thoughts on the Podcast?
Leave me a comment below or visit our discussion forum to leave a comment in the podcast section there.
Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes or BeerSmith Radio
You can listen to all of my podcast episodes streaming live around the clock on our BeerSmith Radio online radio station! You can also subscribe to the audio or video using the iTunes links below, or the feed address
Audio feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/content/feed/podcast)

Video feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/tv/category/podcast/feed/ )

Audio podcast on Google Play here

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the blog and my newsletter (or link at the top of the page) – to get free weekly articles on home brewing.
45 min
March 30, 2025New Brewing Hop Products with Max Shafer – BeerSmith Podcast #322
This week Max Shafer joins me from Roadhouse Brewing to discuss a large number of new hop products including hop extracts, luplin powders, Cryo Hops, Incognito, Salvo as well as hop aroma oil products like Subzero Hop Kief and Abstrax extracts.

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Download the MP3 File– Right Click and Save As to download this mp3 file.

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Topics in This Week’s Episode (41:12)
This week I welcome back Max Shafer from Roadhouse Brewing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Max was previously a brewer at Grand Teton brewing. Max sits on the Hop Research Council, is the Idaho ambassador to the Hop Quality Group, and associate member of the American Malting Barley Association. Max is a graduate of the Siebel Institute and has over 10 years as a professional brewer.

We start with a brief overview of some of the new offerings at Roadhouse brewing.

Max starts with a discussion on CO2 hop bittering extract which is a thick syrup primarily used in the boil, and also the oldest of the hop extract products. We talk about the advantages of hop extracts for bittering and also how to use them.

We also talk about isomerized hop extracts which are bittering extracts that can be added directly to the finished beer.

Next we move on to Luplin powder which is concentrated portions of the luplin gland but eliminates a lot of the vegetal material from the hop code. It is sold under a variety of names including Cryo Hops and primarily used in the whirlpool and in dry hopping.

Max talks about an explosion in new hop aroma oil products starting with those targeting the whirlpool like Dynaboost, Incognito and Salvo.

We discuss his experiences with these whirlpool products in some of his craft beers.

Max introduces a final category of products that are aroma oil focused but can be added directly to the finished beer. The first is Subzero Hop Kief which is designed for dry hopping and use in the bright tank.

We talk about three different lines of Abstrax products including their Omni, Skyfarm (fruit) series, and Quantum series and how each takes an entirely different approach to extracting and presenting aroma oils in a finished beer.

Max tells us where to find Roadhouse beer as well as where the taproom is located.

He gives us his closing thoughts.
Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsor Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine for sponsoring this episode. I encourage you to subscribe to their great magazine!

Also check out BeerSmith, BeerSmith Web, BeerSmith Mobile software and the DVDs John Palmer and I filmed – How to Brew with Malt Extract and How to Brew All Grain are available now. You can subscribe to the BeerSmith newsletter for free to get some great articles on home brewing.
iTunes Announcements: I launched a new video channel for the BeerSmith podcast on iTunes, so subscribe now! At the moment it will only feature the new widescreen episodes (#75 and up). Older episodes are available on my revamped Youtube channel. Also all of my audio episodes are on iTunes now – so grab the older episodes if you missed any.
Thoughts on the Podcast?
Leave me a comment below or visit our discussion forum to leave a comment in the podcast section there.
Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes or BeerSmith Radio
You can listen to all of my podcast episodes streaming live around the clock on our BeerSmith Radio online radio station! You can also subscribe to the audio or video using the iTunes links below, or the feed address
Audio feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/content/feed/podcast)

Video feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/tv/category/podcast/feed/ )

Audio podcast on Google Play here

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the blog and my newsletter (or link at the top of the page) – to get free weekly articles on home brewing.
40 min
March 20, 2025Barrel Aged Stouts with Skip Schwartz – BeerSmith Podcast #321
Skip Schwartz is my guest this week to talk about barrel aged stouts, flavored barrel aged beers, blending aged beers and more.

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Topics in This Week’s Episode (41:12)
This week I welcome back Skip Schwartz, the head brewer at Weldwerks Brewing in Greeley Colorado. Skip joins us to discuss barrel aged brewing techniques including recent innovations in barrel aged stouts as well as his flavored stouts.

We briefly discuss some of the new things going on at Weldwerks.

Skip shares a few tips on how they formulate and brew their barrel aged stouts including the use of adjuncts and coffee.

