BREWING TECHNIQUES ARTICLES

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Cleaning, boiling, chilling, fermenting, all-grain brewing....learn how to do it all right here!

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November 09, 2023

5 (Pretty Easy) Ways to Brew Better Beer

Completely new to homebrewing? Have quite a few beers under your belt? Both new and intermediate brewers can take their beer to the next level with just a few technique tweaks or equipment upgrades. Here are our top 5 ways to make your beer better. Read More

Completely new to homebrewing? Have quite a few beers under your belt? Both new and intermediate brewers can take the... Read More

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September 29, 2021

Grainfather Comparison Guide

Grainfather equipment ensures anyone can brew professional quality craft beer, no matter their brewing experience. With top-of-the-line construction and a 3-year warranty, you can rest assured you’re getting a product where satisfaction is guaranteed. Read More

Grainfather equipment ensures anyone can brew professional quality craft beer, no matter their brewing experience. Wi... Read More

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January 22, 2021

How to Brew in a Bag

Brew In A Bag, or as it’s commonly abbreviated BIAB, is an easy homebrewing method for going all-grain without adding too many new pieces of equipment into your homebrewery or adding hours to your brew day Read More

Brew In A Bag, or as it’s commonly abbreviated BIAB, is an easy homebrewing method for going all-grain without adding... Read More

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January 18, 2019

How to Lager

Think: Pilsner, Oktoberfest, the coveted Bocks brewed by German monks for centuries. Mmmm. Read More

Think: Pilsner, Oktoberfest, the coveted Bocks brewed by German monks for centuries. Mmmm. Read More

March 21, 2024

Distillation with BSG, Still Spirits, and Rahr Technical Center

What better way to learn about distillation than from the experts? No, not us - our friends at Still Spirits, BSG HandCraft, and Rahr Technical Center. Northern Brewer visited the RTC for a two-day master class in distilling using the Still Spirits Air Still and The Grainfather G30. Read More

What better way to learn about distillation than from the experts? No, not us - our friends at Still Spirits, BSG Han... Read More

September 11, 2023

It's Never Too Late for Oktoberfest (or Mocktoberfest)

If you’re a homebrewer without the ability to lager or succumbed to a far-to-relatable level of procrastination - fear not, we have plenty of ways you can still brew a quick turning Oktoberfest. A Mocktoberfest, if you will. Read More

If you’re a homebrewer without the ability to lager or succumbed to a far-to-relatable level of procrastination - fea... Read More

May 18, 2022

SafAle™ WB-06: Give the character you want to your wheat beer styles

In this period of spring in the Northern hemisphere, with temperatures rising, it’s a great time to enjoy refreshing and drinkable beers, especially wheat beer styles. Let’s take a deeper look at a yeast specifically selected for wheat beers, SafAle™ WB-06. Read More

In this period of spring in the Northern hemisphere, with temperatures rising, it’s a great time to enjoy refreshing ... Read More

May 13, 2021

Aerating Your Wort

Aerating, or adding oxygen, to your wort is perhaps the easiest way to improve the quality of your homebrewed beer. Read More

Aerating, or adding oxygen, to your wort is perhaps the easiest way to improve the quality of your homebrewed beer. Read More

October 07, 2020

How to Kettle Sour Beer

Kettle souring is a technique that allows brewers to rapidly sour unfermented wort in just a matter of days, often taking only a mere 24 hours. Read More

Kettle souring is a technique that allows brewers to rapidly sour unfermented wort in just a matter of days, often ta... Read More

September 21, 2020

Center of Gravity Brewing Sculpture Instructions

Read More

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June 18, 2020

Chill Haze

If you’ve ever poured an ice-cold craft beer like an IPA into a glass and it looked unfiltered when it was most definitely filtered, your beer might have chill haze. Read More

If you’ve ever poured an ice-cold craft beer like an IPA into a glass and it looked unfiltered when it was most defin... Read More

May 15, 2020

Stuck Fermentation

A stuck or sluggish fermentation is never fun. However, you need not worry we'll get your yeast activated in no time. Read More

A stuck or sluggish fermentation is never fun. However, you need not worry we'll get your yeast activated in no time. Read More

May 15, 2020

Cold Crashing Beer for Crystal Clear Homebrew

Achieve crystal clear beer by using the method of cold crashing. Cold crashing is the process of lowering the temperature of the beer very quickly to near-freezing and holding it for about 24 hours. Read More

Achieve crystal clear beer by using the method of cold crashing. Cold crashing is the process of lowering the tempera... Read More

May 15, 2020

Controlling Fermentation Temperature

Maintaining fermentation temperature within your yeast strain's preferred range will produce optimal beer. Read More

Maintaining fermentation temperature within your yeast strain's preferred range will produce optimal beer. Read More

April 09, 2020

How to Make a Yeast Starter

A yeast starter is a solution that enables yeast cells to propagate (or reproduce). It resembles a mini batch of beer, but is not meant for drinking. Read More

A yeast starter is a solution that enables yeast cells to propagate (or reproduce). It resembles a mini batch of beer... Read More

April 08, 2020

Hydrating Dry Yeast

Yeast is fragile, but it does so much for us, a little pampering here and there isn't too much to ask. Read More

Yeast is fragile, but it does so much for us, a little pampering here and there isn't too much to ask. Read More

October 01, 2019

Ales & Lagers: What's the Difference?

