The Modern Brewer Podcast

By Chris Lewington

We all know how to make great beer right? But how do we become great brewers? Get stuck into all the topics you didn’t expect you needed to know when you first started brewing with experienced brewer ... more

· Education

5

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FAQs about The Modern Brewer Podcast:

How many episodes does The Modern Brewer Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 41 episodes available.

The Modern Brewer Podcast episodes:

September 16, 2024Ep 30 - Hop Harvest 2024 - with Douglas Mackinnon
Get exclusive early access to the 2024 hop harvest insights from both America 🇺🇸 and Germany 🇩🇪 in this episode of The Modern Brewer Podcast!

Myself, Chris Lewington is joined by Douglas Mackinnon, providing an independent resource for brewers looking to navigate the ever-evolving hop market. With practical advice on how to play the market this year, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about brewing in 2024.
This is a true world exclusive, the only source of independent 2024 hop harvest data in the world
Douglas breaks down everything from varietal issues to how this year's harvest will impact pricing and the wider market. He also shares his predictions for future harvests and offers invaluable tips on how brewers can make the most of the current hop landscape.
Key Topics:
The 2024 Hop Harvest Report: Early insights
Navigating the hop market as a brewer
The impact of varietal issues and pricing trends
Long-term effects of increasing hop products on the market
Practical advice for brewers in 2024
Chapters:
01:57 - Brewers Congress Update
03:39 - World Class Canning Lines and Seaming Technology
08:30 - Douglas Mackinnon Intro
13:13 - Hop Harvest 2024 Report
22:47 - Are there any varietal issues?
25:29 - How the hop harvest will affect the wider market
36:08 - How does the harvest this year affect the prices brewers will pay?
40:39 - How does this harvest compare to last year?
43:59 - How does the increase in hop products affect the long term market?
53:14 - Doug's Predictions for future harvests
01:01:27 - How would Doug advise a brewer to navigate the hop market now
01:13:52 - Outro

Sponsor: A big thank you to our sponsor, Pneumatic Scale Angelus, leaders in world-class canning lines and seaming technology. Learn more from Tom Bowlidge at [email protected].
Connect:
🔗 Douglas Mackinnon’s LinkedIn Douglas Mackinnon
🔗 The Mackinnon Report: Read the latest
🔗 My LinkedIn: Chris Lewington
Send us a text
...more
1h 15min
September 02, 2024 Ep 29 - Is Pulse Cooling the Future? with Jassa Amir-Lang & Alex Marschall
Is pulse cooling the game-changer that we’ve all been waiting for?

In this episode of The Modern Brewer Podcast I, Chris Lewington, chat with Jassa Amir-Lang and Alex Marschall about the future of cooling beer and its impact on sustainability.

From energy efficiency to environmental impact, this episode delves into the factors that could make pulse cooling the next truly implementable innovation in brewing.

Take a chill and listen to this brrrilllll-iant episode and its genuinely implementable change 🥶

00:00 - Intro
02:43 - Modern Brewer Podcast Merch Giveaway
04:51 - Brewing Trade Brewers Congress Giveaway
07:39 - Jassa & Alex Intros
08:54 - What are the theoretical principals of pulse cooling how does it differ from continuous?
12:53 - Is there a time increase with pulse cooling?
17:53 - Where did everyone hear about pulse cooling?
20:52 - The benefits of pulse cooling
25:24 - Does it effect your control of temperature compared to contineous? How does that impact quality?
27:37 - How can you automate pulse cooling?
33:39 - How is monitoring and maintainence effected?
35:22 - Energy savings with pulse cooling
43:35 - What are the options available to start pulse cooling?
46:34 - How can pulse cooling integrate with software?
48:42 - Alex's amazing sustainable beer made at his brewery!
55:33 - Outro

Sponsor: Brewing Trade - Join hundreds of breweries fighting rising costs

🔗 Chris' LinkedIn
📧 Email Alex
📧 Email Jassa
Send us a text
...more
57min
August 19, 2024 Ep 28 - Global Brewing - Making the Move to Asia with Neil Playfoot
Ever looked East?

The Asian beer market has been in many breweries expansion plan for years…but should it?