We talk about blending barrel aged beers and how they carefully select barrels to blend for a final beer.

Skip discusses his collaboration with Old Elk distilltery on a barrel aged oatmeal stout.

We talk about how they use recent bourbon barrels but only age the beer for 8 months vice 20 for many other beers.

Skip discusses his many forays into flavored stouts starting with their Coconut Medianoche which involves brewing with some 2000 lbs of coconut.

We talk about the challenges from the coconut oil as well as how to achieve flavor balance with strong flavorings.

I ask skip about his flavored beers including Oreo, Marshmallow and Vanilla Bubble Wrap beer.

We discuss his Ambarama double barrel beer including what Ambarama wood is and what double barrel beer means.

Finally we talk about the Bamm Bamm Noche Noche made with real fruity pebbles in a slightly sour beer.

Skip shares where you can find many of Weldwerks excellent beers.

Skip shares his closing thoughts.
Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsor Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine for sponsoring this episode. I encourage you to subscribe to their great magazine!

Also check out BeerSmith, BeerSmith Web, BeerSmith Mobile software and the DVDs John Palmer and I filmed – How to Brew with Malt Extract and How to Brew All Grain are available now. You can subscribe to the BeerSmith newsletter for free to get some great articles on home brewing.
iTunes Announcements: I launched a new video channel for the BeerSmith podcast on iTunes, so subscribe now! At the moment it will only feature the new widescreen episodes (#75 and up). Older episodes are available on my revamped Youtube channel. Also all of my audio episodes are on iTunes now – so grab the older episodes if you missed any.
Thoughts on the Podcast?
Leave me a comment below or visit our discussion forum to leave a comment in the podcast section there.
Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes or BeerSmith Radio
You can listen to all of my podcast episodes streaming live around the clock on our BeerSmith Radio online radio station! You can also subscribe to the audio or video using the iTunes links below, or the feed address
Audio feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/content/feed/podcast)

Video feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/tv/category/podcast/feed/ )

Audio podcast on Google Play here

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the blog and my newsletter (or link at the top of the page) – to get free weekly articles on home brewing.
42 min
February 27, 2025Cold IPA with John Palmer – BeerSmith Podcast #320
John Palmer joins me this week to discuss the Cold IPA style, its history and how to brew one at home.

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Topics in This Week’s Episode (40:43)
This week I welcome back John Palmer. John is the author of the top selling book How to Brew as well as Water and Brewing Classic Styles (full disclosure: Amazon affiliate links used for books).

We briefly discuss John’s upcoming book on Stovetop brewing and some of his activities the last year.

John introduces the Cold IPA brewing style which is an interesting cross between Cream Ale and the West Coast IPA.

We talk about the roots of Cold IPA which starts with the American Adjunct Lager. John also talks a bit about his efforts editing Greg Casey’s 5 volume set on American IPA.

A variation of American Adjunct Lager is Cream Ale and Cold IPA is more closely related to Cream Ale, but it uses modern hops and hopping techniques.

We move to the details of brewing a Cold IPA, starting with the grain bill which typically includes 20% or more rice or corn adjuncts.

John explains the hop schedules used which are closely related to West Coast IPAs including the use of popular Pacific Northwest and Australian/New Zealand hops generously used in the boil, whirlpool and dry hopping.

We talk about the yeast used as well as fermentation temperatures that combine to give the proper finish and balance to the beer.

John discusses fermentation and finishing a Cold IPA.

We talk about the taste of a Cold IPA as well as major breweries who brew this style.

John gives his thoughts on the continuing IPA evolution as well as changes happening in the Craft Beer market.

John shares his closing thoughts.
Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsor Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine for sponsoring this episode. I encourage you to subscribe to their great magazine!

Also check out BeerSmith, BeerSmith Web, BeerSmith Mobile software and the DVDs John Palmer and I filmed – How to Brew with Malt Extract and How to Brew All Grain are available now. You can subscribe to the BeerSmith newsletter for free to get some great articles on home brewing.
iTunes Announcements: I launched a new video channel for the BeerSmith podcast on iTunes, so subscribe now! At the moment it will only feature the new widescreen episodes (#75 and up). Older episodes are available on my revamped Youtube channel. Also all of my audio episodes are on iTunes now – so grab the older episodes if you missed any.
Thoughts on the Podcast?
Leave me a comment below or visit our discussion forum to leave a comment in the podcast section there.
Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes or BeerSmith Radio
You can listen to all of my podcast episodes streaming live around the clock on our BeerSmith Radio online radio station! You can also subscribe to the audio or video using the iTunes links below, or the feed address
Audio feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/content/feed/podcast)

Video feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/tv/category/podcast/feed/ )

Audio podcast on Google Play here

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the blog and my newsletter (or link at the top of the page) – to get free weekly articles on home brewing.
42 min
February 11, 2025Beer, Mead and Cider with Michael Fairbrother – BeerSmith Podcast #319
Michael Fairbrother joins me this week to discuss the business of beer, mead, cider and opening a restaurant.

