Experimental Brewing
658 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★ - 266 ratingsSit down with Denny Conn and Drew Beechum, authors of Experimental Homebrewing and Homebrewing All-Stars as they explore the world of beer and homebrew. Every episode tackles the science of brewing and the art of brewing. Listen and learn how to make and appreciate better beer and how to create even the craziest idea you have. We can't promise that you'll save the world, but we can promise mad science in the pursuit of great beer!
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Episodes
Brew Files – 110 – Malted Corn and Cream Ales
December 10, 2021 22:00 - 19.3 MBThe Brew is Out There! How do you make a classic even better? By trying new ingredients! Drew talks with Caleb Michalke of Sugar Creek Malt about malted corn and why it can make a classic even better. They're joined … Continue reading →
Brew Files - 110 - Malted Corn and Cream Ales
December 10, 2021 22:00 - 42 minutes - 19.3 MBThe Brew is Out There! How do you make a classic even better? By trying new ingredients! Drew talks with Caleb Michalke of Sugar Creek Malt about malted corn and why it can make a classic even better. They're joined by Ryan Kriesch of "A Pint With" to taste his rendition of I Dream of Jenny Cream Ale using Sugar Creek's Boone County White Malted Corn. Links Sugar Creek: http://www.sugarcreekmalt.com/ Sugar Creek's Homebrew Store: http://www.sugarcreekmalt.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.ht...
Episode 142 – It's Weiz To Sell Guyz
December 02, 2021 07:30 - 26.3 MBIt's been a tough few years for homebrewers and competitions – we're talking with the Weiz Guyz Brewers out of Loveland, Colorado about their annual Sweetheart's Revenge and what makes it unique as well as the outstanding Colorado Strong program! … Continue reading →
Episode 142 - It's Weiz To Sell Guyz
December 02, 2021 07:30 - 1 hour - 26.3 MBIt's been a tough few years for homebrewers and competitions - we're talking with the Weiz Guyz Brewers out of Loveland, Colorado about their annual Sweetheart's Revenge and what makes it unique as well as the outstanding Colorado Strong program! Episode Links: Larry Bell Sells to Lion/Kirin: https://vinepair.com/articles/bells-brewery-sells-to-lion/ Larry's Letter to the Community: https://www.bellsbeer.com/news/letter-larry-bell-kalamazoo Ball raising can prices and minimums: https://www...
Brew Files - 109 - REPLAY - Organizational Blues
November 18, 2021 18:00 - 42 minutes - 19.2 MBThe Brew is Out There! REPLAY: New Years is almost here with it's Janus like powers of transformational drive. Denny and Drew sit down and review how they organize things in the brewhouse to make the brew day easier and more likely to happen. How do you organize things? Links Gamma Lids for Grain Storage: http://amzn.to/2zp5zOb Food Saver Vacuum Sealer: http://amzn.to/2D7BVPE Mobile Prep Table: http://amzn.to/2D6xo02 Toolbox: http://amzn.to/2BtgV5v This episode is brought to you by: Amer...
Brew Files – 109 – REPLAY – Organizational Blues
November 18, 2021 18:00 - 19.2 MBThe Brew is Out There! REPLAY: New Years is almost here with it's Janus like powers of transformational drive. Denny and Drew sit down and review how they organize things in the brewhouse to make the brew day easier and … Continue reading →
Episode 141 - Re-Crisping Your Malt
November 06, 2021 20:00 - 1 hour - 35.3 MBEverything old is new again! Denny and Drew sit down with Colin Johnston, David Griggs and Mike Benson to tslk how to revive forgotten malt varieties and why you should brew with the four "new" varieties from Crisp! Episode Links: SF Strong Beer Week Inspired "Green Death" : https://www.sfgate.com/wine/brew/article/Green-Death-malt-liquor-for-SF-... Crisp Malting - https://crispmalt.com/ The Heritage Collection : https://crispmalt.com/our-malts/heritage/ Project Freedom Ride: http://project...
