As a veteran brewer, I’ve learned that yeast health is paramount. Vitality starters awaken quiescent yeast cells, preparing them for immediate metabolic activity upon pitching, thus reducing lag time. Viability starters, conversely, are designed to significantly increase the total healthy …
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.
When selecting hops for distinctive fruit notes, the choice between Lotus and Calypso hinges on your desired aromatic profile. Lotus excels with bright orange, vanilla, and berry characteristics, derived from its unique myrcene-geraniol balance. Calypso offers a crisp pear, apple, …
- Beer Brewing
Cashmere vs. Comet: Smooth vs. Wild American Hops
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 14 minutes readChoosing between Cashmere and Comet hops fundamentally dictates a beer’s aromatic and flavor profile. Cashmere offers a smooth, complex blend of tropical fruit (coconut, melon, tangerine) with subtle herbal undertones and low bitterness, ideal for nuanced aromas. Comet, conversely, delivers …
Cloning Estrella Damm requires precision in malt selection, advocating for a significant Pilsner malt base alongside flaked maize for its characteristic sweetness and body. Critical steps include a single infusion mash at 65°C, a clean European lager yeast fermented cool …
Cloning Carlsberg Elephant Strong demands a meticulous approach to a high-gravity European Pale Lager. My recipe targets an Original Gravity of 1.066, finishing around 1.012, delivering a robust 7.2% ABV. Success hinges on a clean, controlled lager fermentation, a multi-step …
- Beer Brewing
Clone Recipe: Budweiser Magnum Strong Beer
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 12 minutes readCloning Budweiser Magnum Strong Beer requires a precise approach, focusing on a high-adjunct grain bill for a clean, strong fermentation, meticulous temperature control during lagering, and specific hop additions to achieve its characteristic crisp, low-bitterness profile. My experience shows that …
- Beer Brewing
Clone Recipe: Kingfisher Ultra Lager for Homebrewers
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 14 minutes readCloning Kingfisher Ultra Lager at home requires meticulous temperature control and a precise grain bill to achieve its signature crispness and light body. I’ve found that leveraging a significant rice adjunct in the mash, coupled with a clean fermenting lager …
- Beer Brewing
Heineken Calories Complete Guide to This Premium Lager’s Nutrition
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 16 minutes readDiscover the complete Heineken Calories breakdown for every Heineken variety, from Original to 0.0, with expert nutrition analysis and comparison. Picture this: you’re at a bar, that iconic green Heineken bottle catches your eye, and then reality hits – “Wait, …
- Beer Brewing
Coors Light ABV How It Compares to Light Beers
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 19 minutes readCoors Light ABV contains 4.2% ABV with just 102 calories. Discover how this iconic light beer compares to Bud Light, Miller Lite, and Michelob Ultra in strength and taste. You’re standing in front of a cooler full of light beers, …
- Beer Brewing
DIY Arduino Brewing Automation Project: The Complete Guide to Smart Homebrewing Systems
by Dave Hopsonby Dave Hopson 13 minutes readDIY Arduino Brewing Automation Project Build your own DIY Arduino brewing automation project with step-by-step instructions. Learn to create temperature control, automated timers, and remote monitoring systems for precise homebrewing with affordable Arduino components. Arduino-based brewing automation has revolutionized homebrewing …