In this episode of The Modern Brewer Podcast, join me, Chris Lewington as I’m joined by with brewing veteran Neil Playfoot to explore the ins and outs of the Asian beer market.

From China's “booming” beer market to the rise of IPAs, Neil shares his insights on everything East of Europe.

Whether you're considering brewing in Asia, distributing or sourcing equipment - this episode is your answer.

00:00 - Intro
02:19 - Fifth Column Advert
06:48 - Neil Playfoot's Life and Career
10:58 - China's Beer Market Overview
16:57 - What are the Growth Markets in Asia?
20:49 - Are IPAs the most popular beer style in Asia?
25:30 - How to get your beer into China, does the distributor model work?
31:04 - Can you get your beer brewed in China? Should you?
34:03 - How can you get a career in brewing in Asia?
44:12 - What should breweries know before sourcing equipment from Asia/China?
52:34 - How does Neil see the Asian Beer Market evolving over the next 5-10 years?

A big thank you to our sponsor, Fifth Column - the BEST brewery apparel out there! 👕 Check them out for your breweries sustainable garms.

🔗 FB Group

🔗 Neil’s LinkedIn

🔗 Chris' LinkedIn
Send us a text
...more
58min
August 05, 2024 Ep 27 - Burton Union Set - Keeping History Alive - Thornbridge Brewery
Keeping history alive, the Burton Union
Join me, Chris Lewington and Thornbridge’s Rob & Ben as we discuss how they keep an old brewing system alive as part of their brewery’s future.
We get into the nitty-gritty of how they acquired such an amazing piece of brewing history, what brewing on this system is actually like and how it affects the final beer!
This is a groundbreaking project that I’m so privileged to discuss with the team.
Listen on your favourite podcasting app NOW!
00:00: Introduction
02:22: Fifth Column Advert
06:45 History of The Burton Union System
12:35 - How did Thornbridge come to acquire the brewery
14:52 - Technically and operationally how do the unions set work
23:54 The first brew
36:13 What modifications and innovations have they done to them and plan to do to them
39:54 Can you dry hop in a Union Set?
43:42 How the unions affected the flavours of their beers
47:59 The microbiological impact of union systems
50:53 New recipe development with the union set
54:45 How important is it for us to maintain our traditions
01:02:01 Outro
Thank you to our show sponsors Fifth Column, the BEST brewery merch 👕

🔗 Chris' LinkedIn
Send us a text
...more
1h 3min
July 22, 2024 Ep 26 - Mastering Nitrogen: Purity, Process & Best Practises - Gipsy Hill
I'm bringing you cutting-edge research conducted by myself (Chris Lewington), Gipsy Hill Brewery, Pneumatech & H&M Compressors & Pumps.

We set to see if nitrogen at 99.5% purity is fit for purpose in a craft brewery set-up.

This is the first of its kind research and it is being first aired on the Modern Brewer Podcast.

This episode will also divulge the optimum usage of Nitrogen as found by Gipsy Hill and recommended best practises.

Here are the episode chapters:

Pre-Trial Key Information and Discussion points
6:15 - Why is purity in Nitrogen Generation important
8:06 - Gipsy Hill Processes
13:52 - Methods of Purging
24:42 - Dissolved Oxygen Specifications in Craft Breweries (Anton Paar Vs Haffmans)
29:40 - Henry's Law and How It Affects Beer

Trial Results
32:52 - The Trial Results Overview
34:50 - Tank Purging with Nitrogen
37:57 - BBT head pressures with Nitrogen
41:56 - Removing the need to purge entirely

Next Steps
46:55 - Next Steps

Sponsor
👕 5th Column - The BEST brewery apparel in the world

Purity Trial Questions

🫧 Craig Smith - Pneumatech

⛽ H&M Compressors and Pumps

🔗 Chris' LinkedIn
Send us a text
...more
51min
July 01, 2024Ep 25 - Repitch Your Yeast - Alix Blease
💃🎉🎈 Happy 1 Year Anniversary Everyone!!!

With me is Alix Blease from Lallemand, this episode is targeted at brewers looking to repitch their yeast.