Episode 141 – Re-Crisping Your Malt
November 06, 2021 20:00 - 1 hour - 35.3 MBEverything old is new again! Denny and Drew sit down with Colin Johnston, David Griggs and Mike Benson to tslk how to revive forgotten malt varieties and why you should brew with the four “new” varieties from Crisp! Episode Links: … Continue reading →
Brew Files - 108 - What Makes The West Beast
October 28, 2021 20:00 - 49 minutes - 22.5 MBThe Brew is Out There! Last time, we covered Drew's favorite way to use hops. This time, it's Denny's! We break down the two West Coast IPA styles we agree on before Drew throws in a disputed third variety. Just how bitter does an IPA need to be to be West Coast? Links: Denny's Survivables West Coast IPA: https://community.grainfather.com/recipes/700087 This episode is brought to you by: American Homebrewers Association Brewing America Mangrove Jacks Don't forget to subscribe via you...
Brew Files – 108 – What Makes The West Beast
October 28, 2021 20:00 - 22.5 MBThe Brew is Out There! Last time, we covered Drew's favorite way to use hops. This time, it's Denny's! We break down the two West Coast IPA styles we agree on before Drew throws in a disputed third variety. Just … Continue reading →
Episode 140 – A Wee Bit of News
October 21, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 25.9 MBIn this episode – Denny and Drew tackle the changing world of beer and new cans, strange diets (and a favorite new word), cask beers, burnt honey, and more! Oh and Drew secretly tastes one of Denny’s beers! Episode Links: … Continue reading →
Episode 140 - A Wee Bit of News
October 21, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 25.9 MBIn this episode - Denny and Drew tackle the changing world of beer and new cans, strange diets (and a favorite new word), cask beers, burnt honey, and more! Oh and Drew secretly tastes one of Denny's beers! Episode Links: Sierra Nevada's New Lineup: https://www.brewbound.com/news/2021/sierra-nevada-to-launch-lifestyle-ha... Texas Brewing Retail Front Closing Sale: https://www.facebook.com/texasbrewing/posts/4830468956986744 Mikkeller Fest Fallout: http://mbcc2021.glitch.me/# ABI Selling Ge...
Brew Files – Episode 107 – Seasonal Hoppiness
October 14, 2021 19:00 - 12.3 MBThe Brew is Out There! Drew loves his Saisons, this is known. He also loves his hops. Until recently, big bold hoppy character and big spicy Belgian yeast characters have been difficult to bring together in harmony. Here's a quick … Continue reading →
Brew Files - Episode 107 - Seasonal Hoppiness
October 14, 2021 19:00 - 26 minutes - 12.3 MBThe Brew is Out There! Drew loves his Saisons, this is known. He also loves his hops. Until recently, big bold hoppy character and big spicy Belgian yeast characters have been difficult to bring together in harmony. Here's a quick look at Drew's process for making a hoppy Saison. Links: Citra Saison: https://www.experimentalbrew.com/recipes/citra-saison Loral Canyon Saison: https://www.experimentalbrew.com/recipes/loral-canyon-saison Drew's Saison Guide: https://www.maltosefalcons.com/blog...
Episode 139 - The Crop Report
October 07, 2021 06:30 - 1 hour - 31 MBHop harvest is winding up as we write and brewers are heading to Yakima and Yakima Chief Hops to find out the details on this year's crop. For everyone else, we've brought Yakima to you in the form of Bryan Pierce, YCH's Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. How's the crop? Tune in! Episode Links: Guinness in Chicago: https://chicago.eater.com/2021/9/21/22685972/guinness-taproom-chicago-re... Truly Hard Seltzer Taproom in LA: https://www.ksby.com/truly-opening-hard-seltzer-taproom/ Schmalz Fa...
