Beer Basics: Yeast & Fermentation
What is yeast, what happens during beer fermentation, and what tastes, flavors, and aromas does it contribute? Advanced Cicerone David Nilsen explains the basics of yeast and beer fermentation.
Explaining “Hoppiness” with…Chocolate?
Hoppiness is an over used word in beer. Hops impact more than one sensory aspect of beer, and perhaps the best way to demonstrate this is with an unusual companion: two craft chocolate bars.
A Quick Guide to Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer
Beer writer and Advanced Cicerone David Nilsen recommends non-alcoholic craft beers to try. He lists recommended NA breweries, individual NA beers by style (the best non-alcoholic IPAs, for example), and things to keep in mind when trying NA beer.
All About Hops
What are hops, how are they used in brewing beer, and what tastes, flavors, and aromas do they contribute? Advanced Cicerone David Nilsen explains the basics of hops.
Malt Enzymes in Brewing (I Promise It’s Interesting)
Beer is brewed with malted barley (usually), but what is malt, and what are the malt enzymes that make brewing possible? This short article explains the basics of brewing enzymes and what they do in the brewing process.
The Basics of Bock Beer Styles
When we think of German Lagers, we tend to think of easy-drinking beers like German Pilsner or Munich Helles. Bocks are a stronger family of German Lagers that showcase considerable flavor complexity while still being highly drinkable. Here are the basics of Bock.
Introducing the Bean to Barstool Guide to Bocks Zine!
The Bean to Barstool Guide to Bocks zine looks at the history of Bocks, then highlights each major Bock style, looking at flavor profile, history, ingredients and processes, and commercial examples. Pairing guidance is given for cheese, chocolate, desserts, and main dishes. The highlight of the zine is an exclusive 8-page interview with Mari and Will Kemper of Chuckanut Brewery,one of the best lager breweries in the country. This interview has not been (and will not be) published anywhere besides this zine, so this is the only place to hear one of the best lager brewers in the country break down what makes a great Bock.
What’s the Difference Between Porter & Stout?
What’s the difference between Porter and Stout? Well, it’s complicated. Advanced Cicerone David Nilsen explains.
What Are Oktoberfest Lagers?
Oktoberfest, Marzen, and Festbier, oh my! What’s Oktoberfest, how did the festival get started, and what’s the difference between these German lager styles? A certified beer expert explains the ins and outs of these autumn favorites!
What Is Malt?
What is malt, how is it made, and what does it do for beer? Malt is the foundational ingredient of beer, and here we learn all about how it get used to make your favorite beer.
What’s the Difference Between Ales and Lagers?
There are dozens of craft beer styles, and almost all of them fit into one of two categories: ale and lager. But what’s the difference? It’s simpler than you think.