Simplicity above all!
Starting in the world of beer production can be overwhelming. The temptation to experiment with an avalanche of ingredients may turn out to be the most common error among rookie brewers. Remember: Sometimes, less is more. Imagine creating an exquisite IPA with a simple pale malt. Porters do not require an entire grain library, with one or two specialized you can achieve a masterpiece. Instead of complicating you with multiple addions of hops, testing with a single hops of bitterness and another to give that special touch in Whirlpool. Define your goals and cut the unnecessary of your recipe.
Hops: The flavor artist
When making the transition to full grain beer, you must become an expert in hops. Entering methods such as ‘First Wort Hopping’ and hops in Whirlpool can be the key to raising the taste of your beer. But be careful: boiling time is crucial! An excess can give your beer an unwanted bitterness, while insufficient boiling time can leave it without the freshness of the hops you want. In addition, they do not overlook the dry hops; Recent studies suggest that 24-48 hours are more effective. Science behind beer can be surprising!
Know your grains
The elaboration of beer from grains gives rise to a world of options that you had not imagined. Forget about being tied to conventional extracts, now it is your time to shine with any type of grain you choose. However, with great power comes a great responsibility. Malta’s misuse or smoked malt can transform your beer into a real mess. Start your adventure by consulting the BJCP or GABF beer style guides. Although they do not cover all styles, they will offer you a solid base to create classic beers.
The power of a good yeast start
Opting for the elaboration of beer with grain also implies improving your inputs. Changing from dry yeast to liquid can be a crucial step, and having a yeast ‘start’ can make all the difference. A newly bought yeast bottle can contain about 100 billion cells, but this number is quickly reduced. For a 19 -liter beer, the ideal is to have approximately 150 billion cells. Do not underestimate the power of a 1-2 liter starter prepared days before elaboration; It could mean fermenting a cleaner beer.
The magic of numbers
While it is totally possible to manufacture beer without a calculator, save you future inconveniences is worth it. Taking the time to approximate key aspects such as initial severity, color, and bitterness (Ibus) can be the difference between a mediocre beer and an exceptional one. Whether using specialized software, spreadsheets or even your phone calculator, previous knowledge about how your beer will see will not surprise the results. A couple of minutes of preventive calculations can avoid many unpleasant surprises.
Your moment to shine!
These tips are just a starting point. Do you have tricks under the sleeve you want to share? Do not hesitate to leave a comment! Remember that the art of manufacturing beer is a continuous trip, and the practice makes the teacher. In addition, if you love what you have read, subscribe to my newsletter or podcast to continue discovering new secrets about the world of home brewery. Health and to provide good beers in the future!