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Download the MP3 File– Right Click and Save As to download this mp3 file.

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Topics in This Week’s Episode (43:38)
This week I welcome back Michael Fairbrother. Michael is the founder and head mead maker at Moonlight Meadery and also launched the Over the Moon Farmstead a few years back making cider and craft beer. Michael has won numerous Mazer cup awards for his meads.

We discuss how Michael started home brewing and then rapidly expanded into mead making which turned out to be his passion.

Michael expanded his mead distribution nationwide as well as to Australia and Canada. We discuss some of the challenges with large distribution chains.

He shares some of the things he learned expanding rapidly and distributing through wholesalers.

Michael tells us about his decision to open the Over the Moon Farmstead as a destination location.

We talk about his craft brewery and some of the styles he is focused on now, as well as his brewmaster.

Chris shares his experience launching a restaurant and how it has evolved over time.

We talk about the breadth of experiences he has had spanning mead, cider, beer and a restaurant.

Michael shares his thoughts on the craft beer markets which is facing its own challenges.

We discuss his website, location and Michael shares his closing thoughts.
Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsor Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine for sponsoring this episode. I encourage you to subscribe to their great magazine!

Also check out BeerSmith, BeerSmith Web, BeerSmith Mobile software and the DVDs John Palmer and I filmed – How to Brew with Malt Extract and How to Brew All Grain are available now. You can subscribe to the BeerSmith newsletter for free to get some great articles on home brewing.
iTunes Announcements: I launched a new video channel for the BeerSmith podcast on iTunes, so subscribe now! At the moment it will only feature the new widescreen episodes (#75 and up). Older episodes are available on my revamped Youtube channel. Also all of my audio episodes are on iTunes now – so grab the older episodes if you missed any.
Thoughts on the Podcast?
Leave me a comment below or visit our discussion forum to leave a comment in the podcast section there.
Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes or BeerSmith Radio
You can listen to all of my podcast episodes streaming live around the clock on our BeerSmith Radio online radio station! You can also subscribe to the audio or video using the iTunes links below, or the feed address
Audio feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/content/feed/podcast)

Video feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/tv/category/podcast/feed/ )

Audio podcast on Google Play here

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the blog and my newsletter (or link at the top of the page) – to get free weekly articles on home brewing.
44 min
January 27, 2025Simplified Homebrewing with John Blichmann – BeerSmith Podcast #318
John Blichmann joins me this week to discuss simplified brewing and how to combat the decline in homebrewing.

Subscribe on iTunes to Audio version or Video version or Spotify or Google Play

Download the MP3 File– Right Click and Save As to download this mp3 file.

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Topics in This Week’s Episode (56:09)
This week I welcome John Blichmann. John is founder and retired President of Blichmann Engineering, a provider of premium home and professional brewing equipment. John has helped hundreds of brewers start Craft breweries.

John and I discuss his retirement from Bilchmann Engineering and its transition to a new owner.

John starts with some of the changes we’re seeing both in homebrewing and the Craft beer markets.

We talk about the recent signs of increased interest in homebrewing and some of the factors driving it including cost, knowledge and availability of ingredients.

We talk about a “Back to Basics” approach to home brewing including the use of simplified equipment and processes.

John explains how equipment has changed, but also how brewers are moving to smaller and simpler methods including all-in-one, extract and stovetop batches.

We discuss economics and how it can actually be cheaper to brew beer than buy it now.

Time pressure has driven many brewers to simplify and John provides a few time saving tips.

We discuss styles, and how the IPA craze may be waning and we are seeing a return to brewing many traditional English and European styles.

John provides a few tips for simplified fermentation and packaging.

We discuss how homebrewing is evolving to meet people’s busy lifestyles rather than emulating complex professional systems.

We talk about how we are entering a different era in homebrewing, and how in many ways it is the golden era of brewing in terms of equipment, ingredients and knowledge.

