Crafting a single-hop beer with Galaxy is an exercise in showcasing vibrant passionfruit, citrus, and peach aromatics. My approach emphasizes a clean malt base and a heavily front-loaded hop schedule, focusing on whirlpool and dry hopping to capture its exquisite …
Sophia Chen
Sophia Chen
Sophia Chen holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and applies her scientific expertise to the art of brewing. She specializes in water chemistry and how mineral profiles affect beer characteristics. After working in quality control for a major craft brewery, Sophia now consults with homebrewers on optimizing their water profiles for specific beer styles. Her analytical approach helps demystify the science behind brewing, making complex chemical reactions accessible to hobbyists. She regularly conducts blind taste tests comparing beers brewed with different water compositions to demonstrate their impact on final flavors.
- Beer Brewing
Single Hop Series: Brewing with Only Citra
by Sophia Chenby Sophia Chen 12 minutes readBrewing a single-hop Citra beer is a masterclass in showcasing a single varietal’s complex aromatics. My method focuses on a lean malt bill, precise temperature control at 18°C, and a multi-stage Citra addition strategy to achieve a robust OG of …
- Beer Brewing
Mandarina Bavaria vs. Huell Melon: Modern German Flavors
by Sophia Chenby Sophia Chen 17 minutes readMandarina Bavaria delivers vibrant mandarin orange and zesty citrus notes, while Huell Melon offers delicate honeydew melon, strawberry, and soft tropical fruit characteristics. Both modern German hop varieties excel in late and dry hop additions, bringing nuanced fruitiness and aroma …
- Beer Brewing
Galaxy vs. Vic Secret: Australian Hop Comparison
by Sophia Chenby Sophia Chen 15 minutes readGalaxy and Vic Secret, two pillars of Australian hop breeding, offer distinct aromatic and flavor profiles crucial for modern brewing. Galaxy delivers intense passionfruit and citrus with high alpha acids, ideal for late additions, while Vic Secret provides a nuanced …
- Beer Brewing
Saaz vs. Tettnang: Battle of the Noble Hops
by Sophia Chenby Sophia Chen 11 minutes readSaaz and Tettnang hops, both revered Noble varieties, offer distinct aromatic and bittering profiles crucial for classic lager and ale styles. Saaz typically presents a spicier, more earthy bouquet with lower alpha acids, ideal for Czech Pilsners. Tettnang leans towards …
Cloning Beck’s German Pilsner demands meticulous attention to detail, from grain selection to lagering. Achieving its signature crispness and noble hop character requires a foundation of pale Pilsner malt, precise mash temperatures for optimal fermentability, a specific low-mineral water profile, …
Achieving the iconic Tsingtao Lager profile at home hinges on precise adjunct use and rigorous lager fermentation. My cloned recipe targets a clean, crisp, light-bodied beer with subtle rice sweetness, minimal hop presence, and a dry finish, replicating its characteristic …
Cloning Sapporo Premium Beer demands precision in adjunct use, a clean fermentation, and rigorous lagering to achieve its iconic crisp, dry profile. I’ve refined this process over countless batches to match its brilliant clarity, subtle aroma, light body, and refreshing …
Cloning Modelo Especial demands precision: a pale golden Mexican Lager with brilliant clarity, crisp malt character, and a clean finish. My recipe targets an OG of 1.050, FG of 1.010, and 5.2% ABV, achieved through a high proportion of flaked …
- Beer Brewing
Corona vs Corona Light 5 Key Differences You Need to Know
by Sophia Chenby Sophia Chen 14 minutes readDiscover theCorona vs Corona Light 5 key differences between Corona Extra and Corona Light covering calories, taste, ABV, and value – find which Mexican lager wins. You’re at a beach-side bar deciding between Corona Extra and Corona Light. Same iconic …