Old Ale is a deep, complex, and often age-matured ale, characterized by its robust malt profile, balanced bitterness, and frequently vinous, fruit ester notes. Traditionally brewed for extended conditioning, its high original gravity (typically 1.060-1.090) leads to a substantial alcohol …
Mark Kegman
Mark Kegman
Mark Kegman spent 15 years as a mechanical engineer before turning his analytical mind to brewing equipment. His methodical approach to testing and reviewing brewing gear has earned him a reputation for thorough, unbiased assessments. Mark maintains a fully equipped home brewery lab where he puts everything from budget starter kits to professional-grade systems through rigorous testing protocols. He's particularly passionate about helping brewers find the best value equipment and innovative solutions for small-space brewing setups. His detailed comparison videos have amassed over 2 million views online.
A Triple IPA is an intensely hopped, high-alcohol ale, typically ranging from 9.5% to 12.5%+ ABV, characterized by an overwhelming hop aroma and flavor, balanced by a significant malty sweetness and a full body. It pushes the boundaries of hop …
A Cream Ale is a golden, crisp American hybrid beer, meticulously brewed to offer the refreshing qualities of a lager with the ease of ale fermentation. My tried-and-true approach emphasizes a clean fermentation, judicious use of flaked maize for a …
Oud Bruin, often called a Flemish Brown Ale, is a complex, malt-forward sour beer originating from the Flanders region. I craft it through a meticulous process involving a rich, multi-grain grist, initial fermentation with a clean ale yeast, followed by …
- Beer Brewing
Review: Best Beer Books for Advanced Brewers
by Mark Kegmanby Mark Kegman 14 minutes readFor advanced brewers seeking to elevate their craft, mastering the nuances of brewing science is paramount. My 20 years of experience reveal that foundational texts on yeast health, water chemistry, malt characteristics, and comprehensive brewing science offer the deepest dives. …
Roasting barley at home empowers me with unparalleled control over my beer’s color, aroma, and flavor profile, opening up a universe of custom malts. Through precise temperature management and careful observation, I transform raw grain into unique brewing ingredients like …
Choosing between Brew-in-a-Bag (BIAB) and a 3-Vessel system hinges on your budget, brewing frequency, and desired control. BIAB offers a significantly lower initial investment, typically ranging from $300 to $500, with minimal setup complexity. A 3-Vessel system, while requiring a …
The Skeeter Pee Lemon Wine is a remarkably simple, cost-effective, and refreshing fermentable, often overlooked by traditional winemakers. This recipe prioritizes clear, crisp lemon character and robust fermentation, yielding a bright, high-alcohol beverage perfect for hot weather. My methodology focuses …
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Diet: Brewing with Millet (100% Gluten Free)
by Mark Kegmanby Mark Kegman 13 minutes readBrewing a 100% gluten-free beer with millet is a rewarding process, leveraging specific enzymatic additions and a multi-step mash protocol to convert complex starches into fermentable sugars. My experience shows that proper water chemistry, a slow lautering process aided by …
- Beer Brewing
DIY: Building a Heat Exchange Recirculating Mash System (HERMS)
by Mark Kegmanby Mark Kegman 14 minutes readBuilding a Heat Exchange Recirculating Mash System (HERMS) is a game-changer for precise mash temperature control, eliminating temperature stratification and maximizing enzymatic activity for superior extract efficiency. My HERMS setup uses a coiled heat exchanger within a hot liquor tank …