John gives his closing thoughts.
Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsor Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine for sponsoring this episode. I encourage you to subscribe to their great magazine!

Also check out BeerSmith, BeerSmith Web, BeerSmith Mobile software and the DVDs John Palmer and I filmed – How to Brew with Malt Extract and How to Brew All Grain are available now. You can subscribe to the BeerSmith newsletter for free to get some great articles on home brewing.
iTunes Announcements: I launched a new video channel for the BeerSmith podcast on iTunes, so subscribe now! At the moment it will only feature the new widescreen episodes (#75 and up). Older episodes are available on my revamped Youtube channel. Also all of my audio episodes are on iTunes now – so grab the older episodes if you missed any.
Thoughts on the Podcast?
Leave me a comment below or visit our discussion forum to leave a comment in the podcast section there.
Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes or BeerSmith Radio
You can listen to all of my podcast episodes streaming live around the clock on our BeerSmith Radio online radio station! You can also subscribe to the audio or video using the iTunes links below, or the feed address
Audio feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/content/feed/podcast)

Video feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/tv/category/podcast/feed/ )

Audio podcast on Google Play here

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the blog and my newsletter (or link at the top of the page) – to get free weekly articles on home brewing.
46 min
January 22, 2025Process Control of DMS in Lagers with Dr Greg Casey – BeerSmith Podcast #317
This week Dr Greg Casey joins me to discuss Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS) in lagers, and how process control can aid in reducing DMS.

Subscribe on iTunes to Audio version or Video version or Spotify or Google Play

Download the MP3 File– Right Click and Save As to download this mp3 file.

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Topics in This Week’s Episode (56:09)
This week I welcome back Dr Greg Casey. Greg has had an extensive history in brewing including Carling O’Keefe, Molson’s, Carlsberg, Anheuser-Busch, Stroh, Coors, Molson Coors and MillerCoors. He holds a PhD in Applied Microbiology and Food Science and was the 2001-2002 Chair of the Education Committee of the Master Brewers Association and President of the American Society of Brewing Chemists from 2005-2006.

Greg recently released the first volume in his history of American Lagers: Insipiring History and Legacies of American Lager

Greg and I discuss the launch of his first volume history of American Lagers as well as the upcoming release of the second volume.

We talk about Process Control for DMS, and Greg’s history working the DMS problem for large breweries.

We discuss how reducing DMS is an important feature of American Lager beers – especially in the light variants.

Greg explains the two competing theories on how and where DMS is introduced in brewing and where the best points in the process are to reduce it.

We talk about how DMS first got on Greg’s radar screen and his in-depth dive into its causes.

Greg talks about his experience looking at DMS from a practical perspective and how even tiny changes in the equipment and process can cause DMS to rise.

We discuss some of the things Greg learned working with DMS, as well as what his believe is on the best control points to reduce it.

We discuss Quality at the Source and its impact.

Greg shares his thoughts on Dr Bamforth’s perspective on DMS and how he believes DMS can best be controlled in the early parts of brewing as opposed to fermentation. For reference, here’s the earlier episode on DMS I recorded with Dr Bamforth referenced in the show.

Greg provides us with a quick reference on how to get his 5 volume set (the first one is linked above).

He shares his closing thoughts.
Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsor Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine for sponsoring this episode. I encourage you to subscribe to their great magazine!

Also check out BeerSmith, BeerSmith Web, BeerSmith Mobile software and the DVDs John Palmer and I filmed – How to Brew with Malt Extract and How to Brew All Grain are available now. You can subscribe to the BeerSmith newsletter for free to get some great articles on home brewing.
iTunes Announcements: I launched a new video channel for the BeerSmith podcast on iTunes, so subscribe now! At the moment it will only feature the new widescreen episodes (#75 and up). Older episodes are available on my revamped Youtube channel. Also all of my audio episodes are on iTunes now – so grab the older episodes if you missed any.
Thoughts on the Podcast?
Leave me a comment below or visit our discussion forum to leave a comment in the podcast section there.
Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes or BeerSmith Radio
You can listen to all of my podcast episodes streaming live around the clock on our BeerSmith Radio online radio station! You can also subscribe to the audio or video using the iTunes links below, or the feed address
Audio feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/content/feed/podcast)

Video feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/tv/category/podcast/feed/ )

Audio podcast on Google Play here

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the blog and my newsletter (or link at the top of the page) – to get free weekly articles on home brewing.
57 min
December 24, 2024Cider and Perry with Gordon Strong – BeerSmith Podcast #316
Gordon Strong joins me this week to discuss making Cider, Perry and the upcoming changes to the BJCP cider style guide.