We will cover everything from start to finish and by the end you should have the confidence, understanding and know-how to stop the dreaded pitch and ditch and start maximising the yeast you purchase. If you are already repitching your yeast, don’t drop out just yet, I am sure you will want to confirm that you are repitching your yeast correctly and that there might be a more efficient way to do it.

Topics Covered:
What yeast can be repitched
How to avoid contamination
Forced Ferments
How Sensitive Is Yeast?
Cell Viability
How Many Times Can You Repitch
How Many Times Should You Repitch
When to Repitch
Methods of Repitching
How To assess under/Over Pitch
What Do You Need To Do With Your Wort

Chapters

00:00 Welcome
00:54 Podcast Anniversary and Reflections
02:43 Introduction to Yeast Repitching
03:58 Guest Introduction: Alex Blease
04:28 Understanding Yeast and Scientific Papers
08:04 Yeast Repitching: Best Practices
11:51 Assessing Yeast Quality
15:24 Microbial Contamination and Testing
21:50 Practical Tips for Yeast Repitching
36:16 Yeast Pitching Strategies
36:57 Genetic Mutations and Yeast Adaptation
37:41 Bottom Cropping Lager Yeast
39:44 Indicators for Cropping Yeast
41:49 Methods for Repitching Yeast
51:49 Yeast Nutrition and Health
58:01 Common Yeast Issues and Solutions
01:02:49 Hands-On Learning and Workshops
01:05:24 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

🔗 Alix Blease's Contact

🔗 Chris' LinkedIn

📨 Register interest in Brew Resourceful's new AI-powered brewhouse efficiency monitoring system
Send us a text
...more
1h 8min
June 10, 2024Ep 24 - Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Brewing - Ankur Napa
Is AI at the forefront of the next industrial revolution? And how does that affect the brewing industry?

With me is Ankur Napa who has worked for ABInBev, SABMiller & United Breweries as a brewer and senior data analyst.

In this episode we go cover:
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)
What current tools and systems can it replace in brewing?
How will this affect brewers/breweries?
Real-life examples of AI in brewing and how they impacted the brewery
Future of AI in Brewing
Can it replace brewers themselves?
Ethics and data privacy of AI
How to integrate AI into your brewery
What does Ankur think AI should be used for in the brewery
Chapters (written by AI)

00:00 Introduction to the Modern Brewer Podcast
00:22 The Evolution of Technology and AI
01:36 AI in Brewing: Potential and Concerns
02:07 Introducing Brew Resourceful
04:29 Guest Introduction: Ankur Napa
05:23 Ankur's Journey in the Brewing Industry
10:19 Understanding AI and Data Science
18:57 AI's Impact on Brewing Processes
22:43 Future of AI in Brewing
28:42 Real-World Applications and Challenges
33:42 The Future of Automated Brewing
34:03 Can AI Replace Brewers?
34:34 The Role of AI in Brewing Decisions
38:02 Challenges and Limitations of AI in Craft Breweries
42:00 Ethics and Data Privacy in AI
47:19 Integrating AI in Breweries: Practical Steps
55:53 Sustainability and AI in Brewing
01:01:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🔗 Chris' LinkedIn

📨 Register interest in Brew Resourceful's new AI-powered brewhouse efficiency monitoring system

🔗 Ankur's LinkedIn

✉️ Ankur's Email: [email protected]

🤖 IntelligentX AI brewed beer - sadly has closed, they were the definition of ahead of their time. Check out the promo video made 8 years ago. Proof of AI life before chat GPT https://vimeo.com/172395607
Send us a text
...more
1h 5min
May 27, 2024Ep 23 - Everything About Commissioning Beer - Edina Bálint
Commissioning is one of the most intense, stressful and rewarding aspects of brewery management. And it is a poorly covered subject, which this episode is going to end.

In this blockbuster episode, Chris Lewington (host) and the amazing Edina Bálint (Commissioning brewer at SSV) discuss everything you need to know about commissioning.

