Why start designing your own beer can be like putting together a puzzle?
It has happened to us: you already experienced with the kits and now you want to give your personal touch to beer. But where to start? The good news is that, with a little guide, you can become your own Cicerone from the comfort of your kitchen. The key is to understand what variables move and in what order.
The map of your creation: using reference styles to guide your recipe
Before launching to mix ingredients, it is advisable to take a look at the internationally recognized beer styles. These guides, such as the Certification Program for Beer Judges, offer you a starting point with clear parameters and flavor profiles. Think about it as your GPS in the world of artisanal recipes.
From the initial gravity to the magic of alcoholic content
What is that of original gravity and why does it matter? Basically, it measures how much ‘sweet’ your mixture has before fermenting, determining how much alcohol can generate. A key point for any innovative: if you want a beer with character and body, it points to a higher starting severity, but without going through not complicating fermentation.
For those who like numbers, this measure (which in the homemade world is expressed on a scale without units) can be calculated with digital tools. That is, if you know what ingredients and in what amount you used, you can predict the result, adjusting to that midpoint that tells you: ‘Yes, this is close to what I want.’
Coloring the story: the art of adjusting the tone of your concoction
Not everything is flavor, it also tells how that beer looks like. To do this, color is a key factor, and there are mathematical formulas that help you calculate it depending on the malts you choose. The key is to choose your ingredients well, especially if you are looking for a specific color without the taste being affected. Experience indicates that dark grains do not always have to be synonymous with strong flavors; In moderation, they provide a visual touch without waiting for the palate.
Bitter and balance: tuning the sensory profile
Here the measure of bitterness comes into play, in units called Ibus. Most beer styles have a recommended range, so adjusting this parameter is like putting the final touch to your melody. But there are other details that few people mention: the relationship between bitterness and original gravity, known as the bitterness ratio. Creating an IPA with high Ibus and a severity of 1,060 is very different from a porter with a similar level, and this affects how we perceive the taste.
Fermentation and the final touch in alcoholic content
What percentage of alcohol will we get? The answer lies in two variables: raw material and fermentation. The greater the initial gravity and to highly fermentable ingredients, our final product will have more body and a higher alcoholic content. In addition, the strain of yeast you choose can make a huge difference. Some transform sugars into alcohol more efficiently, giving a stronger touch to beer.
Key components: the best saved secret of each style
Finally, inspiration comes from the style itself. Investigating which main ingredients define an Irish Stout, a Lager Bavara or an Indian IPA, will give you the key not to lose yourself in the formula. From toasted malt to specific yeasts, each element is a brick in your brewery creativity wall.
After all, designing your own recipe is like composing a song: it requires knowledge, experimentation and much love for the process. Remerge to immerse yourself in the adventure of creating your unique beer? The next lap, remember to explore beyond predefined recipes and let your curiosity take you to new possibilities.
