Homebrewing beer. In each episode award winning brewer and beer writer Jamil Zainasheff discusses brewing a specific style of beer. Included are award winning recipes, tips for home brewing, tasting notes, and a live question and answer segment with listeners.
We get a lot of questions about how to brew quality beers with a higher gravity. Sometimes the questions are simple, and other times they can be kind of complex. Today, we put our heads together and lay out everything you need to know about how to brew these big beers - fermentation, recipe formulation, mashing, and more!
This week on Brewing With Style, we have a special guest join the show - the head of the Heretic Brewing Barrel Program, Chris! He came into the studio to talk about how he made his transition from homebrewer all the way to his current position alongside Jamil. We also chat about how he approaches blending and tasting beers from the barrel project, and how those get transformed into a final product. Tune in and learn about how Heretic tackles this complex and experimental part of producing great craft beer from barrels.
Today's show is full of a few things, but mainly beer. We talk today about the practice of adding your dark malts at the end of the mash versus keeping them in there for the entire thing. It's a much-debated topic, with many people on either side swearing to their cats that their way is the best. JP brewed two batches of his Oatmeal Stout, one with grains at the mash and one with the dark grains added at the end. Which will dominate? Find out!
Jamil and Tasty take listener questions on this episode of Brewing With Style. Listen in as they answer all things beer from your emails.
Jamil and Tasty get a surprise visit from Pete Slosberg, formerly of Pete's Wicked Ales, and his friend Ari. Ari makes some of the best homemade bread we've ever had and shared some bread making tips with us. Pete brought us his homemade malt balls and a drink made with some amazonian berries that made your mouth go weird. We also discussed what makes a beer a given style and a few other beery things with our two friends in this special episode of Brewing With Style.
We had so much fun with the last Secret Beers show that we had to come back with a Part Two. Beevo brings Jamil, Tasty, and JP two mystery beers during the show, and it's up to our brave hosts to guess the style. Which is much harder than it seems! This exercise is a good one to try at home, because it really tests your beer knowledge.
Jamil, Tasty, and JP have been lucky enough to have done several collaboration beers over the years with friends and colleagues alike. With more and more breweries reaching out into the homebrewing world for ProAm collaborations, and various "fun-to-brew" beers, they decided to use this episode of Brewing With Style to talk about the complex world of the collaboration beer. The guys discuss what to expect from your brew day, what is expected from you, and how to the the most out of this amazing experience. Plus they make fun of Beevo a lot. Again.
Jamil starts this episode of Brewing With Style by talking about Beevo's love for Brad at Brewer's Hardware. Needless to say she's uncomfortable with it, which is always funny. Then we jump right into the topic for today - Secret Beers! We had two beers chosen for us secretly before the show, and our goal is to try and guess what styles these beers fall under. It's harder than it sounds! JP and Tasty come up with some crazy guesses, and Jamil ... well he does what you'd expect him to.
Jamil, Tasty, and JP talk about the recent happenings at the Great American Beer Festival, including beers, judging, and all the work that goes into putting on a giant beer fest. Well, Jamil and Tasty talk about it, since JP didn't go. We talk a lot about the judging side of the GABF and just how much time it takes to run through all of the entries to pick the winners, not to mention the toll it takes on your body. Most people don't know it's an 8-hour work day, and Jamil reminds us of that. It's a good insight into the other side of a beer competition.
Coming off of Jamil's recent trip to Asia, we decided to revisit the Foreign Extra Stout category. Notoriously hard to find in the U.S. Jamil was able to track down some pretty neat beer and mule them back for us - including Guinness's version! We all had a clear favorite in the studio, which makes it even more painful to know that it will be nearly impossible to find on our side of the pond. Oh well, such is beer!
We open the show today waxing poetic about how old Jamil is getting and how he has forgotten so much stuff that he has to refer to his own books to remind him of certain things. Then we jump into today's style, Trappist Single Ale (category 26A in the 2015 BJCP guidelines), which was another style requested by a listener looking for more information on this hard-to-find style. Needless to say, we were not able to have any of the classic styles for this show, but we did find a beer that came very, very close from Monkish.
