Ah, microbrews! Craft beer has exploded in the last few decades, and we now have more options available than ever before. For anyone who’s a fan of craft beer brewing and appreciates unique ales and lagers, this is a great thing. Microbreweries are popping up everywhere, and the bars that carry their beer often get packed!
But before you get too carried away and start stocking your refrigerator with different microbrews, you should acquaint yourself with just what it takes to craft a quality microbrew. For the aspiring beer enthusiast or curious brewery worker, this article will cover tips for both developing and tasting unique artisanal beers and ales.
Crafting Microbrews
One of the first steps when crafting microbrews is to select your ingredients. You’ll need a blend of malt and hops to get started. The malt gives beer its distinct sweet flavor, while the hops offer bitterness and aroma. When selecting your malt and hops, you’ll want to keep aroma, sweetness, and bitterness in mind. Knowing what types of malts and hops will give you the flavor you’re looking for will help you craft the perfect microbrew.
Once you’ve selected your ingredients, you’ll start the brewing process. In order to create a quality beer, you’ll want to keep the brewing temperature steady and consistent. The most common brewing temperatures are between 150 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to keep a close eye on the temperature, as brewing at even slightly higher temperatures can give off unpleasant flavors.
You’ll also need to attend to your yeast. If your yeast has been sitting idle for too long, it may be too weak for fermentation. On the other hand, too much yeast can create off-flavors or overpowering flavors. This is why knowing your yeast is important! You should strive for a balance of yeast that will properly ferment your beer but still keep the flavor intact.
Tasting Microbrews
Just like the brewing process, properly tasting a beer requires some finesse. According to the BJCP beer tasting guidelines, beer should be examined based on five categories: appearance, aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall impression. When you’re tasting a microbrew, remember to take note of each of these categories and give your honest opinion.
First, when assessing the beer’s appearance, look at the color and clarity of the drink. Some beers are a bright golden hue, while others are dark and murky. Make sure to pay attention to the head as well; if the beer has a thin head or no head at all, it may not be as fresh as you had hoped.
When you move on to aroma, tilt your glass and take a whiff. Are you getting a strong hop aroma? Do you detect any sweetness or smokiness in the scent? You may also want to swirl your beer in the glass to see if the aroma changes; if it does, this could be a sign to look out for!
As for flavor, this is where you’ll get a better sense of the craftsmanship that went into the creation of the beer. A microbrew should have a pleasant taste, with hints of the malt and hops used in the brewing process. If the beer tastes too sweet or too bitter, it may be a sign that something went wrong during brewing.
Finally, when tasting a beer, assess its mouthfeel. Is it smooth and creamy? Or does it have an unpleasant acidic or tannic aftertaste? These can be signs that the beer is either too old or out of balance. Once you’ve gone through these categories, you should be able to determine whether or not the microbrew is worth keeping around!
Conclusion
If you’re looking to get into crafting or appreciate unique beers and ales, then microbrews are the perfect way to do so. It takes some practice to become a brewing expert, but the tips in this article will get you started in the right direction. Remember: keep an eye on temperature, use the right yeast, and always taste your beer with a critical eye. With this knowledge in hand, you’ll be turning out delicious beers in no time.