As Andrew Foss of Human Robot says in this episode, “Perfection is pretty easy. To make something interesting is hard.”

Those are easy words to say and harder words to brew by, but the Philadelphia brewer strives for character over lager “cleanliness,” eschewing the “crispy” moniker while searching for something more substantial. To accomplish that goal, he uses every tool at their disposal—mash and decoction regimens, a direct-fire brewhouse, a number of different fermentation schedules, and more. Character, after all, requires intention and effort, and not just homogeneity or simplicity.

In this episode, Foss talks about:

• using a direct-fire mash-mixer and decoction in concert with an array of different malts to produce characterful European-style lagers
• rethinking mash strategies designed for older malts
• adjusting the decoction process based on intentions for aroma and flavor
• building “the wave” in lager mouthfeel
• dialing in pH for expressive but cohesive lagers
• differentiating between final gravity and mouthfeel
• aroma contributions from direct-fire brewhouses
• embracing inconsistent malt for more flavorful European-style lagers
• going beyond “clean”

And more.

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