We had a listener email into the show asking for us to cover something called Czech Amber Lager (category 3c in the new BJCP guidelines). Having never had a commercial example of this beer, it was a challenge we quickly accepted! First off, though, we discuss what it means to have a commercial example ready, and how that affects the ability to understand and interpret the BJCP guidelines. After a bit of banter about the regionalism inferred by the name, we dig into the closest commercial beers we can find that may fall into the Czech Lager category.
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil, JP and Tasty revisit Category 5 - Bock Beer, from the 2008 BJCP Style Guidelines. Based on listener submissions of homebrew and commercial beer, the team goes through what makes a great bock beer and how you can brew one yourself.
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil, JP and Tasty revisit Category 5 - Bock Beer, from the 2008 BJCP Style Guidelines. Based on listener submissions of homebrew and commercial beer, the team goes through what makes a great bock beer and how you can brew one yourself.
Prompted from listener questions, in this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil, JP, and Tasty discuss the use of dry yeast to ferment your beer, vs. liquid yeast. They talk about the presence of diacetyl and how to properly use dry yeast to get the best fermentation you can. They also discuss new hops and why you should try them.
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil and Tasty discuss Northern German Altbier, Category 7A in the 2008 BJCP Style Guidelines. This is one of Jamil's favorite German styles, and sometimes it's hard to find a great example in the U.S. Tune in and learn about the complexities of a great German Alt, what commercial examples you might find success with, and of course, how to brew your own!
In this special episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil, Tasty, JP and Beevo recap the 2016 National Homebrewers Conference in Baltimore, MD. Now known as Homebrew Con, this annual event draws thousands of homebrewers for an epic week of parties, seminars, special events and the largest homebrew competition on earth. Listen in as the guys tell their stories about everyone’s favorite event and learn what Homebrew Con is all about...
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil and Tasty discuss Maibock/Helles Bock, Category 5A in the 2008 BJCP Style Guidelines. This awesome German style of beer is slightly toasty while remaining clean and easy to drink, even as its alcohol content is a little on the higher side. Listen in as the guys discuss their favorite commercial versions and how you can brew the perfect Maibock yourself!
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil and Tasty discuss Northern English Brown Ale, Category 11C of the 2008 BJCP Style Guidelines. This wonderful English ale has subtle complexities to challenge the brewer, and is such a classic style, perfect for any occasion. Tune in and learn about commercial examples and how to brew one yourself!
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil and Tasty discuss Pyment, Category 25B from the 2008 BJCP Guidelines. Pyment is a melomel type of mead, generally made from grapes (juice). These can be very difficult to find commercially, but are still very common in homebrew circles. Tune in and learn the intricacies of producing pyment and how you can make a great one at home.
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil and Tasty discuss Category 23 from the 2008 BJCP Style Guidelines; Specialty Beers. This category was created to give judges guidelines to evaluate beers that don't fit into any traditional categories and include experimental ingredients and techniques. Specialty adjuncts, combinations of other styles and historical or indigenous beers are just some examples of the category. Jamil and Tasty walk you through some examples that define the segment and give tips and tricks on how you can homebrew your own.
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil and Tasty discuss the often misunderstood style, Straight Lambic, category 17D in the BJCP Guidelines. As the sour beer craze races on, straight lambic remains the foundation and staple of the sour beer world. This unblended, historic example of beer that is produced with wild yeast and bacteria, can hold up for years if cared for properly and offers beer fans a unique experience and small step into the world of sour beer. Tune in and learn how they are made, which commercial examples are worth trying, and how you can homebrew or craft brew one yourself.
