Are you intimidated by the idea of decoction mashing? Join Nick and Joe as they break down the complexities of this brewing technique with special guest Philip from Kingston Abbey Brewing. Discover how this method can elevate your home brewing game and why it’s worth the extra effort.

In this episode, we kick off with a light-hearted chat about Nick's recent trip to Nag's Head, where he enjoyed some of the best local breweries. But the real treat comes when Philip shares his expertise on decoction mashing—a technique that many home brewers shy away from. You’ll learn the step-by-step process of a decoction mash, how it can enhance the flavor profiles of your beers, and why it’s particularly beneficial for brewing traditional Czech lagers.

You’ll discover:

- The specific steps involved in a decoction mash and how to execute them without fear.

- The surprising efficiency gains you can achieve by brewing smaller batches.

- Why certain beer styles, like Czech pale lagers, benefit significantly from this method.

- Tips from Philip on how to make decoction mashing accessible and manageable, even for beginners.

- Personal anecdotes that highlight the community aspect of brewing and the joy of sharing your craft with friends.

Not knowing how to master decoction mashing can lead to missed opportunities for enhancing the depth of your beers. This episode opens up new avenues for flavor development that could set your brews apart in a crowded market.

Perfect for home brewers looking to refine their skills or anyone curious about the intricacies of beer making, this episode is packed with valuable insights that will inspire your next brewing session. Tune in now and transform your brewing practice!

Discover the compelling journey of homebrewing with David from Students Brewing as he shares the unique story behind his craft. This episode dives deep into the heart of brewing, revealing how a simple grad school hobby transformed into a decade-long passion. Learn why brewing is not just about the beer but the connections it fosters and the creativity it inspires.

Join hosts Nick and Joe as they welcome David, who recounts his first brew—a Cascadian Dark Ale that strayed into Imperial Stout territory—and the lessons learned along the way. You’ll discover:

- The surprising connections between brewing and complex statistical methods, as David explains the inspiration behind the name "Students Brewing."

- The debate between extract and all-grain brewing, where David shares his thoughts on the evolving quality of extract kits and how they can produce world-class beers.

- Insights on the importance of homebrew clubs and community in honing your craft and pushing your brewing boundaries.

Why does this matter? The brewing community is rich with camaraderie, innovation, and shared experiences. Failing to tap into this supportive network could mean missing out on invaluable knowledge and inspiration that could elevate your brewing game.

With an engaging mix of anecdotes, practical advice, and a few laughs, this episode is perfect for both seasoned brewers and those just starting their homebrewing journey. Join us for a toast with David’s favorite IPA and unlock the secrets of successful homebrewing.

What if the fastest way to better beer is to stop overcomplicating it? In this roundtable, Nick, Joe, Ben from Reanimation Brewing, Adam from One Floor Below Brewing, and Josh from Trose Brewing pull back the curtain on the real decisions that shape great homebrew - from brew-in-a-bag vs. false bottoms to pressure fermentation, AI-assisted recipe design, and why a “cheat code” yeast like Kveik is changing what’s possible. The conversation starts with a simple question and quickly turns into a full-on gear, process, and philosophy session. Josh explains why brew-in-a-bag made all-grain brewing easier to enter, Ben breaks down how he built a hazy that won medals with a last-minute Kveik batch, Adam talks through his purpose-built setup and why he still reaches for the simplest solution that works, and Nick and Joe weigh how much of brewing is technique versus just knowing your system. You’ll discover:

• Why brew-in-a-bag can be a game changer for new all-grain brewers
• How pressure fermentation, spunding, and closed transfers change the hazy IPA game
• Why AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Beer Builder are already helping brewers calculate water chemistry, hop usage, and recipe structure
• How Beersmith, Tilt data, and cloud logging turn brew days into trackable experiments
• Why Kveik yeast keeps coming up as a shortcut to fast, flavorful beer
• What actually matters more than equipment: sanitation, consistency, and repeatability

But this episode goes beyond process. The crew also gets honest about what’s hurting homebrewing right now - rising costs, shrinking shop access, gatekeeping in clubs, the shift to seltzers and canned cocktails, and a new generation that socializes differently than the one that built the hobby. They dig into why some clubs turn people away, why younger brewers may not see homebrewing as approachable, and what the community can do to make the hobby feel welcoming again. If you care about brewing better beer, building smarter systems, or keeping the homebrew community alive, this one is packed with useful ideas, hard-earned opinions, and a few unforgettable flexes along the way. Perfect for homebrewers, gear nerds, and anyone who wants the real story behind what keeps the hobby going.

Join us as we chat with Jackie Estaseca about her journey in beer, homebrewing, and her efforts to promote women in the craft beer industry. Discover her favorite styles, innovative brews, and insights into beer history and culture.

Today's conversation includes

• Jackie Estaseca's journey into beer and homebrewing

• The importance of space for women in the craft beer industry

• Innovative and experimental beer styles like squid ink and menthol beers

• The history of beer and influential figures like Hildegard of Bingen

• Advice for new homebrewers and the importance of community and education

In this episode of Hop In, We’re Drinking, Nick and Joe sit down with Chris from Field Hammer Brewing for a deep dive into the craft, science, and community behind homebrewing. From Belgian styles and Czech pilsners to temperature control, glycol chillers, and the challenge of dialing in yeast, Chris shares how a love of flavor turned into a full-on brewing obsession. The conversation covers everything from extract kits and all-grain upgrades to homebrew clubs, recipe development, and the joy of chasing the perfect pint. Along the way, the guys talk about underrated amber styles, hazy IPA fatigue, weird ingredients like tortillas in the mash, and why brewing is equal parts chemistry, patience, and passion. If you love homebrewing, Belgian beers, lagering, or just hearing passionate brewers geek out over hops, malt, yeast, and fermentation, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Alex shares his journey into home brewing, the equipment he uses, lessons learned from brewing failures, and his thoughts on current beer trends. Whether you're a seasoned homebrewer or just starting out, Alex offers valuable tips and stories that highlight the passion and creativity in brewing.

• Alex's introduction to beer and early brewing experiences
• The transition from kit brewing to all-grain brewing
• The importance of brewing consistency and beer styles like wheat and Belgian beers
• Equipment modifications and home setup for efficient brewing
• Reusing yeast and harvesting techniques
• Challenges faced during brew days and how to troubleshoot
• The influence of craft breweries and favorite beer styles
• The wildest ingredients and experimental beers Alex has tried
• Advice for beginners: start small and learn from each batch
• The joy of sharing home brewed beer and the personal connection to the craft
• Naming the brewery Bewildered Brewing and its creative inspiration
• Alex's ideal brewing partnership with historical figures

This week we talked with Chris from Two Figs Brewing Co about all things homebrewing! Learn about his journey, the amount of support he receives, and his favorite parts of the hobby.

In this episode, Shan Ferments shares her journey into the beer industry, insights on craft beer trends, hop research, and her experiences at major beer festivals. Discover how community involvement and adaptability are shaping the future of craft brewing.

Join us this week as we speak with Bill from Creekside Brewing about all things homebrew, his brewing processes, and his beer preferences and.......BLACK IPA!!!!

Join us as we chat with Mark ,aka Hoppy Homebrewer, from Hungary about his homebrewing journey, the craft beer scene in Hungary, and innovative brewing techniques. Discover how he started, his favorite styles, and tips for aspiring homebrewers worldwide.