Topics we cover
Project steps of a typical craft brewery turn-key project
Where to get your tanks manufactured
Steps of Commissioning
Who from the business should be involved in commissioning brews?
Safety and Training
Is there any optimisation during commissioning?
By the end of the episode, you will be ready for your first commissioning. Good luck, and if you enjoy the episode, please share it with your brewing pals, colleagues and associates.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:32 The Importance of Commissioning
00:37 Chris's Major Project Experience
02:20 Call to Action for Listeners
03:05 Introduction to Brewing Trade
04:14 Guest Introduction: Edina Ballant
04:46 Edina's Brewing Journey
07:13 SSV and Commissioning Brewer Role
12:16 Turnkey Projects Explained
22:39 Commissioning Steps and Processes
32:59 The Mysterious Black Dust in Brewing Tanks
35:14 Challenges and Pressure in Brewery Projects
36:08 First Brew: Quality Specs and Commissioning
38:49 Training Brewers on New Equipment
42:02 Importance of SOPs and Customization
54:04 Optimisation and Efficiency in Brewing
59:43 Maintenance and Service Contracts
01:02:24 Final Thoughts and Reflections

🔗 Edina's LinkedIn

🔗 Chris' LinkedIn

🔁 Brewing Trade

🎵 Horacio Colombo
Send us a text
...more
1h 6min
May 13, 2024 Ep 22 - Sustainable Refrigeration in Brewing - Jan Paul & Max Buchner
Refrigeration is a part we all rely on, but how well do you know your refrigeration plant?

Do you know what refrigerant it uses? Some refrigerators contain chemicals that have a global warming potential 2500 times higher than the same weight of CO2.

And are you aware of upcoming legislation changes that will impact the craft brewing industry?

In this episode we will cover:

- Why this topic is important
- Types of refrigerant used in breweries
- Upcoming legislative changes
- Low GWP refrigerants and refrigeration
- Demand for thermal energy in breweries

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:38 Introducing Jan Paul and Sustainable Refrigeration
01:24 Sponsor Message: Dalum Beverage Equipment
02:40 Welcoming Guests and Reintroductions
05:46 Discussion on Brewery Cooling and Environmental Impact
08:53 Global Warming Potential and Refrigerant History
12:59 Natural Refrigerants and Brewery Case Studies
17:18 Future Regulations and Practical Advice
28:29 Synthetic vs. Natural Refrigerants
31:54 Understanding PFAS and Its Environmental Impact
34:14 Ammonia in Breweries: Challenges and Solutions
35:29 Switching to Glycol Cooling Systems
37:03 Energy Efficiency and Maintenance Tips
50:18 Exploring Alternative Coolants
55:22 Practical Advice for Brewers
01:00:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🔗 Chris' LinkedIn

🫧 Recover your breweries CO2 - https://dalumequipment.com/

📧 Jan Paul - [email protected]

🆒 Max Buchner - [email protected]
Send us a text
...more
1h 2min
April 29, 2024 Ep 21 - Sensory Part 2 - Key Flavours & Taints - Jethro Duarte-Holman
In part 2 we deep dive into 6 essential flavours and taints commonly found in beer. After this episode, you will be able to:

- Know what they are
- How to describe them
- Where they originate from
- How to remove them (if desired)

Key flavours and taints covered:

🧀 Isovaleric
🗑️ Mercaptan
🧈 Diacetyl
🖌️ Acetaldehyde
🩹 Phenolic 4EP (Honourable mention of 4VG)
👶 Butyric Acid

00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:49 Brewing Trade Advertisement
01:55 Introduction to Sensory with Jethro Holman
02:26 Discussing Common Flavors and Taints
03:30 Isovaleric Acid in Beer
08:12 Understanding Macaptain
17:59 Diacetyl: The Buttery Off-Flavour
26:59 Avoiding Apple Descriptions in Beer Tasting
27:54 Understanding Acetaldehyde in Beer
29:52 The Impact of Oxygen on Beer Flavour
32:49 Trans-2-Nonenal: The Papery Off-Flavour
37:18 Butyric Acid: The Baby Sick Flavor
42:06 Phenolics in Beer: Good vs. Bad
45:51 The Importance of Sensory Training
46:52 Common Mistakes in Sensory Evaluation
49:15 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

💰 Brewing Trade

📧 [email protected]

🔗 Chris' LinkedIn
Send us a text
...more
52min

FAQs about The Modern Brewer Podcast:

How many episodes does The Modern Brewer Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 41 episodes available.

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