Episode 139 – The Crop Report
October 07, 2021 06:30 - 1 hour - 31 MBHop harvest is winding up as we write and brewers are heading to Yakima and Yakima Chief Hops to find out the details on this year’s crop. For everyone else, we’ve brought Yakima to you in the form of Bryan … Continue reading →
Brew Files – Episode 106 – Dark Side of the Kölsch
September 29, 2021 22:00 - 36 minutes - 16.5 MBThe Brew is Out There! Collaborations are known for producing some wild ideas and Andrew Bell (Radiant) and Casey Harris (Topa Topa) came up with a doozy – a dark double dry hopped Kölsch that defies the odds and made … Continue reading →
Brew Files - Episode 106 - Dark Side of the Kölsch
September 29, 2021 22:00 - 36 minutes - 16.5 MBThe Brew is Out There! Collaborations are known for producing some wild ideas and Andrew Bell (Radiant) and Casey Harris (Topa Topa) came up with a doozy - a dark double dry hopped Kölsch that defies the odds and made something really interesting! Check it out! Links: Radiant Brewing: https://www.radiantbeer.com/ Topa Topa Brewing: https://topatopa.beer/ "Am I Even Kölsch" Recipe: https://www.experimentalbrew.com/recipes/am-i-even-k%C3%B6lsch-radiant-b... This episode is brought to you by:...
Episode 138 - All the News Fit to Drink
September 22, 2021 20:30 - 1 hour - 24.9 MBLawsuits, awards and beer, oh my! We look at who's won awards at the GABF and talk about the world of seltzers and lawsuits before digging into a new experimental way of preparing hops and fake styles! Oh and people have feelings about brew bags and all in one systems and using computers for the BJCP! Episode Links: Sierra Nevada 101oz Pale Ale: https://mybeerbuzz.blogspot.com/2021/09/sierra-nevada-adding-pale-ale-10... New Glarus Lawsuit: https://wkow.com/2021/08/20/new-glarus-brewery-sha...
Episode 138 – All the News Fit to Drink
September 22, 2021 20:30 - 24.9 MBLawsuits, awards and beer, oh my! We look at who's won awards at the GABF and talk about the world of seltzers and lawsuits before digging into a new experimental way of preparing hops and fake styles! Oh and people … Continue reading →
Brew Files – Episode 105 – Going Pro in Orlando
September 14, 2021 07:00 - 19.7 MBThe Brew is Out There! It's a running joke in the beer world that every brewer started as a homebrewer. Eric Gomez, of Orlando's Brewers Anonymous, speed ran his way from first kit, to tons of medals for his brews … Continue reading →
Brew Files - Episode 105 - Going Pro in Orlando
September 14, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutes - 19.7 MBThe Brew is Out There! It's a running joke in the beer world that every brewer started as a homebrewer. Eric Gomez, of Orlando's Brewers Anonymous, speed ran his way from first kit, to tons of medals for his brews and now his first professional brewing gig. Drew sits down with Eric to discuss what makes a winning beer, what makes a brewer tick and what he's looking forward to in his new job! Links: What the Hef: https://www.experimentalbrew.com/recipes/what-hef If 6 Was 9 Hazy IPA: https...
Episode 137 – Pop Goes the IPA
August 29, 2021 17:30 - 33.3 MBAs hop aroma science has evolved, it figures the wizards at Yakima Chief would attempt to split the aroma atom. They've unleashed a blend of hop components that target specific compounds to “pop” fruit forward aromas. YCH's Spencer Tielkemeyer and … Continue reading →
Episode 137 - Pop Goes the IPA
August 29, 2021 17:30 - 1 hour - 33.3 MBAs hop aroma science has evolved, it figures the wizards at Yakima Chief would attempt to split the aroma atom. They've unleashed a blend of hop components that target specific compounds to "pop" fruit forward aromas. YCH's Spencer Tielkemeyer and Joe Wells of Fair State Brewing help us understand how to maximize your Pop. Episode Links: BYO Boot Camp with Denny & Drew: https://byo.com/bootcamps-2/ Crystal IPA: https://hoppiness.co.nz/urbanaut-crystal-ipa/ Bochet: https://cdn.homebrewersa...
