Book Club is a brand-new series where we share our thoughts, and the summary of the books based (mostly) on beer, food, and other beverages once we finish reading them. This is an attempt to deliver to you the core message from those books that we think had impacted our growth and given us a better perspective on beer.
In this episode, we dive into the summary of “Brew Like A Monk” by Stan Hieronymus. If you enjoy drinking monastic ales and want to learn more about the brewing side of it, this episode is for you.
Stick with us. This is gonna be fun.
One last thing, we recommend checking out our Episode 8 – Monks Who Brew Beer before you give this a listen.
*Timestamps*
(02:07) - About the book and the author.
(03:43) - History and evolution of monastic brewing.
(10:41) - Insights on the ingredient selection, brewing process, and packaging of the monastic ales.
(29:10) - Closing thoughts.
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For any queries, write to us at beersavages@gmail.com.
Cheers!
Cal is the Director of Brewing Operations at Windmills craftworks in Texas, USA, and Bangalore, India. Cal discovered his love for craft beer while working at Central Market, a specialty chain of grocery stores. He started homebrewing in the early 2000s, and over the course of years, Cal grew from an apprentice brewer to a full-time brewer developing a deep sense of understanding of traditional and modern brewing techniques and beer styles associated with them.
In Cal’s supervision, Windmills Craftworks bagged gold at GABF 2022 for their American Amber Lager. In this episode, Cal discusses his approach to brewing this beer.
Grab a lager, sit back, and enjoy the episode.
*Timestamps*
(01:00) - Cal’s career in beer & brewing
(15:56) - Cal's approach to entering beers in a competition
(16:38) - The inspiration behind brewing an American Amber Lager
(17:52) - Flavor profile
(20:05) - Recipe formulation
(39:02) - Rapid fire questions
(42:09) - Closing thoughts
Follow Cal's journey on Instagram @yallawac
To know more about Windmills Craftworks, make sure to follow the links below:
Windmills India -
Windmills USA -
If you're finding value in our content, subscribe to our podcast, and show us some love by sharing it on your social platforms. Follow us on Instagram @thebeersavages @abierguy and @thebeersnifter.
For any queries, write to us at beersavages@gmail.com.
Cheers!
If you've ever tried a Rauchbier, you know what we're talking about. It's the strong whiff of smoke that often gives us an impression of smoked bacon, and many other things.
Where does the smoke come from? Is it made with an infusion of smoked bacon? Come, let's find out in this episode!
If you love our podcast, please like, share, and subscribe. We appreciate your support. Also, follow us on Instagram @thebeersavages @abierguy and @thebeersnifter
Cheers!
Hard cider started as an alcoholic staple in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Slowly but steadily, Ciders are starting to heat up in India and around the world. While hard cider is a tasty alcoholic beverage, we think there are too many significant differences between cider and beer.
In this episode, we sit down and chat with a very special group of people from Siqera Cidery (Amit Berwal, Amar Shrivastava & Rishi Dhawan) who give us a lowdown on their journey so far and in-cider access to their facility as we pop open their full range of Ciders.
Sit back, relax and grab a cider!
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Timestamps
(1:00) - Siqera Team Introduction
(2:04) - What Is A Cider?
(8:17) - Classification Of Ciders
(9:33) - The Siqera Story
(16:48) - Apple Cider Is Not Apple Cider Vinegar!!!
(18:12) - Are There Any Guidelines For Ciders?
(21:52) - Future Of Siqera
(25:48) - Idea Behind The Conceptual Design & Branding Of Siqera
(29:46) - What Ciders Does Siqera Offer?
(32:46) - Closing Thoughts
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To know more about Siqera Cidery, checkout their website: https://www.siqera.com/home
Follow Siqera on Instagram: @siqera
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Who doesn't love to watch a beer cascade as it is dispensed from a nitro faucet? That cascading effect results in a thick, long-lasting, whipped cream-like foam on top of a beer - ain't that a visual treat?
Besides the appearance, can nitrogen benefit any other aspects of beer sensory? Come, let's find out in this episode!
If you love our podcast, please like, share, and subscribe. We appreciate your support. Also, follow us on Instagram @thebeersavages @abierguy and @thebeersnifter
Cheers!
Advanced Cicerone® is the third level of certification. It requires distinctive expertise in beer, strong sensory skills, and mastery of flavor vocabulary for both technical and consumer audiences.
In this episode, Anudeep, India’s only Advanced Cicerone®, walks us through his exam experience from a bird’s eye perspective. Let’s get started!
Timestamps:
(00:45) - A quick recap on Anudeep’s AC journey
(02:42) - Written exam format
(03:26) - Tasting & oral exam format
(07:20) - Challenges in the exam
(11:11) - Reality of passing the exam
(13:50) - How will Anudeep impact the beer world with his AC title?