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil and Tasty discuss American IPA, Category 14B in the 2008 BJCP Style Guidelines. This style has obviously become the darling of the craft beer world and typically outsells any other offering from American craft breweries. Dominated by a strong hop presenceand varying American hop varieties, this beer has taken the craft beer world by storm. Tune in and learn about just a few of the great examples available commercially, and you can homebrew a great example at home.
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil and Tasty discuss American Amber Ale, BJCP Category 10B (in the 2008 guidelines). While beer geeks are often hard on this style today as too bland, this was one of the pioneers of the craft beer movement, offering a full flavored gateway beer to new craft beer fans across the U.S.. Today, the style still holds up as a quality example of American craft beer. Tune in and learn more about commercial examples of this style, as well as how to homebrew one yourself.
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil and Tasty welcome special guest Mitch Steele, Brewmaster at Stone Brewing Company, to the show to help evaluate Premium American Lager (BJCP Category 1C in 2013 Guidelines). Mitch worked for Anheuser Busch for some time before switching over to the craft scene, so really knows this style well and helps walk us through what makes a great example of the beer. Tune in and see if the guys can tell which brand is which in a blind test and find out how you can make one at home as well so you can please your non-crafty friends.
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil and Tasty discuss BJCP Category 16E (2008 Guidelines) - Belgian Specialty Ale. This category can really run the gamut in terms of style and is typically characterized with fruity esters and spicy phenols. The beer can include spice additions, as well as wild yeast like Brettanomyces and/or Lactobacillus. Tune in and learn about our hosts favorite commercial examples, as well as recipes to brew your own.
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil and Tasty discuss BJCP Category 14 (in the 2015 guidelines) - Scottish Ale. Tune in and learn about Scottish Light, Heavy, and Export, as the guys walk you through what makes a great commercial example and how you can homebrew a great example yourself.
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil and Tasty discuss BJCP Category 3A - Vienna Lager. This classic German style is hard to find nowadays at Craft Breweries, but some classic examples still exist and occasionally you can find a local gem. Learn about the style, great commercial examples and what it takes to homebrew one yourself.
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil and Tasty discuss BJCP Category 16D - Foreign Extra Stout. This robust beer is rich, roasty and fruity, and is a true work of art when done right. Tune in and learn about commercial examples, as well as how you can homebrew one yourself.
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil and Tasty discuss BJCP style 1A - Light American Lager. Best known for examples from the large American macro breweries, this style has endured as the most popular American style of beer by volume. With very little in terms of big flavor to hide behind, it is a challenging style to brew and get right in keeping to its very clean lager characteristics. Tune in and listen to the guys evaluate commercial examples, as well as talk about how you can homebrew one at home.
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil and Tasty discuss BJCP style 1A - Light American Lager. Best known for examples from the large American macro breweries, this style has endured as the most popular American style of beer by volume. With very little in terms of big flavor to hide behind, it is a challenging style to brew and get right in keeping to its very clean lager characteristics. Tune in and listen to the guys evaluate commercial examples, as well as talk about how you can homebrew one at home.
On this episode of Brewing with Style, Jamil and Tasty cover BJCP Category 8B, Special/ Best/ Premium Bitter. Tune in and learn about this traditional style, as well as what commercial examples to seek and how to brew a great version of your own.
On this episode of Brewing with Style, Jamil and Tasty cover Berliner Weisse. Tune in and learn about this traditional and refreshing style, what commercial examples to seek and how to brew a great version of you own.
In this episode of Brewing With Style Jamil and Tasty McDole discuss BJCP Category 6D - American Wheat or Rye Beer. This is one of those styles with a wide interpretation, but also difficult to make with nothing to hide behind. Clean fermentation and a delicate balance of malt and low hop bitterness, combined with a light color, make this beer wonderful when done right, but difficult to do so. Tune in and learn about commercial examples, how to homebrew one yourself, and what makes the style so popular.
In this episode of Brewing With Style Jamil and Tasty McDole discuss BJCP Category 6D - American Wheat or Rye Beer. This is one of those styles with a wide interpretation, but also difficult to make with nothing to hide behind. Clean fermentation and a delicate balance of malt and low hop bitterness, combined with a light color, make this beer wonderful when done right, but difficult to do so. Tune in and learn about commercial examples, how to homebrew one yourself, and what makes the style so popular.
