Hosting a truly impactful beer tasting party transcends merely uncorking bottles; it’s a meticulously planned sensory experience. As a seasoned brewmaster, I approach it as a scientific endeavor, optimizing every variable from glassware to palate cleansing to ensure guests can …
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.
Beer Pong is a game of skill, strategy, and precision, demanding adherence to specific rules and equipment specifications for optimal play. The core objective involves accurately tossing a ping-pong ball into an opponent’s cups, compelling them to consume the contents. …
Diving into the world of beer cinema offers a unique blend of entertainment and insights for any brewer. From laugh-out-loud comedies to insightful documentaries, these films highlight beer’s cultural impact, the science of brewing, and the sheer joy of a …
- Beer Brewing
Advanced: Carbonation – The Shake and Bake Method
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 12 minutes readThe “Shake and Bake” carbonation method rapidly force carbonates kegged beer by employing elevated CO2 pressure and aggressive agitation. This advanced technique achieves full carbonation, typically between 2.2 and 3.0 volumes, within hours rather than days, making it ideal for …
Brewing a Dark American Lager requires a precise balance of traditional lager techniques with a judicious hand in specialty malt selection. My approach emphasizes a clean, crisp fermentation profile to showcase a harmonious interplay of subtly roasted, bready malts and …
Crafting a Rye IPA is a masterclass in balance, marrying the assertive, peppery spice of rye malt with the pungent, often citrusy or piney character of American hops. My experience shows that achieving a harmonious blend requires precise temperature control …
The West Coast IPA is a celebration of hop intensity, delivering a crisp, dry finish with an assertive bitterness and vibrant aromatic profile of pine, citrus, and resin. Achieving this requires precise control over water chemistry, a carefully calculated hop …
The English India Pale Ale (IPA) is a testament to brewing balance, showcasing a nuanced interplay between biscuity malt sweetness, pronounced earthy and floral hop character from traditional varietals like Fuggles and Goldings, and a distinctive ester profile from classic …
Oatmeal Stout is a rich, complex ale defined by its silky mouthfeel and balanced roasted character, often enhanced by flaked oats. My ideal rendition features a moderate ABV, deep ebony color, and notes of coffee, chocolate, and subtle nuttiness, all …
Brewing a classic Irish Dry Stout involves mastering a simple grain bill and precise temperature control to achieve its iconic dry, roasted character with a creamy head. My experience shows that focusing on mash pH, adequate attenuation, and proper carbonation …