Quality-focused Pro Brewers

In this episode of Quality Focused Pro Brewers, Hendo from the Rockstar Brewer Academy discusses the best ways for professional brewers to improve their skills and knowledge, including hiring a brewery consultant, obtaining a formal brewing education, or participating in a coaching program. Hendo outlines the pros and cons of each method, emphasizing the importance of urgency, budget, and learning style in making a decision. The episode also features insights from Adsy, who chats about his recent experiences, and real-world examples of brewers who have benefitted from different paths. For those seeking continuous improvement and support in their brewing journey, the Rockstar Brewer Academy offers a comprehensive coaching program for Professional Brewers focused on practical implementation and long-term results.

00:00 Introduction01:06 Understanding Brewing Education Options & The Need for Skill Advancement03:49 Three Paths to Pro Brewer Mastery08:42 Option 1 – Consultancy: Quick Fixes and Expertise12:27 Option 2 – Formal Education: Structured Learning19:12 Option 3 – Coaching: Personalized Brewing Guidance22:49 How & Why The Rockstar Brewer Academy Was Founded23:42 Benefits of Group Coaching: Community Support and Collaboration25:43 The Three Pillars of A Coaching Program26:16 Implementing Systems and Templates As Opposed To Structured Learning27:26 Commitment and Motivation in Coaching29:46 Real-World Success Stories39:24 Choosing the Right Path for Improvement41:17 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

I post loads of new content especially for pro-brewers in my Facebook group called “Quality-focussed Pro Brewers”.  There’s no stainless steel sellers and no home brewers – https://qualityfocusedprobrewers.com

2. Download “The Pro Brewer Quality & Consistency Checklist”If you’re stuggling to cut through the noise from Internet “research” and want to fast-track improvements to your beer quality, this 5-Step Guide is for you – https://rockstarbrewer.com/download-guide

3. Get the 30 minute Crash CourseIn how to build beer quality and consistency just like your favourite brewery.  In just 30 minutes, I’ll show you how to implement a brewery quality system, create consistent beer outcomes and drive passionate and creative brewing – https://rockstarbrewer.com/crashcourse

4. Chat With Me 1:1 Over ZoomAnd if you ever want to get some 1:1 help, we can jump on a quick “Calibration Call”, and brainstorm how to get you to cut through the noise and brew more consistent and high-quality beer – https://rockstarbrewer.com/calibration

SOCIALS:

• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@RockstarBrewer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockstarbrewer
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockstarbrewer
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rockstarbrewer
• TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@RockstarBrewer

DISCLAIMER: This podcast may contain affiliate links or product recommendations, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

I post loads of new content especially for pro-brewers in my Facebook group called “Quality-focussed Pro Brewers”.  There’s no stainless steel sellers and no home brewers – https://qualityfocusedprobrewers.com

2. Download “The Pro Brewer Quality & Consistency Checklist”If you’re stuggling to cut through the noise from Internet “research” and want to fast-track improvements to your beer quality, this 5-Step Guide is for you – https://rockstarbrewer.com/download-guide

3. Get the 30 minute Crash CourseIn how to build beer quality and consistency just like your favourite brewery.  In just 30 minutes, I’ll show you how to implement a brewery quality system, create consistent beer outcomes and drive passionate and creative brewing – https://rockstarbrewer.com/crashcourse

4. Chat With Me 1:1 Over ZoomAnd if you ever want to get some 1:1 help, we can jump on a quick “Calibration Call”, and brainstorm how to get you to cut through the noise and brew more consistent and high-quality beer – https://rockstarbrewer.com/calibration

SOCIALS:

• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@RockstarBrewer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockstarbrewer
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockstarbrewer
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rockstarbrewer
• TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@RockstarBrewer

DISCLAIMER: This podcast may contain affiliate links or product recommendations, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

In this episode of Quality-focused Pro Brewers, Hendo and Adsy discuss the importance and challenges of implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in breweries. They explore the pitfalls and best practices of creating, using, and maintaining SOPs, emphasizing their significance for safety, consistency, and quality in brewing operations. The duo also shares insights into structuring SOPs, prioritizing them, and utilizing tools and templates for efficient SOP management. Listeners are encouraged to start breaking down SOP tasks and are offered resources like the SOP Swipe File Library from the Rockstar Brewer Academy Members-only community.

