Episode 166 | What Mr. Wizard Has Learned In 30 Years w/ Ashton Lewis
Jul 31, 2024
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Ashton Lewis, known as Mr. Wizard and a columnist for Brew Your Own Magazine, shares his 30 years of brewing wisdom. He highlights the evolution of brewing knowledge and the integration of unconventional ingredients into traditional styles. The conversation shifts to forced carbonation techniques, emphasizing temperature's role in flavor development. He also discusses the balance between art and science in brewing, with insights on sustainability challenges and the importance of raw materials. An inspiring look into the dynamics of the brewing industry!
Ashton Lewis emphasizes the need for innovation while maintaining consistency in brewing practices to ensure quality and creativity.
Understanding the specific qualities of malts and other ingredients is vital for achieving desired flavor profiles in brews.
Lewis encourages brewers to adopt a mindset of continuous learning and simplicity to enhance their brewing processes and creativity.
Deep dives
Exploring Imperial Yeast's Special Order Yeast Bank
Imperial Yeast offers a unique Special Order yeast bank that features a variety of ale and lager strains, including Brettanomyces and Kvike, in addition to its core strains. This option is particularly beneficial for brewers who seek to replicate specific yeast profiles or explore new experimentation opportunities. Customers can access this diverse range of yeasts by reaching out to Imperial Yeast's customer service, although a minimum order of 10 liters applies and requires 2-3 weeks for propagation. This service enhances the brewing experience by allowing brewers to source specialized yeast strains suited to their unique recipes.
Insights from Brewing Veteran Ashton Lewis
Ashton Lewis, known as Mr. Wizard, has been answering brewing questions for over 30 years through his column in Brew Your Own Magazine, blending technical expertise with practical advice. His extensive experience highlights that many brewing inquiries have remained consistent, despite evolving industry trends. During a conversation, he shared his perspective on how both brewing techniques and consumer preferences have shifted over time, particularly regarding how hops are utilized and perceived in brewing. As a respected figure in the industry, Lewis continues to inspire both home brewers and commercial brewers through dedicated service and knowledge-sharing.
Brewing Innovation and Consistency
One of the key takeaways from the discussion is the importance of innovation while maintaining brewing consistency. Lewis emphasizes that brewers should continually explore new techniques, flavors, and processes while being grounded in their core recipes and styles. This balance allows both home and commercial brewers to keep their craft engaging without sacrificing the quality or consistency of their offerings. By embracing change and creativity, brewers can refine their methods and adapt to new trends while staying true to their foundational practices.
The Value of Ingredient Understanding
Understanding ingredients is crucial in the brewing process, as each component can significantly impact the final product. Lewis discusses how brewers often overlook the importance of the specific types of malts and their characteristics when following recipe guidelines, which can lead to inconsistent results. He suggests that brewers should not only consider the quantity of ingredients but also the qualities of each type in relation to their desired flavor profiles and the overall brewing processes. By gaining deeper insights into their ingredients, brewers can make more informed decisions, resulting in brews that align better with their vision.
Never Stop Learning and Experimenting
Encouraging continuous learning and experimentation is a core principle shared by Lewis throughout his career. He advises brewers to embrace simplicity in their processes and focus on innovating within their established methods rather than complicating them unnecessarily. This approach promotes a healthy relationship with brewing, allowing for both creative exploration and a foundational understanding of what makes successful beer. By adopting an inquisitive mindset, brewers can remain passionate about their craft and potentially discover new techniques that elevate their brewing experience.
The Brew Your Own Magazine columnist known as Mr. Wizard, Ashton Lewis, joins Cade in the lab to discuss the changes he's witnessed and the things he's learned during his 30 years in the brewing industry.
The Brü Lab is brought to you by Imperial Yeast who provide brewers with the most viable and fresh yeast on the market. Learn more about what Imperial Yeast has to offer at ImperialYeast.com today.
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