Episode 136 – Women in Beer
August 13, 2021 20:30 - 28.9 MBSince our last new non-QA episode of the show, things got interesting in the beer world. We talk to Melissa McCann of the Women's International Beer Summit (and the newly formed Women's Craft Fermentation Alliance). In the meanwhile we also … Continue reading →
Episode 136 - Women in Beer
August 13, 2021 20:30 - 1 hour - 28.9 MBSince our last new non-QA episode of the show, things got interesting in the beer world. We talk to Melissa McCann of the Women's International Beer Summit (and the newly formed Women's Craft Fermentation Alliance). In the meanwhile we also talk about what to do about sexism. (Spoiler: the answer is simple - treat people like they're actually people with full rights, feelings and abilities) Episode Links: BYO Boot Camp with Denny & Drew https://byo.com/bootcamps-2/ Homebrew Banned at the ...
Episode 135 – REPLAY – Stalling with Perkey
July 22, 2021 19:00 - 37.6 MBREPLAY! We've been a bit delayed this summer due to travel (remember that?) and renovations (along with everyone else in the country)! We'll be back next week with brand new episodes – but in the meanwhile, enjoy our a replay … Continue reading →
Episode 135 - REPLAY - Stalling with Perkey
July 22, 2021 19:00 - 1 hour - 37.6 MBREPLAY! We've been a bit delayed this summer due to travel (remember that?) and renovations (along with everyone else in the country)! We'll be back next week with brand new episodes - but in the meanwhile, enjoy our a replay on our discussion on Saison Stalls and Denny's interview with Brian Perkey of Lallemand about his long history and what's changing in the world of brewing! Episode Links: BYO Boot Camp with Denny & Drew https://byo.com/bootcamps-2/ Patreon Remember even a buck is good...
Brew Files – Episode 104 – Vanilla Bean Dreams
June 25, 2021 21:00 - 18 MBThe Brew is Out There! Despite it's reputation, vanilla is anything but boring and anything but cheap! We're talking to Sara Anderson of IndriVanilla about what makes vanilla so magical and why it's so dang expensive. Drew drops a few … Continue reading →
Brew Files - Episode 104 - Vanilla Bean Dreams
June 25, 2021 21:00 - 39 minutes - 18 MBThe Brew is Out There! Despite it's reputation, vanilla is anything but boring and anything but cheap! We're talking to Sara Anderson of IndriVanilla about what makes vanilla so magical and why it's so dang expensive. Drew drops a few tips on using your newly acquired vanilla to it's utmost. Links: IndriVanilla (the Retail Store): https://indrivanilla.com/ Vanilla Bean Co-Op (Facebook Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/848812811970139 Denny's World Famous Bourbon Vanilla Imperial Port...
Episode 134 – REPLAY Resolving The Secret Of The Hop
June 18, 2021 22:00 - 29.6 MBREPLAY! (For HomebrewCon Time!) We've survived the PGPDF and are back and catching back up! We've got a whole slew of feedback, news stories, brew sessions, hop science, micro-resolutions (aka things we think we can do), a listener's brewing experience … Continue reading →
Episode 134 - REPLAY Resolving The Secret Of The Hop
June 18, 2021 22:00 - 1 hour - 29.6 MBREPLAY! (For HomebrewCon Time!) We've survived the PGPDF and are back and catching back up! We've got a whole slew of feedback, news stories, brew sessions, hop science, micro-resolutions (aka things we think we can do), a listener's brewing experience and... the juicy story of why you can buy Columbus, Tomahawk or Zeus in the hop freezer - sit back for a lesson in farm spying! Show note - ~34 minutes, Denny says "gypsum, chloride". He meant "gypsum, calcium chloride" Episode Links: BYO...
