The magic of evolving in beer
When it comes to beers, the world is full of possibilities for brewers. Since I undertook my beer journey back in 1987, the idea of experiencing with each style was like a child in a candy store. In those days, we did not have the overabundance of artisanal beers that we see today, so true learning would come with each attempt to make a new recipe. A Stout one month? Clear. One honey to the next? Why not? But having so few models to follow, many times, we should simply get down to work.
From a chaos of styles to the search for perfection
However, those jumps from one style to another were not always the best idea. Oh how many failures! Every time he tried something new, he left behind the learning of previous success and, unfortunately, that meant a lot of beers that probably deserved a place in the history of the ‘epic failures’. But, in the 90s, something changed. I decided to focus on a single goal: to recreate the iconic Bass Ale. The emotion was palpable, and my dedication led me to try all kinds of yeasts, malts and hops.
The surprising discoveries: I was improving!
And, to my astonishment, the beers began to improve! Each attempt approached me not only to the classic Bass Ale, but also to a more refined and balanced flavor in each recipe. As my Bass Ale clone perfected, other beers of my repertoire also began to bloom, as if the good vibes were infected!
The importance of the iteration in the recipe
And this is where I enter the melo of the matter: refine a recipe based on iterations is the best saved secret of any budding brewer. Why jump from one style to another as if you were trying a brewing buffet? By immersing yourself in a recipe, you familiarize yourself with ingredients, nuances and processes. Small changes can lead to great impacts on the final taste.
An action plan to innovate
To start this improvement trip, follow this simple formula. First, elaborate your beer and, once you have matured perfectly, make an honest evaluation. A useful advice is to have the BJCP score sheet, which will allow you to objectively judge and detect any defect that you could overlook. Compare your creation with a commercial version can be revealing. And do not hesitate to involve friends or family; Sometimes, a second opinion can illuminate aspects that escaped you.
The innovation cycle
After evaluating, choose one or two aspects to improve. Do some research on how to make these adjustments, which could include changes in the ingredients or in the elaboration process. Then prepare the beer again with the modifications and voilà! The magic of repetition will do its work.
Knowledge that grows and flows
Over time, your ability to judge, diagnose and correct beers will bloom. An old Adagio in the world of the home brewery suggests that ‘Beer judges are usually the best brewers’, and that is because they have learned to detect small defects and imbalances. That acquired wisdom will be transferred to all your brewer elixires, making you an art master of fermentation.
Final reflections: to provide for progress
So here you close this chapter on your beer trip, remembering that perfection is not achieved overnight, but is the peaceful result of patience and persistence. Thank you for accompanying me on this beer crossing. And don’t forget to subscribe to future adventures and advice on the creation of beers! Cheers!