00:00 Introduction to SOPs in Breweries

01:18 Challenges in Implementing SOPs

04:57 The Importance of SOPs for Safety and Consistency

08:18 Real-World Examples and Risks

11:54 An Example of Poor SOP Knowledge Transfer: Making a Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDA3_5982h8

15:10 Steps to Create Effective SOPs

22:37 Diving into SOP Details

23:18 Writing SOPs in a Typical Brewery

25:08 Lessons Learned from Detailed SOPs

26:33 Different Learning Styles and SOPs

27:52 Tools for Creating Effective SOPs

28:14 The Wall of Wisdom: Your Key To Consistency

30:10 Modern Tools for SOP Management

35:56 The Importance of SOPs

37:56 Starting with SOPs in a New Brewery

41:26 Final Thoughts on Brewery SOPs

Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you brew consistent, world-class beer that you’re proud of whether you’re planning a brewery build or it’s already up and running:

1. Join the Quality-focused Pro Brewers Podcast Facebook groupI post loads of new content especially for pro-brewers in my Facebook group called “Quality-focussed Pro Brewers”.  There’s no stainless steel sellers and no home brewers – https://qualityfocusedprobrewers.com

2. Download “The Pro Brewer Quality & Consistency Checklist”If you’re stuggling to cut through the noise from Internet “research” and want to fast-track improvements to your beer quality, this 5-Step Guide is for you – https://rockstarbrewer.com/download-guide

3. Get the 30 minute Crash CourseIn how to build beer quality and consistency just like your favourite brewery.  In just 30 minutes, I’ll show you how to implement a brewery quality system, create consistent beer outcomes and drive passionate and creative brewing – https://rockstarbrewer.com/crashcourse

4. Chat With Me 1:1 Over ZoomAnd if you ever want to get some 1:1 help, we can jump on a quick “Calibration Call”, and brainstorm how to get you to cut through the noise and brew more consistent and high-quality beer – https://rockstarbrewer.com/calibration

SOCIALS:

• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@RockstarBrewer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockstarbrewer
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockstarbrewer
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rockstarbrewer
• TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@RockstarBrewer

DISCLAIMER: This podcast may contain affiliate links or product recommendations, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

Scaling Up: From Pilot Brewing to Commercial Success. In this episode of the Quality Focused Pro Brewers, Hendo delves into the intricacies of scaling up beer recipes from pilot brewing to commercial production. Discussing common challenges and solutions, he emphasises the importance of professional approaches, such as documenting detailed processes and maintaining consistent quality. Hendo introduces the concept of a product specification, advocating its use for clear communication and achieving consistent, high-quality results.

This episode offers valuable insights for both brewers in the planning stages of opening a brewery and established brewers aiming to maintain consistency in their products.

00:00 Introduction to Scaling Up Brewing & Meet Hendo and Adsy

01:17 Scaling Up: Real-World Issues With Pilot Brewing & Scaling Beer Recipes

04:17 Understanding Equipment Differences

06:15 The Importance of Water Chemistry in Recipe Scaling

07:04 Why Software Tools Like Beersmith, Brewfather and Brewer’s Friend Aren’t Enough

14:37 Creating a Product Specification & Importance of Product Specifications as a Pro Brewer

24:04 Beer Recipe Development and Scaling Up

25:17 True to Brand Descriptions & Why They’re So Important

27:33 Beer Consistency and Customer Loyalty

29:03 Adjusting Product Specifications & Annual Review/Process Tweaks

34:33 About The Rockstar Brewer Academy Program

43:55 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you brew consistent, world-class beer that you’re proud of whether you’re planning a brewery build or it’s already up and running:

1. Join the Quality-focused Pro Brewers Podcast Facebook groupI post loads of new content especially for pro-brewers in my Facebook group called “Quality-focussed Pro Brewers”.  There’s no stainless steel sellers and no home brewers – https://qualityfocusedprobrewers.com

2. Download “The Pro Brewer Quality & Consistency Checklist”If you’re stuggling to cut through the noise from Internet “research” and want to fast-track improvements to your beer quality, this 5-Step Guide is for you – https://rockstarbrewer.com/download-guide

3. Get the 30 minute Crash CourseIn how to build beer quality and consistency just like your favourite brewery.  In just 30 minutes, I’ll show you how to implement a brewery quality system, create consistent beer outcomes and drive passionate and creative brewing – https://rockstarbrewer.com/crashcourse

4. Chat With Me 1:1 Over ZoomAnd if you ever want to get some 1:1 help, we can jump on a quick “Calibration Call”, and brainstorm how to get you to cut through the noise and brew more consistent and high-quality beer – https://rockstarbrewer.com/calibration

SOCIALS:

• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@RockstarBrewer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockstarbrewer
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockstarbrewer
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rockstarbrewer
• TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@RockstarBrewer

DISCLAIMER: This podcast may contain affiliate links or product recommendations, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

In this episode of the Quality Focus Pro Brewers podcast, Hendo, a pro brewer coach at the Rockstar Brewer Academy, delves into the essential practices needed for maintaining brewery quality. He emphasizes the importance of setting quality targets and tolerances, ensuring accurate and precise measurements, and having effective standard operating procedures (SOPs). Special attention is given to pH meter calibration and the significance of consistent brewing processes over mere recipe tweaking. The episode also offers insights into creating standard brewery tolerances and the concept of ‘fit for use’ and ‘true to brand’ quality metrics. Brewers are encouraged to document and regularly calibrate their equipment to maintain beer consistency and avoid wasting resources.

00:00 Introduction to Quality Brewing

01:12 Setting Quality Targets & Consistency in Brewing

04:44 Defining Quality Metrics

05:58 Measurement Tools and Challenges

10:14 Regulatory Requirements and Tolerances Around ABV

18:24 Standard Tolerances and Brewery Practices

25:20 On-Spec Brewing and Troubleshooting

28:28 Understanding Accuracy and Precision

29:14 Exact vs. Estimated Measurements

30:34 Types of Errors in Brewing Measurements

31:33 Accuracy vs. Precision Explained & Practical Examples of Accuracy and Precision

37:10 Importance of Calibration Instruments in Brewing & Common Calibration Mistakes

40:38 Proper pH Meter Calibration Techniques

50:26 Setting Quality Standards in Brewing

53:01 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you brew consistent, world-class beer that you’re proud of whether you’re planning a brewery build or it’s already up and running:

1. Join the Quality-focused Pro Brewers Podcast Facebook groupI post loads of new content especially for pro-brewers in my Facebook group called “Quality-focussed Pro Brewers”.  There’s no stainless steel sellers and no home brewers – https://qualityfocusedprobrewers.com

2. Download “The Pro Brewer Quality & Consistency Checklist”If you’re stuggling to cut through the noise from Internet “research” and want to fast-track improvements to your beer quality, this 5-Step Guide is for you – https://rockstarbrewer.com/download-guide

3. Get the 30 minute Crash CourseIn how to build beer quality and consistency just like your favourite brewery.  In just 30 minutes, I’ll show you how to implement a brewery quality system, create consistent beer outcomes and drive passionate and creative brewing – https://rockstarbrewer.com/crashcourse

4. Chat With Me 1:1 Over ZoomAnd if you ever want to get some 1:1 help, we can jump on a quick “Calibration Call”, and brainstorm how to get you to cut through the noise and brew more consistent and high-quality beer – https://rockstarbrewer.com/calibration

SOCIALS:

• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@RockstarBrewer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockstarbrewer
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockstarbrewer
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rockstarbrewer
• TikTok:

In this episode of Quality-focused Pro Brewers, Hendo from Rockstar Brewer Academy discusses the topic of beer haze, including permanent and temporary haze. They explore the causes of chill haze, notably over sparging, and the role of biofine in combating haze. The conversation touches on a notable case of a hazy IPA becoming clear, consumer reactions, and how social media aesthetics influence beer styles. The episode delves into the complexities of achieving and maintaining haze in hazy beers like IPAs and the appropriate use of fining agents such as biofine. The podcast also covers various techniques for controlling haze, including lautering practice, water chemistry, and yeast strain selection, while emphasizing the importance of setting quality targets for beer haze.

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

00:56 The Importance of Beer Appearance & A Case Study on Hazy IPA

04:33 The Popularity of Hazy Beers

09:15 Causes of Beer Haze

13:49 Permanent vs. Temporary Haze

20:38 Chill Haze and Over Sparging

22:34 Monitoring Lauter and Sparge

24:46 Rockstar Brewer Academy Ad

26:43 Understanding and Controlling Haze in Beer

28:53 Biofine and Other Fining Agents

35:12 Practical Tips for Reducing Haze

39:52 Practical Tips For Enhancing Haze in Beer

43:00 Setting and Troubleshooting Haze Quality Targets

46:12 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Be sure to connect with us at https://qualityfocusedprobrewers.com where you can join our Facebook group, chat with fellow Pro-Brewers in a constructive environment and chat with Hendo & Adsy!

