Altbier, a traditional German ale, offers a unique brewing challenge and a rewarding experience for those seeking a complex, balanced brew. It’s an ale fermented at cooler temperatures and then lagered, resulting in a remarkably clean, crisp profile with rich …
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 Brewing
Extreme: Brewing with Hot Rocks (Steinbier)
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 13 minutes readBrewing with hot rocks, known as Steinbier, is an ancient, dramatic, and deeply rewarding technique that transforms wort through intense caramelization. I’ve found it creates unparalleled depth of flavor and a rich, unique mouthfeel. This guide demystifies the process, detailing …
Reusing yeast is a cornerstone of advanced homebrewing, offering substantial cost savings and superior fermentation control. My experience shows that with meticulous sanitation and precise technique—targeting specific gravity for harvesting, cold storage between 2-4°C, and careful decanting—brewers can achieve 5-7 …
- Beer Brewing
Budget: Brewing with Grocery Store Juice (Cider)
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 15 minutes readBrewing a fantastic cider from readily available grocery store apple juice is incredibly rewarding and budget-friendly. The key lies in selecting preservative-free juice, optimizing yeast nutrition, and meticulous fermentation control to achieve a clean, crisp, and delicious final product without …
- Beer Brewing
Diet: Vegan Fining Agents (Biofine vs Gelatin)
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 14 minutes readAchieving crystal-clear vegan beer hinges on selecting the right fining agent. While gelatin, derived from animal collagen, excels at removing yeast and proteins via electrostatic attraction, Biofine Clear offers a highly effective plant-based alternative. Biofine, a colloidal silicic acid solution, …
Deciding between keg leasing and buying hinges on your brewery’s capital liquidity, projected growth, and operational flexibility. Leasing minimizes upfront investment, ideal for startups or rapid scaling, while buying offers long-term equity and lower per-unit costs over extended periods, typically …
Crafting your own tap handles from wood or resin offers unparalleled personalization, transforming your homebrew system into a unique showpiece. This DIY approach allows for precise control over aesthetics and ergonomics, ensuring a robust, professional-grade handle that perfectly complements your …
Building a robust, thermally stable mash tun from an insulated cooler is a cornerstone DIY project for any serious homebrewer. My experience shows it offers exceptional temperature retention, superior wort clarity, and significant cost savings compared to commercial units. This …
- Beer Brewing
Cooking: Beer Battered Fish and Chips Recipe
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 13 minutes readAchieve the ultimate Beer Battered Fish and Chips with precise temperature control, optimal batter ratios, and the right beer. My method ensures a shatteringly crisp, airy crust that locks in moisture, perfectly complementing golden, fluffy chips. Cold batter and stable …
Pairing beer with Brie cheese requires a nuanced approach to balance the cheese’s creamy, buttery richness and delicate mushroomy notes. My experience dictates that crisp, effervescent beers with moderate acidity, fruity esters, or subtle spice cut through the fat, cleanse …