The main difference between an ale and a lager is the temperature they are fermented and stored at. Read More

The main difference between an ale and a lager is the temperature they are fermented and stored at. Read More

August 30, 2019

All-Grain Kits: Beer Recipes & Brewing Instructions

Northern Brewer has hundreds of recipe kits available for homebrewers. Here are the instructions for the beer kits offered online. Read More

Northern Brewer has hundreds of recipe kits available for homebrewers. Here are the instructions for the beer kits of... Read More

August 21, 2019

Why Use a Conical Fermenter?

Conical fermenters are the gold standard of beer-making. You know those enormous metal tankards you see at professional breweries? Read More

Conical fermenters are the gold standard of beer-making. You know those enormous metal tankards you see at profession... Read More

August 01, 2019

Why You Should Always Brew With a Yeast Starter

Yeast starters: the easiest way to drastically improve the quality of your beer. Anyone can do it, and everyone should do it. Read More

Yeast starters: the easiest way to drastically improve the quality of your beer. Anyone can do it, and everyone shoul... Read More

July 24, 2019

Glass Carboys vs. Plastic Carboys

This blog lists the pros and cons of both glass and plastic carboys. Brewers of all levels use both types of fermentors, but there are specific benefits to each type of carboy. Read More

This blog lists the pros and cons of both glass and plastic carboys. Brewers of all levels use both types of fermento... Read More

July 11, 2019

How to Brew All-Grain Beer

In this video, we’ll give you a crash course of everything you need to know to get started all grain brewing. Read More

In this video, we’ll give you a crash course of everything you need to know to get started all grain brewing. Read More

June 18, 2019

How to Clean Brewing Equipment

Even if you follow every step of the brewing process to the letter, if you do it in dirty equipment, the resulting beer will be riddled with off flavors. Read More

Even if you follow every step of the brewing process to the letter, if you do it in dirty equipment, the resulting be... Read More

May 14, 2019

How to Choose a Brew Kettle

Choosing the right brew kettle relies on brewing capacity. The kettle needs to be at least a few gallons larger than the volume of wort to be boiled. Read More

Choosing the right brew kettle relies on brewing capacity. The kettle needs to be at least a few gallons larger than ... Read More

April 01, 2019

How to Calculate Homebrew ABV

What's the ABV%? How strong is my homebrew? How can I increase the alcohol content of my batch? Read More

What's the ABV%? How strong is my homebrew? How can I increase the alcohol content of my batch? Read More

March 07, 2019

Homebrew Cheat Sheet: Liquid Volume Conversions

How many ounces in one liter of homebrew? What about in 375 mL? Can you do 500 mL to oz? 16 oz to mL? How many ounces to 750 mL? Read More

How many ounces in one liter of homebrew? What about in 375 mL? Can you do 500 mL to oz? 16 oz to mL? How many ounces... Read More

October 23, 2018

Cleaning Up Your Homebrew Equipment

 Clean up is fairly straightforward- simply use the cleaner to remove any deposits from your equipment and air dry.  Read More

 Clean up is fairly straightforward- simply use the cleaner to remove any deposits from your equipment and air dry.  Read More

October 23, 2018

How to Ferment Beer

This article covers the basics of homebrew fermentation, as well as all the equipment you'll need for a successfully fermented beer. Read More

This article covers the basics of homebrew fermentation, as well as all the equipment you'll need for a successfully ... Read More

October 23, 2018

How to Steep Grains When Home Brewing

During the Grain Steeping process, you will inject more flavor, color and/or body to your brew. The process is much like steeping tea, but with a larger amount of ingredients and a longer steep. Read More

During the Grain Steeping process, you will inject more flavor, color and/or body to your brew. The process is much l... Read More

October 23, 2018

Farley's Feature - All Grain Myths

Here are some of the most common myths holding brewers back from making the plunge into all-grain brewing. Sound familiar? Read More

Here are some of the most common myths holding brewers back from making the plunge into all-grain brewing. Sound fami... Read More

