Master Brewers Podcast Episode 320: Mixed Culture Fermentations
Nov 4, 2024
Join John Rowley, the founder of Rowley Farmhouse Ales, as he dives into the world of mixed-culture fermentations. Hear about his early attempts at sour beer, inspired by Jester King, and how patience and culture reuse transformed his brews. Rowley discusses incorporating local botanicals like lavender and sage, and how he manages funk levels using brett blends and IBUs. Plus, insights on long-term barrel aging, the simplicity principle, and knowing when to dump a bad batch make for an engaging conversation for any beer enthusiast!
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Long Drive That Sparked A Shift
- John Rowley drove ten hours to visit Jester King after hearing a podcast and was inspired by their barrel work.
- That visit changed his approach and led him to incorporate local microflora into his cultures.
Patience Turned A Failure Into A Winner
- John tasted his first home sour after a year and a half and it transformed from awful to magical.
- He entered that improved beer in a competition and won best of show.
Bank Cultures To Preserve Desired Local Character
- Local microflora can be incorporated but will often be outcompeted by commercial strains over repeated repitches.
- Bank a preferred balance (freeze a sample) to return to that profile instead of letting it drift.
