This podcast explores the connection between coffee and beer, discussing personal preferences, brewing techniques, and the flavors of coffee beers. They delve into the different roast profiles and flavor profiles of coffee, as well as how to use coffee flavors in beer brewing. The podcast features interviews with a former brewer and a coffee shop owner, who share their experiences and expertise in the industry. The hosts also emphasize the fascination of coffee beers and provide information on how to support the podcast.
When brewing coffee beers, it is recommended to add the coffee on the cold side to prevent unwanted tannin extraction.
The choice of coffee beans, such as denser beans from higher elevations for stouts and lighter beans with fruity or floral characteristics, can greatly impact the flavor profile of coffee beers.
Deep dives
The Brewing Process: Adding Coffee to Beer
When brewing coffee beers, the coffee is typically added on the cold side rather than the hot side. This helps prevent unwanted tannins from being extracted. The most common method is to use a coarse grind and add the coffee directly to the tank, similar to dry hopping. The beer is then re-circulated to ensure thorough contact with the coffee. Some brewers also opt to let the coffee settle out before transferring the beer to remove the beans.
Choosing the Right Coffee Beans
The choice of coffee beans is crucial in brewing coffee beers. For darker beers like stouts, denser beans from higher elevations, such as those from Latin America, are often preferred. These beans can handle higher temperatures and longer roast profiles, resulting in flavor profiles that complement the beer. Lighter beans, such as those with fruity or floral characteristics, can also work well in coffee beers.
Considerations in Aging Coffee Beers
Aging coffee beers can help mellow out the coffee flavors and create a more balanced beer. Some brewers even prefer to age their coffee beers for maximum flavor integration. However, it's important to ensure proper oxygen management during aging to avoid off-flavors. Proper filtration and packaging techniques also play a role in the longevity of coffee beers.
Balancing Flavors and Appreciating the Craft
Brewers strive to create a harmonious balance between the coffee and beer flavors in coffee beers. It's crucial to let the beer shine while still showcasing the unique characteristics of the coffee. Each brewer may have their own process and preferences, so exploring different coffee beers can provide new and exciting flavor experiences for beer lovers.
Like beer, coffee is one of society’s oldest and most fundamental beverages. Perhaps that is why coffee beers taste so good! And like beer, there was a time where coffee was commoditized. It is both fun and interesting that the rise of craft beer was mirrored by the rise of the premium coffee house. In this episode of the All About Beer Podcast, we take a look at what makes great coffee great coffee and how that knowledge is necessary to make great coffee beer.
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Malteurop Malting Company Malteurop Malting Company (MMC) is based in North America—specializing in growing and producing quality malts for the craft beer and distilling industries. With local farms and Malthouses spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, MMC's commitment to excellence is fully ingrained into every batch it produces, ensuring breweries and distilleries of any size can create the finest beverages on the planet. Visit www.malteuropmaltingco.com to learn how MMC can support your malting needs. Contact MMC at customersuccess@malteurop.com or (844) 546-MALT (6258) for questions or to place your order.
Hosts: Don Tse and Em Sauter
Guests: Jeff Goodno, Jordan Schupbach
Sponsors: Malteurop Malting Company, All About Beer
Tags: Brewing, Coffee, Stout,
The following music was used for this media project: Music: Awesome Call by Kevin MacLeod Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/3399-awesome-call License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://incompetech.com