Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

381: Human Robot's Andrew Foss Wants You to Experience "The Wave" When Drinking Their Lager

Oct 4, 2024

Andrew Foss, head brewer of Human Robot, shares insights into crafting unique lagers with character rather than just cleanliness. He discusses the art of decoction mashing and a direct-fire brewhouse, which allows for complex flavors through innovative mash strategies. Foss highlights the importance of 'the wave' for mouthfeel and embraces using inconsistent malts for richer taste. He emphasizes intentional brewing practices that shape aroma and flavor, pushing past traditional definitions of lagers to create something truly exceptional.

01:10:02

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Episode guests

Andrew Foss

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Andrew Foss emphasizes the importance of character over simplicity in lager brewing, utilizing innovative techniques like decoction mashing to enhance flavor.

Human Robot's strategic pivot from IPAs to lagers showcases their commitment to evolving consumer preferences and changing lager perceptions through engaging events.

The brewery's distinct fermentation profiles are intentionally crafted to develop complex flavors while avoiding excessively clean profiles typical of larger breweries.

Deep dives

The Evolution of Lager at Human Robot

Human Robot has successfully positioned itself as a leading lager brand in the Philadelphia area by evolving its brewing focus over time. Initially starting with a heavy emphasis on IPAs, the brewers shifted toward lagers after noticing increased consumer demand for this style. This transition was not only strategic but also aimed at changing the perception of lagers, showcasing them as exciting and party-friendly through events like the Log Jammin' festival. The commitment to making great lagers has been sustained by utilizing traditional brewing techniques and innovative recipes, including decoction mashing.

Intro

2min

The Journey from Home Brewer to Professional: Embracing Tradition in Modern Brewing

3min

Brewing Innovation and Collaboration

6min

Crafting Lagers: Passion, Precision, and Urban Brewing Challenges

4min

Innovative Step Mashing Techniques

22min

Exploring Innovations in Brewing Techniques

3min

The Art of Hops in Brewing

6min

Mastering Lager Brewing Techniques

21min

Brewing Characterful Lagers in Philadelphia

3min

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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