The Brülosophy Podcast

It's episode 50, which means it's time for us to answer listener submitted questions. In this episode, contributor Brian Hall joins Marshall to respond to questions about tangy off-flavors, going pro, shipping beer, and more!

A relatively new spin on a classic styles, hoppy versions of Pilsner seems to gaining in popularity lately. In this episode, the first in our new style-focused series, contributor Malcolm Frazer joins Marshall to discuss Hoppy Pilsner in depth, going over traditional methods one might utilize to make such a beer then finishing off with some talk about our experience brewing one up using the significantly abbreviated approach we call Short & Shoddy. | Relevant Article | Short & Shoddy Hoppy Pilsner, aka Homebrew Conned

Homebrew Con 2018 is a wrap and it couldn't have been a more unique and fun time for Brülosophy. In this episode, Marshall and Malcolm sit down with booth partners Yakima Valley Hops, Mecca Grade Estate Malt, and Imperial Yeast to talk about the role each of them and the ingredients they sell play in brewing. Of course, it wouldn't be Homebrew Con if a couple surprise guests didn't pop in to have a word as well.

The conventional wisdom says to mash for a minimum of 60 minutes, though many extend this saccharification rest by up to double under the belief it has an impact on the finished character of their beer. In this episode, contributor Brian Hall joins Marshall to discuss ideas behind where this "rule" came from as well as the results of some fascinating exBEERiments on the topics. | Relevant Articles | 30 Minute vs. 60 Minute Mash Length xBmt Overnight vs. 60 Minute Mash Length xBmt 20 Minute vs. 60 Minute Mash Length xBmt

Hops are made up of various compounds that serve to impart bitterness, aroma, and flavor to beer. With the growing popularity of IPA, hops have become a major focus of brewers, to the point it seems they get more attention than any other ingredient. In this episode, contributor Jason Cipriani joins Marshall to talk about this wonderful plant, specifically how certain conditions can affect the way they present themselves in beer. | Relevant Articles | Impact Of Age On Hops - Willamette Impact Of Age On Hops - Simcoe Hop Storage - Vacuum Sealed vs. Non-Purged Baggie

Base malts make up the bulk of a beer's grist, creating a canvas upon which other flavors are painted. From Pilsner to Maris Otter, brewers have available to them various types of base malts that are said to impact unique characteristics. In this episode, Marshall sits down with contributor Matt Del Fiacco to discuss the history of malting, what makes different base malts unique, and of course the results of some fascinating exBEERiments. | Relevant Articles | Pale 2-Row vs. Pilsner Malt Maris Otter vs. Domestic Pale 2-Row Malt Pale 2-Row vs. Pale 6-Row Malt

Whereas traditional IPA is known for being clear, crisp, and relatively sharply bitter, NEIPA is expected to be soft and creamy with low bitterness. There are a number unique process variables that go into crafting such a hazy juice-bomb, one of which is adjusting the brewing water to have a higher proportion of chloride to sulfate, opposite of what's common for clearer versions of IPA. In this episode, contributor Brian Hall joins Marshall to chat about the impact water chemistry has on NEIPA and they discuss some fascinating exBEERiment results. | Relevant Articles | Sulfate to Chloride Ratio xBmt Messing With Minerals xBmt

A commonly cited off-flavor in beer evaluation known for causing a puckering or even fuzzy sensation in the mouth is astringency. In this episode, contributor Ray Found sits down with Marshall to discuss posited causes of astringency in beer, methods brewers use to avoid this undesirable off-flavor, and the results of some exBEERiments on the subject. | Relevant Articles | Boiling Spent Grain xBmt Impact Of High Mash pH Astringency Off-Flavor xBmt

Not terribly long ago, thirsty folks looking to craft their own tasty beer at home were limited to the supplies they could find at the grocery store or perhaps pick up from a local brewery, if they were lucky enough to live near one. Nowadays, there are homebrew shops in nearly every town offering brewers fresh ingredients, the latest in brewing gear, and a rad place to commune with like-minded others. In this episode, Marshall sits down with Love2brew co-founder, Ron Rivers, to discuss a side of homebrewing that often goes unnoticed. We touch on Ron's experience building and running a successful shop, his thoughts on Big Beer's creep into homebrewing, and some ideas for brewers looking to ensure the hobby stays healthy. | Relevant Articles | The Industry Speaks

The mash process involves steeping grains in hot water wherein the enzymatic conversion of starches to sugar occurs. The sugar produced during this process is called maltose and makes up the large proportion of fermentables in most beer. However, it's not the only sugar that can be used in brewing, in fact there certain styles that all but require different types of sugar. In this episode, Marshall is joined by contributor Matt Del Fiacco to discuss these alternative sugars, the way in which they're used, and of course the results of some exBEERiments. | Relevant Articles | Adding Sugar In A Single Dose vs. Staggered Doses During Fermentation Adding Sugar During The Boil vs. High Kräusen