Subscribe on iTunes to Audio version or Video version or Spotify or Google Play

Download the MP3 File– Right Click and Save As to download this mp3 file.

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Topics in This Week’s Episode (56:21)
This week I welcome back Gordon Strong. Gordon Strong is the President Emeritus of the Beer Judge Certification Program, its highest rated beer judge, and author of the books Modern Homebrew Recipes and Brewing Better Beer (Books links are paid Amazon affiliate links).

Gordon joins me to talk about making cider at home, perry and the various cider styles. We also discuss the major revision he’s working on for the 2025 BJCP Cider Style Guide.

We start with a short discussion of some of Gordon’s activities including his revision of the cider style guidelines.

Gordon explains that most beer brewers have the equipment on hand to easily make cider from juice, and we talk about the process for making it.

He shares the kind of raw cider juice he prefers to work with.

We talk about kegging and finishing the cider, as well as the option to backsweeten cider.

Gordon introduces the major categories of cider, and we discuss a few cider styles.

We also discuss perry, which is made from pears and how it can really be a delicious alternatives.

Gordon discusses cider and perry made with other fruits, and we talk about a few of our favorite fruits that work well with ciders.

We talk about using herbs and spices with cider including hopped ciders.

Gordon introduces the new BJCP cider style guide which he’s been working on for some time, which is a major revision.

The new guide will be released by the BJCP in early 2025 on their web site.

Gordon shares his closing thoughts.
Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsor Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine for sponsoring this episode. I encourage you to subscribe to their great magazine!

Also check out BeerSmith, BeerSmith Web, BeerSmith Mobile software and the DVDs John Palmer and I filmed – How to Brew with Malt Extract and How to Brew All Grain are available now. You can subscribe to the BeerSmith newsletter for free to get some great articles on home brewing.
iTunes Announcements: I launched a new video channel for the BeerSmith podcast on iTunes, so subscribe now! At the moment it will only feature the new widescreen episodes (#75 and up). Older episodes are available on my revamped Youtube channel. Also all of my audio episodes are on iTunes now – so grab the older episodes if you missed any.
Thoughts on the Podcast?
Leave me a comment below or visit our discussion forum to leave a comment in the podcast section there.
Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes or BeerSmith Radio
You can listen to all of my podcast episodes streaming live around the clock on our BeerSmith Radio online radio station! You can also subscribe to the audio or video using the iTunes links below, or the feed address
Audio feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/content/feed/podcast)

Video feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/tv/category/podcast/feed/ )

Audio podcast on Google Play here

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the blog and my newsletter (or link at the top of the page) – to get free weekly articles on home brewing.
57 min
December 04, 2024Hidden Beers of Belgium with Breandán Kearney – BeerSmith Podcast #315
Breandán Kearney joins me this week to discuss his new book Hidden Beers of Belgium, which features many small brewers in Belgium as well as the stories and brewers behind them.

Subscribe on iTunes to Audio version or Video version or Spotify or Google Play

Download the MP3 File– Right Click and Save As to download this mp3 file.

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Topics in This Week’s Episode (48:25)
This week Breandán Kearney joins me to talk about his new book Hidden Beers of Belgium (Amazon Affiliate Link). Breandan is an author and runs a podcast called Belgian Smaak. He has been recognized by the North American Guild of Beer Writers, British Guild of Beer Writes and the Belgian Podcast Awards.

Breandán introduces his book and what motivated him to write it.

We discuss what a “Hidden Beer of Belgium” is and the criteria he used to find the beers featured in the book.

The chapters are divided loosely by beer character. We start with “Thirst Crushers” which are drinkable beers with lower alcohol.

Each of the beer sections includes a backstory about the brewer and the beer. Breandan shares one of his favorite backstories.

We talk about several other styles including Belgian Sours and Hoppy beers like Hazy IPA.

Breandán tells us about how Abbey style beers have a significant influence over many of the Belgian beers in his book.

We discuss his chapter on “Unusual Suspects” and what it really takes to create a unique beer in the widely varying Belgian beer market.

Breandán talks about stouts and his chapter on “Cereal Killers”.

He shares his closing thoughts on the innovative Belgian beer culture.
Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsor Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine for sponsoring this episode. I encourage you to subscribe to their great magazine!

