Learn how to carbonate mead naturally with our comprehensive guide covering bottle conditioning, equipment selection, and troubleshooting tips for creating perfectly sparkling honey wine at home. The first time I popped open a bottle of my own naturally carbonated mead, …
Dave Hopson

Dave Hopson
Dave Hopson is a certified Cicerone® and beer historian who has visited over 200 breweries across 15 countries. With a background in anthropology and culinary arts, Dave brings a unique perspective to understanding beer's cultural significance. He specializes in documenting regional brewing traditions and how they've evolved with modern craft movements. His research on indigenous fermentation practices has been featured in several brewing publications. Dave hosts the popular podcast "Hop Tales," where he interviews brewers about their cultural inspirations and brewing philosophies.
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Beginner Guides
Best Books on Brewing and Fermentation
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 13 minutes readDiscover the essential brewing and fermentation books every homebrewer needs, from beginner guides to advanced references. Expert recommendations on beer brewing, wild fermentation, and specialized techniques to elevate your brewing skills. Navigating the world of brewing and fermentation literature can …
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Brewer’s Toolbox
The Art of Beer Aging: When to Cellar and When to Drink Fresh
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 18 minutes readDiscover which beer styles improve with age and which deteriorate quickly. Our interactive Beer Aging Timeline Chart shows optimal cellaring periods for barleywines, imperial stouts, IPAs, and more. Learn proper storage techniques, avoid common aging mistakes, and create memorable tastings …
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Discover the relationship between IBU and ABV in beer with our interactive scatter chart. Learn how bitterness and alcohol content balance across different beer styles, from light lagers to imperial stouts. Explore flavor profiles, food pairings, and the science behind …
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Brewer’s Toolbox
Beer Carbonation: Mastering CO₂ Volumes for Perfect Homebrew
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 14 minutes readMaster perfect beer carbonation with our interactive CO₂ volumes calculator. Dial in precise carbonation levels for any beer style, whether kegging or bottle conditioning. Includes style-specific recommendations, PSI settings, and priming sugar measurements for homebrewers. Carbonation can make or break …
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Beer Brewing
Global Beer Consumption Statistics: Who’s Drinking What in 2025
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 13 minutes readDiscover the latest global beer consumption statistics for 2025, including top beer-drinking countries, emerging markets, consumption trends, and how craft beer is reshaping the industry landscape worldwide. The world’s relationship with beer continues to evolve in fascinating ways. As we …
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Beer Brewing
Craft Beer Trends 2025: What’s Brewing in the Industry This Year
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 14 minutes readDiscover the top craft beer trends of 2025, from hyperlocal brewing and wellness-focused beers to sustainable practices and innovative fermentation techniques that are reshaping the industry this year. As we navigate through 2025, the craft beer landscape continues to evolve …
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Discover what truly defines artisanal beer beyond marketing hype. Learn the authentic characteristics of craft brewing from ingredients and processes to community impact and how to identify genuine artisanal beers in an increasingly crowded marketplace. You’ve likely seen the word …
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Fermented Drink Recipes
How to Make Sparkling Beet Kvass
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 8 minutes readLearn how to make authentic sparkling beet kvass at home with our step-by-step guide. Discover this traditional Eastern European fermented drink’s simple brewing process, health benefits, and flavor variations. Perfect for beginners seeking a probiotic-rich, naturally carbonated beverage with minimal …
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Beer Recipes
How to Brew a Hefeweizen (German Wheat Beer)
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 13 minutes readMaster brewing authentic German Hefeweizen at home with our complete guide. Learn the secrets to perfect banana and clove flavors, step-by-step brewing instructions, and expert tips for this classic wheat beer style. Discover traditional techniques to create a refreshing, cloudy …
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