The numbers don’t lie: non-alcoholic (NA) beer is having much more than a moment. According to the latest data from NIQ (formerly Nielsen), non-alcoholic beer saw a staggering 26.6% increase in dollar sales and 21.6% growth in volume over the past year. Meanwhile, traditional beer sales declined by 1% in dollars and 3.2% in volume…
Homebrewing isn’t just a modern hobby; it’s a practice woven into the very fabric of human history. For thousands of years, people have been fermenting grains to create beer, a journey that began out of necessity and blossomed into a global passion. Today’s thriving craft beer scene owes a massive debt to the humble homebrewer.…
Discover the World’s Most Expensive Beers: Luxury Brews & Rare Bottles Beer is often seen as the quintessential drink of the people – affordable, accessible, and enjoyed globally. Yet, in the world of passionate brewing, some creations ascend to astonishing heights of luxury and price. These aren’t your average pints; they are meticulously crafted luxury…
5 Common Homebrew Fails & How to Avoid Disaster Every homebrewer, from novice to expert, eventually encounters a batch that doesn’t go as planned. Maybe it’s a messy fermentation geyser, a beer hinting strongly of burnt plastic, or the dreaded sound of exploding bottles. These homebrewing mistakes are frustrating, but they’re also invaluable learning opportunities.…
5 Common Homebrewing Myths Debunked: Start Brewing Today! Homebrewing offers the rewarding experience of crafting your own unique beers, tailored exactly to your taste. Yet, many potential brewers hesitate, held back by persistent homebrewing myths and misconceptions. Worries about complexity, cost, and quality often overshadow the reality of this accessible hobby. Let’s debunk five common…
How to Brew Cocktail-Inspired Beers: Recipes & Techniques Do you love the complex flavors of a well-crafted cocktail but also crave the satisfying refreshment of beer? Good news – you can have both! Brewing a cocktail-inspired beer is a creative and exciting way for homebrewers to merge these two worlds. By carefully selecting ingredients and…
Brewing Without Hops: Exploring Gruit & Hop-Free Beer Techniques Hops are intrinsically linked with modern beer, providing bitterness, aroma, and preservation. But beer existed long before hops became the dominant flavoring agent. For centuries, brewers relied on blends of herbs and botanicals known as gruit. If you’re intrigued by brewing history or seeking truly unique…
How to Brew Delicious Smoked Beer Without Owning a Smoker The allure of smoked beer is undeniable, offering complex flavors ranging from subtle woodiness to robust campfire aromas that pair beautifully with food. Traditionally, styles like German Rauchbier rely on malt kilned over wood fires. But what if you want that evocative smoke flavor in…
Brewing the Perfect Coffee Beer: Beans, Roasts & Methods Guide The marriage of coffee and beer is a favorite among craft brewers and drinkers alike, creating beverages with incredible depth, aroma, and complexity. From invigorating breakfast stouts to smooth coffee porters, adding coffee to beer can elevate your homebrew significantly. However, success lies in the…
Section 1: Introduction: Stepping Back into American Brewing History Forget the often mild-mannered, subtly sweet Cream Ale you might find on tap today. While pleasant, it’s often a shadow of its more robust ancestor. Ready to brew something different? Let’s fire up the kettle and craft a taste of true 19th-century American ingenuity! We’re talking…