Also check out BeerSmith, BeerSmith Web, BeerSmith Mobile software and the DVDs John Palmer and I filmed – How to Brew with Malt Extract and How to Brew All Grain are available now. You can subscribe to the BeerSmith newsletter for free to get some great articles on home brewing.
iTunes Announcements: I launched a new video channel for the BeerSmith podcast on iTunes, so subscribe now! At the moment it will only feature the new widescreen episodes (#75 and up). Older episodes are available on my revamped Youtube channel. Also all of my audio episodes are on iTunes now – so grab the older episodes if you missed any.
Thoughts on the Podcast?
Leave me a comment below or visit our discussion forum to leave a comment in the podcast section there.
Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes or BeerSmith Radio
You can listen to all of my podcast episodes streaming live around the clock on our BeerSmith Radio online radio station! You can also subscribe to the audio or video using the iTunes links below, or the feed address
Audio feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/content/feed/podcast)

Video feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/tv/category/podcast/feed/ )

Audio podcast on Google Play here

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the blog and my newsletter (or link at the top of the page) – to get free weekly articles on home brewing.
49 min
November 27, 2024Tasting and Designing Beer with Randy Mosher – BeerSmith Podcast #314
Randy Mosher joins me this week to discuss the relationship between tasting and designing great beers. We talk about mental models, ingredients, taste, smell and how they all play together to create amazing beer.

Subscribe on iTunes to Audio version or Video version or Spotify or Google Play

Download the MP3 File– Right Click and Save As to download this mp3 file.

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Topics in This Week’s Episode (48:16)
This week Randy Mosher joins me to discuss mental models, ingredients, tasting, and how these factors all play into designing great beers. Randy is the author of the books Mastering Homebrew, Radical Brewing, and Tasting Beer. (Full disclosure: Amazon affiliate links to books) He’s also partner in two breweries near Chicago Five Rabbit and Forbidden Root.

Randy also has a new book coming out titled Your Tasting Brain and has recently revamped his website at RandyMosher.com

We start with a discussion of his new book Your Tasting Brain as well as the status of his two breweries, one of which is currently on hold.

Randy tells us how your ability to design great beers can be limited by your ability to smell, taste and judge beers. We also discuss how some people are more sensitive to certain smells and tastes and how you can improve upon areas of weakness.

We discuss mental models and how we each have an internal mental model of different beer styles as well as models that apply to each ingredient.

Randy explains how mental models can be improved and how we can also increase our knowledge of individual ingredients.

He tells us how you can tell if something is truly missing from a finished beer.

We talk about cloning commercial beers, and how you can get close to your favorite craft beer at home.

We discuss intangibles like balance, complexity and depth.

Randy shares his thoughts on multi-sensory considerations in recipe design and how hundreds of ingredients combine to produce a sensory experience.

He gives his advice for home brewers on improving their beer design skills.

Randy finishes with his closing thoughts.
Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsor Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine for sponsoring this episode. I encourage you to subscribe to their great magazine!

Also check out BeerSmith, BeerSmith Web, BeerSmith Mobile software and the DVDs John Palmer and I filmed – How to Brew with Malt Extract and How to Brew All Grain are available now. You can subscribe to the BeerSmith newsletter for free to get some great articles on home brewing.
iTunes Announcements: I launched a new video channel for the BeerSmith podcast on iTunes, so subscribe now! At the moment it will only feature the new widescreen episodes (#75 and up). Older episodes are available on my revamped Youtube channel. Also all of my audio episodes are on iTunes now – so grab the older episodes if you missed any.
Thoughts on the Podcast?
Leave me a comment below or visit our discussion forum to leave a comment in the podcast section there.
Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes or BeerSmith Radio
You can listen to all of my podcast episodes streaming live around the clock on our BeerSmith Radio online radio station! You can also subscribe to the audio or video using the iTunes links below, or the feed address
Audio feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/content/feed/podcast)

Video feed on iTunes – (direct: http://beersmith.com/tv/category/podcast/feed/ )

Audio podcast on Google Play here

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the blog and my newsletter (or link at the top of the page) – to get free weekly articles on home brewing.
49 min

About BeerSmith Home Brewing

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Get recipes, home brewing articles, our podcast, beer brewing software, and more. Learn about making beer at home, talk on our discussion forum & visit our Brewing Wiki.

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BeerSmith Home Brewing

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About BeerSmith Home Brewing