October 23, 2018

Blichmann Breweasy

The BrewEasy™ is a revolutionary new ultra-compact and economical all-grain brewing system. Read More

The BrewEasy™ is a revolutionary new ultra-compact and economical all-grain brewing system. Read More

October 23, 2018

How to Chill Wort on Brew Day

Chilling the wort from boiling to yeast-pitching temperature as quickly as possible has a number of benefits, besides the time you’ll save. Read More

Chilling the wort from boiling to yeast-pitching temperature as quickly as possible has a number of benefits, besides... Read More

October 23, 2018

How to Partial Mash Homebrew

By adding a "mini-mash" to standard malt extract brewing techniques, you can create a more complex malt profile and gain access to a wider palette of grains without a big investment in all-grain equipment.  Read More

By adding a "mini-mash" to standard malt extract brewing techniques, you can create a more complex malt profile and g... Read More

October 23, 2018

I Built a Brewery in my Basement

The goal was to build a brewery the could be used even when it was -25°F outside, with minimal brew-day setup. Mission accomplished. Read More

The goal was to build a brewery the could be used even when it was -25°F outside, with minimal brew-day setup. Missio... Read More

October 23, 2018

How to Sanitize Homebrew Equipment

To all the brewers that are now using alkaline cleaners instead of dish soap, you made my day; your brew will thank you. Read More

To all the brewers that are now using alkaline cleaners instead of dish soap, you made my day; your brew will thank you. Read More

October 23, 2018

Stuck Homebrew Fermentations

Beer is a remarkably resilient thing, so don’t panic! A little TLC, and your batch will be right back on track again. Read More

Beer is a remarkably resilient thing, so don’t panic! A little TLC, and your batch will be right back on track again. Read More

October 23, 2018

How to Use a Hydrometer for Brewing and Wine Making

The hydrometer measures the amount of sugar that is dissolved in water. Generally, this is referred to as Specific Gravity. Read More

The hydrometer measures the amount of sugar that is dissolved in water. Generally, this is referred to as Specific Gr... Read More

October 23, 2018

Dry Hopping Your Homebrew

Have you ever wondered how some beers get that amazing hop punch in the flavor and aroma? Part of it could be from dry hopping.  Read More

Have you ever wondered how some beers get that amazing hop punch in the flavor and aroma? Part of it could be from dr... Read More

October 23, 2018

Advanced Wort Chilling

There’s more than one way to cool wort, and they’re not all created equal. Read More

There’s more than one way to cool wort, and they’re not all created equal. Read More

October 23, 2018

Stovetop Brewing: The Texas Two-Step and Split Boil

Hopefully this will help some people keep brewing all-grain during the winter (or rainy days) and others who don't want to invest in a huge kettle for full volume boils. Read More

Hopefully this will help some people keep brewing all-grain during the winter (or rainy days) and others who don't wa... Read More

October 23, 2018

Classic American Lager Recipe

Why did the American Lager come to be? By brewing with what our forefathers had on hand, of course, just like everyone else. Read More

Why did the American Lager come to be? By brewing with what our forefathers had on hand, of course, just like everyon... Read More

October 23, 2018

Jake's BIAB CDA

This is a simple Brew-In-A-Bag recipe; a sessionable CDA, nothing crazy.  Here is the recipe. Cheers! Read More

This is a simple Brew-In-A-Bag recipe; a sessionable CDA, nothing crazy.  Here is the recipe. Cheers! Read More

October 23, 2018

Vanilla Porter Recipe

Vanilla is used all over the place in baking, though, so I wonder if it wouldn't work well in other beers besides porters, stouts, and brown ales. Read More

Vanilla is used all over the place in baking, though, so I wonder if it wouldn't work well in other beers besides por... Read More

October 23, 2018

How To Dry Hop Beer

Dry hopping extracts the essential oils from hops and gives beer its fresh aroma. This is often done during secondary fermentation. Read More

Dry hopping extracts the essential oils from hops and gives beer its fresh aroma. This is often done during secondary... Read More

October 23, 2018

What is Secondary Fermentation

The duration of a secondary fermentation or conditioning phase can vary from as little as a week to over 6 months.  Read More

The duration of a secondary fermentation or conditioning phase can vary from as little as a week to over 6 months.  Read More

October 23, 2018

How to Ferment for Higher Gravity

The best way to increase the ABV is to add more fermentable sugar for your yeast to snack on. Read More

The best way to increase the ABV is to add more fermentable sugar for your yeast to snack on. Read More

October 23, 2018

Full Wort Boil vs Partial Wort Boil

Partial Volume Boil - Boiling a concentrated wort and diluting with water after the boil to reach full volume. Full Volume Boil - Starting with 6 or more gallons and boiling down to a 5-gallon batch size. We discuss the pros and cons of both. Read More

