Popular Mechanics (South Africa)
HOME- BREWING TIPS
When experimenting, there are a few things to keep in mind to get the best results.
Sanitation: This is one of the most important steps on brew day, as it keeps bacteria at bay. Once you’ve washed your equipment, use a no-rinse sanitiser to clean everything you’ll be using.
Chill fast: After the boiling step is complete, chill the wort as quickly as possible. The wort is most vulnerable to infections by bacteria and wild yeast at temperatures above 27°C. Fast chilling also causes tannins and proteins to coagulate and fall out, which can improve the clarity of the final product. Boiling: Tilt the lid of your brew pot while it’s boiling. Boiling vaporises unwanted chemicals, and tilting the lid will give them the chance to evaporate out.
Aerate the wort: Boiling reduces the oxygen content of the wort. Oxygen is essential for yeast reproduction and if oxygen is not added back to the wort it may lead to the development of off-flavours during fermentation. No need to get complicated – the cheapest way to aerate is by simply shaking it for several minutes. Ingredients: It’s simple – the better the quality of your ingredients, the better the quality of your beer. Go for the freshest and best ingredients you can get your hands on, store your ingredients correctly and use them within the advised time.
Start simple: Keep your ingredients and brews as basic as possible, and remember that darker brews are often more forgiving when you’re starting out.