The adventure of creating beers: Where do we start?
Getting into the world of brewery can be as exciting as navigating a paper ship through a foam ocean. While each of us can have an idea of how to make their own beer, there are a lot of approaches that can illuminate the way! So, we open the tap of the imagination and talk about how to design your dream beer!
Creativity vs. PRECISION: The brewer’s dilemma
The creation of your beer is like a blank canvas; You can fill it with the color you want. The history of homemade beer has traveled a long way from its humble beginnings in the 70s and 80s during that time, the home brewers were, say, a little as artists trying to paint a picture with tooth brushes. But, as the Internet helped flourish the exchange of knowledge in the 90s, the situation changed. However, much of that new information was rooted in a technical approach, which sometimes left aside the creativity that makes us unique.
A rescue of creativity
Authors such as Randy Mosher, who more than Brewer is an artist of beer design, began to give creativity the prominence he deserves. But while there has been advances, the reality is that many guides and recipe books tend to be more focused on technique than in artistic inspiration.
Key steps for a great beer recipe
You don’t need a beer teacher by your side to start. So, for those who are new in this art, here I bring you an infallible method that can give that first push.
Defining your goal
Before going crazy with the ingredients, take a time to think: what do you want to achieve? An imitation of that delicious IPA that you like so much? Or maybe a creation that highlights a special ingredient? Having a clear objective not only guides you, but makes you feel like a true pilot in command of his beer ship.
Research: What the market has to offer
Try commercial beers, study the BJCP manual and submit in recipes available on the Internet. The more you know, the better it will go! The key is in the proportions, so take your time to understand what works and what does not.
Creative with the ingredients
The ingredients are like characters in your beer history. Choose those who make your intrigue shine and avoid the confusion that can cause a mixture of too many things. Good advice is to start with 90% base grains in your ingredient list and play with special ingredients from there.
Define the proportions and cook!
It was time to mix. Decide how many grams of everything you will use and resort to techniques that can raise your beer to the next level. The more experienced, the better you will understand the nature of each ingredient and how they contribute to your creation.
Beer: Criticism makes the teacher
Once you have made and leave your beer at rest, the moment of truth comes. Judging your creation can be difficult, but remember: it is a vital step to evolve as a brewer. If you want to improve, do not be afraid of feedback and prove various versions until they reach perfection.
Advancing in art: a next turn
The next time we chat, I will present an innovative approach ideal for those most experienced brewers who want to play with the construction of flavors block. Get ready to continue exploring the exciting world of homemade beer!
So, while you are polishing your brewing skills, remember that there is no single way to create your perfect drink. The key is to have fun and let your creativity flow. Health!