Brew Files – Episode 203 – REPLAY – The Mighty Oat
June 04, 2021 19:00 - 13.5 MBThe Brew Is Out There! REPLAY – And Boy Haven't Oats Become More Important Than Ever? On this week's episode of the Brew Files, Drew and Denny talk one of Drew's favorite ingredients – oats, their origin, their use, their … Continue reading →
Brew Files - Episode 203 - REPLAY - The Mighty Oat
June 04, 2021 19:00 - 39 minutes - 13.5 MBThe Brew Is Out There! REPLAY - And Boy Haven't Oats Become More Important Than Ever? On this week's episode of the Brew Files, Drew and Denny talk one of Drew's favorite ingredients - oats, their origin, their use, their forms, pitfalls, styles and one of Drew's beloved recipes for Drew's beloved pup - Cookie. Episode Links: Thomas Fawcett Oat Malt: http://www.fawcett-maltsters.co.uk/uploads/2/0/2/6/20260333/spec_table_a... Simpson's Golden Naked Oats: http://www.simpsonsmalt.co.uk/our-malt...
Episode 133 – Dave's Definitely Here, Man
May 29, 2021 19:00 - 29.2 MBWhen we asked for listener questions – y'all responded, but one man – Dave Taylor – dropped a mountain of questions on us. He and Denny go way back online with many years of thoughts, conversations and conflicting opinions. So, … Continue reading →
Episode 133 - Dave's Definitely Here, Man
May 29, 2021 19:00 - 1 hour - 29.2 MBWhen we asked for listener questions - y'all responded, but one man - Dave Taylor - dropped a mountain of questions on us. He and Denny go way back online with many years of thoughts, conversations and conflicting opinions. So, we sat down with Dave and work through all of his questions in a go! Episode Links: HomeBrewCon Virtual: https://www.homebrewcon.org/ World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org/ Patreon Remember even a buck is good for charity: http://www.patreon.com/experimentalbrewing ...
Brew Files – Episode 102 – Jack's Hoppy Lagers
May 20, 2021 20:00 - 22.1 MBThe Brew is Out There! The rise of the craft lager has been predicted many times and seems, in the last few years, to come to fruition. But what about the IPL or Hoppy American lager? Given enough time and … Continue reading →
Brew Files - Episode 102 - Jack's Hoppy Lagers
May 20, 2021 20:00 - 48 minutes - 22.1 MBThe Brew is Out There! The rise of the craft lager has been predicted many times and seems, in the last few years, to come to fruition. But what about the IPL or Hoppy American lager? Given enough time and attempts, brewers have figured it out. One of the most lauded is Jack's Abby Craft Lagers..Drew sits down with Jack Hendler to discuss making a hoppy lager and why, a lager might just be the most complete use of flavorful hops outt there. Links: Jack's Abby: https://jacksabby.com/ Jack...
Episode 132 - Questions at Elevenses
May 12, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 27.8 MBOn this 11th go around through the game of "Stump the Chump", we've got questions about everyone's favorite topic: beer. We even questions about brewing and we've got a great and nearly overwhelming answer about hops from Mr. Hop, Stan Heironymous. Episode Links: HomeBrewCon Virtual: https://www.homebrewcon.org/ World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org/ Patreon Remember even a buck is good for charity: http://www.patreon.com/experimentalbrewing Episode Contents: 00:00:00 Opening & Our Spons...
Episode 132 – Questions at Elevenses
May 12, 2021 16:00 - 27.8 MBOn this 11th go around through the game of “Stump the Chump”, we've got questions about everyone's favorite topic: beer. We even questions about brewing and we've got a great and nearly overwhelming answer about hops from Mr. Hop, Stan … Continue reading →
Brew Files - Episode 101 - Quintuple Your Power
April 30, 2021 07:00 - 39 minutes - 18.1 MBThe Brew is Out There! We've talked going big. We've talked IPA. We've even talked Triple IPA - but we've never gone this far. Drew talks with Tim Kazules of 5 Threads Brewing about making his surprising 5X IPA - clean, crisp and bitter and dry at 17% ABV! Links: Five Threads: http://www.fivethreadsbrewing.com/ This episode is brought to you by: Don't forget to subscribe via your favorite podcasting service (iTunes, etc). Like our podcast, review it - talk it up! If you have comments, ...
