Looking for something different, yet traditional for your next Oktoberfest party? Look no further than to the German Festbier. Even though many think the darker, more malt forward Märzen style is what is served, the Festbier has been the main focus of current Munich Oktoberfest parties. As many beer aficionados already know, the whole Oktoberfest celebrations all started with the marriage between Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. After the great success of that marriage party, these festivities became an annual tradition. Talk about a … [Read more...]
Homebrewing Tips Category on HomeBrewAcademy
A Review of the Simple Brew App
A few weeks ago, while scrolling through the multitude of Facebook homebrew pages I usually frequent, I stumbled upon a post. This was the first time I heard about Simple Brew app. This app, which can be downloaded for all IOS systems, was created by Vincent Allen. This app allows homebrewers to create recipes for this homebrew. It offers much more too. Upon downloading the Simple Brew app, which is free to download, you realize that there is a free two-week trial. After those two-weeks, you are then charged $29.99 for a one-year (prices may differ in countries other than the United States). … [Read more...]
Making a Professionally-Looking Homebrew Label for Cheap
You are a brewer and every beer lover knows that your product is much better than any lifeless mass-market brand. If your current audience is not so large at the moment, then you should think about expanding it. All of your relatives and friends are already fans of your beer, but how to make it attractive for random people? Those that have no idea how delicious it is? We believe that a cool brand label is something you need. Craft beer is extremely popular these days. Small brewers give the audience something that no “big brand” does: warm-heartedness. They can easily handle … [Read more...]
To Rosemary or Not to Rosemary, that is the question – the inspiration to brew a Rosemary IPA
Rosemary, or as it is scientifically known as Rosmarinus Officnalis is a woody, perennial herb. Rosemary is extremely fragrant and contains needle-like leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean region. Fresh rosemary from the garden. When we think of rosemary, we usually think about a nice roasted turkey or pork chops. I usually do not use many herbs or even spices for that matter in my brewing. However, that all changed after I was inspired by Dick Cantwell. By your copy here. The Inspiration Cantwell, of Magnolia Brewing Company, wrote the book, Eclectic IPA, Brewing Eclectic … [Read more...]
The Fruit Side of Beer
Fruit additions in beer really are not a new idea. There is evidence around 7000 BC a group of Chinese villagers created a beverage using honey, rice, hawthorn fruit and/or grapes. Another sign of early use of fruit was contributed by the Egyptians, who used dates and pomegranates in their beer. Although fruit additions for beer was not uncommon for many cultures, it was never a wildly practiced method of beer creation. Of course the Germans would find the entire fruit in beer idea laughable with Reinheitsgebot. The Belgians were actually the renegades of the brewing world when they … [Read more...]
Propper Yeast Starter
An Added Insurance: Yeast starters are one of the biggest insurances a homebrewer can do to help their beer. The homebrew experts tend to say that a wort that is over 1.070 starting gravity, a starter is best to include with their brew day. Starters should be made at least 24 hours prior to pitching the yeast. I have never been too big on making starters for every batch of beer I brew. I am usually brewing beers with starting gravities of 1.070 and lower. On the rare occasion that I am brewing up a Russian Imperial Stout or Belgian Quad, I have taken the extra insurance of … [Read more...]
Seasonal Brewing – Oktoberfest Recipe
We live our lives by the seasons. For instance, the end of the football season means baseball’s Spring Training is right around the corner. Well, for some people, like Raiders fans, it starts sooner -- maybe around Halloween. But there’s always the next sports season to look forward to. Tour the Baseball Hall of Fame and Brewery Ommegang! It’s the same with brewing. Since it takes time for your beer to ferment and bottle condition, it’s good to do some advance planning. You might want to beef up the bullpen, as it were, or start looking at some interesting young prospects in the form of … [Read more...]
Why Barley Brewing Is Better for the Environment
Brews or beers are made from a variety of grains, so each has a different taste and different properties. Corn produces a smooth, sweet beer. Oats add creaminess and fullness to beers. Rice adds snappiness to a beer’s flavor, while rye adds spiciness and complexity to a brew. Wheat creates a smooth, full-bodied brew. However, barley is the most common grain used in brews. Barley is popular as a brewing grain because of its flavor, nutritional properties and benefits to the environment. What is Barley? Barley is a grain that is in the grass family. Barley has many uses as livestock feed, … [Read more...]
The Loral Hoped IPA Yanny
Loral variety is a hop coming out of Hops Brewing Company (HBC), a joint venture between John I. Hass and Select Botanicals Group. Considering the popularity of HBC’s Mosaic and Citra hops, this hop is in some pretty stellar company. With thirteen years spent experimenting with this hop, Loral finally made its way into consumer’s hand May of 2016. From Experimental Hop to the Big Times Initially known as HBC 291, this hop has become known in the beer world as Loral Hops. The aroma profile of this hop has some great floral, peppery, and even herbal notes to it, reminiscent of German noble … [Read more...]