Book in a 15 minute “Calibration Call” with Hendo to see if the Rockstar Brewer Academy is a good fit for you – https://rockstarbrewer.com/calibration

SOCIALS:

• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@RockstarBrewer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockstarbrewer
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockstarbrewer
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rockstarbrewer
• TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@RockstarBrewer

DISCLAIMER: This podcast may contain affiliate links or product recommendations, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

How to Craft a Killer Flagship Lager – Secrets from an Award Winning Head Brewer

In this episode of the Quality-focused Pro Brewers podcast, Hendo discusses the significance of having a stellar lager, or ‘crispy boy’ in your brewery’s core-range beer line up, with special guest Matthew Cuthbert, Award-winning Head Brewer of Revel Brewing Company in Brisbane, Australia.

They delve into the challenges and rewards of brewing a simple yet exceptional lager, sharing insights on the brewing process from recipe development to yeast management.

Key takeaways include the importance of water chemistry, fermentation temperatures, and common faults like diacetyl and sulfur. Cuthbert emphasizes that mastering a craft lager can win over traditional beer drinkers and become a brewery’s top seller, despite often being seen as a less exciting style to brew. The episode concludes with practical tips for brewers aiming to perfect their flagship lager.

00:00 Introduction to Craft Brewing and Lager

01:04 Meet the Expert: Matthew Cuthbert from Revel Brewing Co

01:39 Matthew’s Brewing History and Experience

04:15 The Importance of Lager in Craft Brewing

09:14 Challenges and Techniques in Brewing Lager

14:08 Water Chemistry and Hops in Lager

17:03 Bittering and Hopping Techniques

17:35 The Role of Yeast in Lager

18:42 Fermentation Temperatures and Techniques

24:06 Common Lager Faults and Solutions

29:14 The Challenge of Brewing a Clean Lager

29:53 Join the Conversation and Learn More

Be sure to connect with us at https://qualityfocusedprobrewers.com where you can join our Facebook group, chat with fellow Pro-Brewers in a constructive environment and chat with Hendo & Adsy!

Book in a “Calibration Call” with Hendo to see if the Rockstar Brewer Academy is a good fit for you – https://rockstarbrewer.com/calibration

SOCIALS:

• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@RockstarBrewer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockstarbrewer
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockstarbrewer
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rockstarbrewer
• TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@RockstarBrewer

DISCLAIMER: This podcast may contain affiliate links or product recommendations, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

Mastering Beer Foam: The Key to Instagram-Worthy Beer.

In this episode of Quality Focused Pro Brewers, Hendo from the Rockstar Brewer Academy shares invaluable insights into the importance of beer foam. Joined by guest Adsy, they delve into why good foam is essential for the visual appeal of beer, influencing both taste and consumer perception. They discuss the science of foam formation, factors influencing foam stability, foam-positive elements like proteins, alpha acids, and Maillard compounds, as well as foam-negative factors such as fats, detergents, and high alcohol content.

The episode also covers practical tips for troubleshooting foam issues, emphasizing the need to start from the service point and work backwards. Ideal for pro brewers looking to enhance their beer’s presentation, making it more appealing and ultimately boosting sales.

00:00 Introduction to Beer Foam, Meet the Hosts & Previous Episode Recap

01:28 The Importance of Beer Foam/Head Retention

02:58 Understanding Beer Foam

04:07 Foam and The Relationship With Beer Carbonation

06:42 The Physics Behind Foam

11:17 Surface Tension and Nucleation

18:11 Beer Foam Chemistry: Foam Positive and Negative Elements

23:19 Why Hendo Doesn’t Use Wheat In a Beer Recipe To Enhance Foam

24:03 Foam Stability in the Mash Process

24:51 Foam Positive Compounds in Beer

27:59 The Impact of Nitrogen on Beer Foam

30:03 Foam Negative Factors: What to Avoid

35:59 Troubleshooting Foam Issues: Practical Tips

39:16 Final Thoughts and Resources for Brewers

Be sure to connect with us at https://qualityfocusedprobrewers.com where you can join our Facebook group, chat with fellow Pro-Brewers in a constructive environment and chat with Hendo & Adsy!

Get My Free Guide – “The Pro Brewer Quality Checklist: The 5 Step Blueprint That Will Help You Brew World Class Beer….Fast!” – https://bit.ly/3f6ryQB

SOCIALS:

• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@RockstarBrewer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockstarbrewer
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockstarbrewer
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rockstarbrewer
• TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@RockstarBrewer

DISCLAIMER: This podcast may contain affiliate links or product recommendations, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

In this episode of the Quality-focused Pro Brewers podcast, Hendo talks with Lindsy Greig from The Fifth Ingredient/Beer30 about the importance of data management in brewing. They discuss the limitations of paper logs and spreadsheets for breweries, the benefits of using brewery management software like Beer30, and how it can improve beer quality, efficiency, and cost tracking.