Jamil and Tasty discuss BJCP Category 9D, Irish Red Ale, in this episode of Brewing With Style. A very traditional style and a favorite of many beer lovers, Irish Red Ale is wonderful beer with subtle complexities that can make or break any version. Tune in and learn about great craft beer commercial examples and tips on how to brew your own.
Jamil and Tasty discuss BJCP Category 16D, Biere de Garde, on this episode of Brewing With Style. This one is tricky because the colors and flavors of this style can really run the gamut. Jamil does his best to rein us in and focus on the nuances of this style so you can brew a great craft beer.
Jamil and Tasty broadcast live from the National Homebrewers Conference in San Diego in part two of this two part series. Learn about what styles to bring to homebrew beer festivals and how to get the most out of sharing your beer in this on-location episode of Brewing With Style.
Jamil and Tasty broadcast live from the National Homebrewers Conference in San Diego in part one of this two part series. Learn about styles and yeast as Chris White from White Labs joins the show.
In this episode of Brewing With Style Jamil, Tasty and Justin discuss Category 15C, Weizenbock. Tune in and learn about this traditional German style and what makes it so unique. Plus, Justin professes to hate the style, will that stick after some stellar examples are tasted? Tune in and find out.
Jamil, Tasty and Justin discuss BJCP Categories 27 - 28, Cider, in this episode of Brewing With Style. Tune in as they try ciders from the different categories and discuss what makes a great cider, with extra focus on how to brew one yourself at home.
Jamil, Tasty, and guest host Justin Crossley, discuss BJCP Category 19A, Old Ale. This is one of Jamil's favorites when done right and he teaches us a thing our two about what done right means. Tune in and learn about the subtle malty nuances that make this beer shine, and how you can homebrew one yourself.
Brewing With Style talks about category 6A from the BJCP Guidelines, Cream Ale. This often misunderstood style is an American classic and can be a real crowd pleaser with your friends, as well as excel in competition if done right. Tune in and find out about quality commercial examples, as well as how to homebrew your own.
Jamil, Tasty and Jon Plise cover BJCP Category 16E in this episode of Brewing With Style.
Jamil, Tasty and Jon Plise discuss Northern BJCP category 11C, Northern English Brown Ale, in this episode of Brewing With Style.
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil, Tasty and Jon Plise discuss Category 17E, Gueuze. This complex sour beer is a little acidic and a little tart, and can feature many of the "barnyard" notes that wild beer lovers enjoy. Learn about traditional commercial examples as well as newcomers to the scene and how to brew one yourself!
Jamil, Tasty on Jon Plise discuss American Lager in this episode of Brewing With Style.
The BWS crew discusses BJCP Category 13E, American Stout, in this episode for Brewing With Style. Tune in and learn about this unique American style of beer that runs the gamut in terms of complex roast, chocolate, coffee and more. Find out who is making the best commercial examples and techniques to brew your own.
In this episode of Brewing With Style, Jamil, Tasty and Jon Plise discuss category 6C: Kolsch. This is another Brewcaster favorite that is very hard to find in America. Technically only brewed in Cologne, Germany, this crisp, dry and clean style is a great sessionable beer that's light on the palette and difficult to brew well for novice brewers. Tune in and find out what makes Kolsch such a fan favorite.
In this episode of Brewing With Style the crew discuss BJCP category 18C, Belgian Tripel. This big and complex Belgian style is a palette pleaser and a challenge to brew correctly. Tune in as the team discusses great commercial examples as well as techniques to brew your own.
In this episode of Brewing With Style the crew discusses BJCP category 11A, Mild Ale. While this beer is difficult to find in the U.S. commercially, the brewcasters love it and discuss what makes it such a great, traditional style of beer to brew and drink.