Brew Files – Episode 101 – Quintuple Your Power
April 30, 2021 07:00 - 18.1 MBThe Brew is Out There! We've talked going big. We've talked IPA. We've even talked Triple IPA – but we've never gone this far. Drew talks with Tim Kazules of 5 Threads Brewing about making his surprising 5X IPA – … Continue reading →
Episode 131 - Beer in Space
April 21, 2021 19:00 - 1 hour - 29.2 MBBeeeeeerrrrrr innnnnnnnn Spaaaaaaaaaaccccce! Ok, not really, but the Brewers Space Guild is a thing and Drew sits down with Rob Fullmer to talk about the Guild and more importantly about the work being done by local Brewers' Guilds across the country. Find out how these professionals help keep the beer flowing! Don't forget we need Questions for Episode 132! - [email protected] or call/text 626-765-1ALE Episode Links: HomeBrewCon Virtual: https://www.homebrewcon.org/ Molson-Coors...
Episode 131 – Beer in Space
April 21, 2021 19:00 - 29.2 MBBeeeeeerrrrrr innnnnnnnn Spaaaaaaaaaaccccce! Ok, not really, but the Brewers Space Guild is a thing and Drew sits down with Rob Fullmer to talk about the Guild and more importantly about the work being done by local Brewers' Guilds across the … Continue reading →
Brew Files – Episode 100 – 100 Files Of Brew
April 15, 2021 01:00 - 20.6 MBThe Brew is Out There! It's been over 4 years and 100 episodes of this quick hit series focusing on fundamental aspects of brewing. Today, we sit down and try and figure out – just what has changed about brewing … Continue reading →
Brew Files - Episode 100 - 100 Files Of Brew
April 15, 2021 01:00 - 45 minutes - 20.6 MBThe Brew is Out There! It's been over 4 years and 100 episodes of this quick hit series focusing on fundamental aspects of brewing. Today, we sit down and try and figure out - just what has changed about brewing in that time and reflect on what we've seen in 100 episodes of the ukuele free Brew Files! This episode is brought to you by: Don't forget to subscribe via your favorite podcasting service (iTunes, etc). Like our podcast, review it - talk it up! If you have comments, feedbacks,...
Episode 130 - A New Way To Figure Out Hops
April 07, 2021 15:00 - 1 hour - 30.4 MBWe took a week off from hops, but we could never leave them for long. With all of the new ways of using hops, the IBU (which was already a lie) seems increasingly inadequate to reflect the modern beer experience. We're talking to our friends - Sam and Marko, from Grainfather - to discuss a new way to calculate the impact of our hop usage. Episode Links: HomeBrewCon Virtual: https://www.homebrewcon.org/ Radegast Award: Due 4/11 - https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/homebrew-clubs/radega...
Episode 130 – A New Way To Figure Out Hops
April 07, 2021 15:00 - 30.4 MBWe took a week off from hops, but we could never leave them for long. With all of the new ways of using hops, the IBU (which was already a lie) seems increasingly inadequate to reflect the modern beer experience. … Continue reading →
Brew Files – 99 – Whirling A Tilt
March 31, 2021 19:00 - 36 minutes - 16.7 MBThe Brew is Out There! Are you obsessed with your beer’s numbers? If so, the folks at Tilt have you covered. Drew sits down with Noah Neibaron, CEO and co-creator of the Tilt, to talk the hows, the whys and … Continue reading →
Brew Files - 99 - Whirling A Tilt
March 31, 2021 19:00 - 36 minutes - 16.7 MBThe Brew is Out There! Are you obsessed with your beer's numbers? If so, the folks at Tilt have you covered. Drew sits down with Noah Neibaron, CEO and co-creator of the Tilt, to talk the hows, the whys and the wherefores of the hydrometer and whether or not you need one in your brewery. Tilt: https://tilthydrometer.com/ This episode is brought to you by: Don't forget to subscribe via your favorite podcasting service (iTunes, etc). Like our podcast, review it - talk it up! If you have...