Partial Volume Boil - Boiling a concentrated wort and diluting with water after the boil to reach full volume. Full V... Read More

October 23, 2018

How to Use a Refractometer

A refractometer performs a similar task to the hydrometer, but is far more convenient to use. Most refractometers give a reading in Brix, and some in specific gravity. Read More

A refractometer performs a similar task to the hydrometer, but is far more convenient to use. Most refractometers giv... Read More

October 23, 2018

Blow Off Tubing Assemblies

A blow off assembly is a length of tubing which is attached to your primary fermentor to allow excess yeast and foam (krausen) to escape. Read More

A blow off assembly is a length of tubing which is attached to your primary fermentor to allow excess yeast and foam ... Read More

October 23, 2018

Wort Chiller Comparisons

Cooling the wort from boiling to yeast-pitching temperature is important - pitching yeast either too warm or too cool can adversely affect fermentation.  Read More

Cooling the wort from boiling to yeast-pitching temperature is important - pitching yeast either too warm or too cool... Read More

October 23, 2018

Induction Brewing

Brewing all grain, in a sub-600 Sq Ft apartment, without the use of a stove? Yes, it is possible. Read More

Brewing all grain, in a sub-600 Sq Ft apartment, without the use of a stove? Yes, it is possible. Read More

October 23, 2018

A Guide to Cleaners and Sanitizers

No rinse? Sanitizer? Cleanser? What's the difference? Stop the insanity! There has to be an easier way, right? Read More

No rinse? Sanitizer? Cleanser? What's the difference? Stop the insanity! There has to be an easier way, right? Read More

October 23, 2018

Amber Lager: Oktoberfest or Märzen

Amber lager is delicious, whether you call it Oktoberfest or Märzen. Read More

Amber lager is delicious, whether you call it Oktoberfest or Märzen. Read More

October 23, 2018

Book Review: Yeast- The Practical Guide to Beer Fermentation

For those homebrewers who are more experienced or are looking for something read beyond How to Brew, though, Yeast is definitely worth the read. Read More

For those homebrewers who are more experienced or are looking for something read beyond How to Brew, though, Yeast is... Read More

October 23, 2018

How to Make Bad Beer

The first beer I ever made...was also the first beer I ever made.  Read More

The first beer I ever made...was also the first beer I ever made.  Read More

October 23, 2018

Apologia for a TopTier

The TopTier brew stand is a completely modular design compatible with brewpots from all manufacturers, converted kegs, and round or rectangular coolers. Read More

The TopTier brew stand is a completely modular design compatible with brewpots from all manufacturers, converted kegs... Read More

October 23, 2018

To Brew on a Stove or a Burner

Although I have a propane burner, it is less than ideal for brewing, since I live/ferment in an upper level apartment... Read More

Although I have a propane burner, it is less than ideal for brewing, since I live/ferment in an upper level apartment... Read More

October 23, 2018

How To Properly Crush Brewing Grain at Home

Experimenting with crushing grain into smaller and smaller particles can only lead to a micro black hole... or possibly a stuck sparge. Read More

Experimenting with crushing grain into smaller and smaller particles can only lead to a micro black hole... or possib... Read More

October 23, 2018

Open Fermentation of Homebrew

"...open fermentation should only be considered in the brewing of fast-matured and quickly bottled ales." Read More

"...open fermentation should only be considered in the brewing of fast-matured and quickly bottled ales." Read More

October 23, 2018

British Bitter Homebrew Recipe

The theory of the double drop fermentation is to gravity drop the actively fermenting beer from one vessel to another.  Read More

The theory of the double drop fermentation is to gravity drop the actively fermenting beer from one vessel to another.  Read More

October 23, 2018

Yeast Nutrients and Yeast Energizers

What you need to know about nutrient vs. energizer. Read More

What you need to know about nutrient vs. energizer. Read More

October 23, 2018

How to Batch Sparge - All Grain Brewing Made Easy

The graduated dipper or pitcher has the embossed markings to accurately mash in/out. Read More

The graduated dipper or pitcher has the embossed markings to accurately mash in/out. Read More

October 23, 2018

Reasons to Use Dry Yeast

While dry yeast doesn't always have the best reputation, here are five reasons why many users prefer it to liquid yeast. Read More

While dry yeast doesn't always have the best reputation, here are five reasons why many users prefer it to liquid yeast. Read More

October 23, 2018

What Water to Use for Homebrewing

If your water is good enough to drink, it will work great for brewing with Extract Recipe kits.   Read More

If your water is good enough to drink, it will work great for brewing with Extract Recipe kits.   Read More