Master Brewers Podcast

Episode 197: A History of Brewing Innovation

Dec 23, 2024

Charlie Bamforth, Senior Quality Advisor at Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and brewing author, delves into 70 years of brewing innovation. He shares captivating anecdotes about the evolution of techniques like the mash filter and whirlpool, while examining the role of enzymes versus traditional methods. The rise of condiment brewing and the impact of AI on barley breeding spark intriguing discussions. Bamforth also reflects on the industry's shifting quality standards, from hazy beers to foam chemistry, shaping the future of brewing.

01:09:10

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Episode guests

Charlie Bamforth

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Quick takeaways

The evolution of malting processes, particularly the interrupted steeping method, has significantly improved malt quality and brewing efficiency.

Advancements in barley breeding, leveraging genetic tools, enhance yield and disease resistance, which is crucial for modern brewing.

Innovations in brewing equipment and enzymatic applications are shaping product quality and adapting to changing consumer preferences for beer.

Deep dives

Innovations in Barley and Malting

A significant advancement in brewing is the evolution of barley and its malting process, particularly concerning water sensitivity. Research conducted in the 1950s highlighted how excessive water exposure could prevent proper germination of barley, leading to problematic malt quality. This discovery resulted in the development of the interrupted steeping method, which revolutionized the malting process by allowing more controlled water absorption, increasing efficiency and enhancing the quality of malt produced. As a result, modern brewers now work with much more reliable malt, drastically improving the consistency and quality of the beer they produce.

Intro

2min

Brewing Innovations: A Historical Perspective

23min

Brewing Innovations: Enzymes and Tradition

8min

Brewing Traditions vs. Modern Innovations

6min

The Evolution of Brewing: Tradition vs. Innovation

6min

Revolutionizing Brewing: The Yeast Evolution

18min

The Evolution of Beer Quality and Clarity Standards

6min

We look back at the last 70 years of innovations in brewing, we look forward to what the future holds, and we hear a pint full of great anecdotes from an author with whom we're all familiar.

Special Guest: Charlie Bamforth.