Lindsy shares her journey from a failed actor to a brewery expert, emphasizing the need for breweries to adapt modern data collection methods. They also highlight the scalability of such software, suitable for breweries of all sizes and its role in shaping a data-conscious culture within the team.

0:00 Introduction – The episode kicks off with a discussion about the challenges of using outdated tools like paper logs, spreadsheets, and whiteboards in brewing operations.

2:15 The Problem with Paper Logs – Real-world examples of why paper logs can be unreliable, including lost records, difficulty sharing data, and the extra time they require.

6:30 Spreadsheet Shortcomings – A breakdown of how spreadsheets, while better than paper, still fall short for managing the complexity of brewery operations.

10:45 Why Whiteboards Aren’t Enough – Insights into how whiteboards limit production planning and why they become impractical as breweries scale up.

14:10 Introducing Brewery Management Systems – An overview of what brewery management systems are and how they transform operations by solving common problems with manual methods.

18:00 Benefits of Brewery Management Systems – Compelling reasons to switch, including streamlined processes, real-time updates, and better scalability for breweries.

22:20 Case Studies: Breweries that Made the Switch – Inspiring success stories from breweries that adopted management systems and saw significant improvements in efficiency and organization.

26:50 Overcoming Resistance to Change – Tips on how to approach team buy-in and make the transition to a new system smoother for everyone.

30:00 How to Choose the Right System – Practical advice on evaluating different brewery management systems and what features to prioritize.

34:15 Call to Action – Wrapping up with an encouragement to reflect on your current methods and explore how upgrading to a brewery management system could improve your brewery’s operations.

Full disclosure – Hendo is a brand ambassador for Beer30 in Australia.  If you’d like to arrange a demo with the Beer30 team to see if it’s right for you, head over to https://rockstarbrewer.com/beer30

Be sure to connect with us at https://qualityfocusedprobrewers.com where you can join our Facebook group, chat with fellow Pro-Brewers in a constructive environment and chat with Hendo & Adsy!

Get My Free Guide – “The Pro Brewer Quality Checklist: The 5 Step Blueprint That Will Help You Brew World Class Beer….Fast!” – https://bit.ly/3f6ryQB

SOCIALS:

• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@RockstarBrewer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockstarbrewer
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockstarbrewer
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rockstarbrewer
• TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@RockstarBrewer

DISCLAIMER: This podcast may

In this episode of the Quality-focused Pro Brewers podcast, Hendo talks with Lindsy Greig from The Fifth Ingredient/Beer30 about the importance of data management in brewing. They discuss the limitations of paper logs and spreadsheets for breweries, the benefits of using brewery management software like Beer30, and how it can improve beer quality, efficiency, and cost tracking.

Lindsy shares her journey from a failed actor to a brewery expert, emphasizing the need for breweries to adapt modern data collection methods. They also highlight the scalability of such software, suitable for breweries of all sizes and its role in shaping a data-conscious culture within the team.

00:00 Introduction to Modern Brewery Management

01:02 Meet Lindsy Greig: From Actor to Brewer & Lindsy’s Brewing Journey

03:17 Challenges of Using Spreadsheets in Breweries

09:03 Importance of Data Collection in Brewing

14:53 Improving Beer Quality Through Data Analysis

19:30 Tracking and Reducing Losses in Craft Breweries

20:26 Cost-Benefit Analysis for Brewery Investments

21:08 Packaging Line Efficiency and Data Logging

22:21 Challenges of Using Spreadsheets and Paper Logs

25:07 Visualizing and Analyzing Brewery Data

27:16 Implementing Brewery Management Systems

29:14 Scaling Brewery Operations

33:24 Creating a Data-Conscious Culture

35:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Full disclosure – Hendo is a brand ambassador for Beer30 in Australia.  If you’d like to arrange a demo with the Beer30 team to see if it’s right for you, head over to https://rockstarbrewer.com/beer30

Be sure to connect with us at https://qualityfocusedprobrewers.com where you can join our Facebook group, chat with fellow Pro-Brewers in a constructive environment and chat with Hendo & Adsy!

Get My Free Guide – “The Pro Brewer Quality Checklist: The 5 Step Blueprint That Will Help You Brew World Class Beer….Fast!” – https://bit.ly/3f6ryQB

SOCIALS:

DISCLAIMER: This podcast may contain affiliate links or product recommendations, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!