319: Upslope’s Alex Meyer Thrives in the High Pressure World of Craft Lager Brewing

Boulder’s Upslope has been brewing Craft Lager since long before lager brewing was “cool,” and today the small brewery has built a production methodology for the longtime core offering that optimizes both quality and production efficiency. In this episode, head brewer Alex Meyer discusses the way the brewery makes their signature lager with a litany of unconventional ingredients and processes, and shares how they employ similar iconoclastic approaches with their Japanese-style rice lager, and 4-year-barrel-aged Grand Reserve. Along the way, Meyer discusses:

brewing lager with standard two row malt and white wheat

lager fermentation under pressure

managing sulfur production in pressure fermentation

cropping and repitching yeast

using exogenous enzymes to facilitate rice lager fermentation with 55% flaked rice

American lager hop varieties like Sterling and Contessa

feeding healthy high gravity fermentations

managing long-term oxidation in extended barrel aging

And more.

This episode is brought to you by:

G&D; Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): For years G&D; Chillers has chilled the beers you love, partnering with 3,000+ breweries across the country along the way, and they’re proud of the cool partnerships they’ve built over the past 30 years. Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com or call to discuss your next project.

BSG Craft Brewing (https://Bsgcraftbrewing.com/): Located in Armstrong, BC, Gambrinus Malting️ combines European-influenced malting practices with the finest barley, wheat, and rye to produce some of the finest Canadian malts available. Visit BSGCraftBrewing.com/Gambrinus to explore their full line of traditionally crafted malts..

Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): Old Orchard's new brewing customers often mention discovering Old Orchard through the word-of-mouth recommendation of another brewer. To join the core of Old Orchard's brewing community, learn more at oldorchard.com/brewer

Accubrew (https://accubrew.io) The AccuBrew system is designed to give you unprecedented insight into the fermentation process. Monitor gravity, fermentation activity, clarity, and temperature, schedule reminders, and receive alerts anywhere, anytime. To learn more about AccuBrew head over to AccuBrew.io

ProBrew (https://www.probrew.com) The ProFill series of rotary can fillers from ProBrew are accelerating plant production everywhere. For more information, visit www.probrew.com or email [email protected].

RMS Roller-Grinder (https://rmsroller-grinder.com): Our industry leading mills deliver optimal grind consistency, unlocking the full potential of your grain. Say goodbye to uneven grinds and hello to exceptional flavor extraction. Visit rmsroller-grinder.com to discover how RMS can transform your brewing experience.

Omega Yeast (https://omegayeast.com): Thiolized yeast are a new tool for brewers to bring intense guava and passionfruit aromas out of your malt and hops. And wait, there’s more! Omega Yeast makes yeast-to-order with a consistent one week lead time ensuring peak freshness and reliability.

Roberts PolyPro (https://go.robertspolypro.com/CBBPod): Try Roberts PolyPro's multipack can handles, designed for sustainability and cost savings. Grip-Pak rings are biodegradable and average $0.05 cents per unit. Craft-Pak carriers are recyclable and designed with 30% less plastic. Visit go.robertspolypro.com/CBBPod to request free samples and start saving today!)

ABS Commercial (https://abs-commercial.com): ABS Commercial is proud to offer brewhouses, tanks, keg washers, and small parts to brewers across the country as well as equipment for distilling, cider-making, wine-making, and more! Contact us today at [email protected] to discuss your customized brewery needs. ABS Commercial. We are brewers. Support Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast