A DIY magnetic stir plate is an indispensable tool for crafting vibrant, healthy yeast starters, dramatically accelerating cell growth and viability. By continuously agitating wort, it ensures optimal oxygenation and nutrient distribution, preventing yeast sedimentation and promoting vigorous fermentation. This …
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.
Crafting a truly exceptional Beer Caramel Sauce transcends simple syrup reduction; it’s a precise culinary alchemy. My 20 years in brewing have taught me that success hinges on meticulous temperature control, understanding sugar chemistry, and selecting the right beer to …
Crafting a perfect Michelada requires precise ingredient ratios and careful execution to achieve its signature balance of savory, spicy, and tangy notes. My ultimate recipe, honed over years, blends crisp lager with a calculated mix of lime, Clamato, Worcestershire, and …
Pairing beer with goat cheese demands careful consideration of both ingredients’ unique profiles. The best beers cut through the cheese’s characteristic tang and creamy texture without overpowering its delicate nuances. My experience points to bright, effervescent, and sometimes tart styles …
Pairing Gouda cheese with beer is a journey through complementary and contrasting flavors. For young, creamy Gouda, I find a crisp Belgian Blonde Ale with its subtle fruit and spice notes truly shines. As the Gouda ages, developing rich caramel …
- Beer Brewing
Beer Pairing: Best Beers for Burgers (Beef vs Bean)
by Mark Kegmanby Mark Kegman 14 minutes readFinding the perfect beer for your burger elevates the experience from mere meal to culinary art. For robust beef patties, I lean towards hop-forward IPAs or rich Stouts that cut through fat and complement savory notes. For earthy bean burgers, …
- Beer Brewing
Beer Pairing: Best Beers for Samosas and Chaat
by Mark Kegmanby Mark Kegman 12 minutes readPairing beer with the complex, vibrant flavors of samosas and chaat requires a strategic approach. I’ve found that crisp, clean lagers, aromatic Belgian witbiers, and sessionable American pale ales best complement the rich spices, savory notes, and refreshing tang of …
Pairing Masala Dosa, with its intricate layers of crispy lentil and rice crepe, savory spiced potato filling, and piquant chutneys, requires a thoughtful beer selection. My experience dictates seeking brews that either cleanse and refresh or subtly echo the dish’s …
- Beer Brewing
Troubleshooting Regulator Creep (Rising Pressure)
by Mark Kegmanby Mark Kegman 13 minutes readRegulator creep, characterized by a gradual, uncommanded rise in output pressure from your CO2 regulator, is typically caused by a failing internal seal or a compromised diaphragm. This critical issue leads to over-carbonated beer, off-flavors, and potential equipment damage. Immediate …
- Beer Brewing
Identifying Mold vs. Yeast Rafts (Photo Guide)
by Mark Kegmanby Mark Kegman 12 minutes readDistinguishing mold from healthy yeast rafts is critical for brewers. Mold appears fuzzy, dry, often multi-colored (green, black, white), and grows irregularly on the beer’s surface, typically signaling spoilage. Yeast rafts, conversely, are creamy, moist, uniform, off-white to tan, and …