(17:13) - Closing thoughts
Links:
Link for ‘Road To Cicerone’ episode: Ep. 7 - Road To Cicerone - The Beer Savages
Link to Cicerone’s website: www.cicerone.org
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Smoked beers have been in existence for a long long time. Way before the invention of drum roaster. Back in the day, brewers used to smoke the malts on an open fire to add more color and complexity. This in turn, imparted the smoky flavor as well.
In this episode, we sit down with a very special guest who has been a pioneer for the Indian craft brewing industry since its inception. His contribution has been immense in beer production and brewery operations.
Meet Oliver Schauf, the co-founder of Doolally Craft Beers, which is one of the first microbreweries in India and Oi Brewing Co., which is one of his latest breweries.
So grab a beer (preferably a smoky one), sit back, relax and enjoy as we discuss all about smoked beers. Be it history, malt smoker or recipe building, we’ve covered it all.
Let’s smoke things up now, shall we?
*Timestamps*
(00:00) - Intro
(02:30) - What to look for in a smoked beer
(03:36) - History of smoked beers
(05:20) - How do you say ‘Rauchbier’?
(06:07) - Smoking process
(16:29) - Building a grist for Rauchbier
(27:15) - The Mash Schedule
(29:50) - Hops
(30:23) - Target ABV
(31:30) - Recommended yeast
(33:15) - Pitching rate
(33:53) - Fermentation temperature range
(34:31) - Maturation time
(37:34) - Water profile
If you love our podcast, please like, share and subscribe. We appreciate your support. Also, follow us on Instagram @thebeersavages @abierguy and @thebeersnifter
Have you tried to brew your own beer? The best beer you’ll ever have might just be the one you make yourself.
In this episode, Abhinav and Anudeep go pro and discuss all about the all grain homebrewing and walk you through each step. Additionally, they also go over the equipment that you need to get started.
Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro
(01:34) - Topic
(02:01) - What is all-grain brewing?
(18:14) - The process
(29:15) - Building a DIY mash tun
(31:28) - The Master Brewer Equipment
(33:19) - All electric brewing equipment
(39:03) - Recipe building
(50:55) - Closing thoughts
Recommended Resources
Brewing Books
The Complete Joy Of Homebrewing
Designing great beers by Ray Daniels
Recipe Calculators
Brewing Supplies
Podcasts
Experimental Brewing
Youtube Channel
Brewing Forums
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Wouldn’t it strike you as tragic, if something like dust, or a spot of dish residue, compromised your beer drinking experience? Or do you like the sight of a glassware that has bubbles clinging on to its inner walls? If you’re like us, we’re pretty sure you wouldn’t want that, would you?
In this episode, Abhinav & Anudeep emphasize on the importance of a beer clean glassware and what are the steps to achieve it. There’s plenty more to the beer drinking experience, so sit back and relax while you listen to this episode.
Timestamps
(00:55) - Defining a beer clean glassware
(02:09) - Why does cleanliness matter? How does it impact beer’s flavor profile?
(04:00) - How to identify a beer clean glass?
(06:58) - How do you achieve a beer clean glassware?
(18:25) - Preparing a glassware for serving
(22:03) - Beer Clean Glass Day by Cicerone
(23:45) - Closing thoughts
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Have you tried to brew your own beer? The best beer you’ll ever have might just be the one you make yourself.
In this episode, Abhinav and Anudeep discuss the basics of homebrewing and walk you through each step. Additionally, they also go over the equipment that you need to get started.
Timestamps
(03:06) - How is a beer made?
(03:55) - How to get started with homebrewing?
(04:59) - Extract brewing – Definition
(05:33) - Extract Recipe Kits
(08:55) - Creating your own recipe with extract
(12:26) - Ingredients for extract brewing
(17:48) - Brewing process for extract batches
(36:35) - Extract brewing with steeping specialty grains
(39:28) - Equipment required for extract brewing
(52:55) - Total investment required for extract brewing
(57:00) - Closing thoughts
Recommended Resources
Brewing Books
The Complete Joy Of Homebrewing
Recipe Calculators
Brewing Supplies
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Beer is diverse and has many flavours depending upon a style. But, did you know that every aspect of beer must be evaluated from grain to glass? If not, they lead into unwanted off-flavours that might ruin the entire drinking experience when they are above a certain threshold.
In this episode, Abhinav & Anudeep go over some of the most common off-flavours in beer.
Timestamps:
(02:20) - Defining off-flavours in beer
(04:52) - DMS
(09:25) - Diacetyl
(15:34) - Acetaldehyde
(19:40) - H2S (Sulfur)
(24:53) - Sour
(29:38) - Oxidation
(35:25) - Lightstruck/Skunky
(40:50) - Metallic
(46:04) - Astringency
Essential Links:
Shorts episode - Drinking a beer from bottle vs. can vs. glass
Scroll to 5:14 in this short episode to know more about 'Skunky/Lightstruck' off-flavour
Follow us on Instagram @thebeersavages @abierguy and @thebeersnifter
In this episode, we discuss the history of Trappist ales and monasteries. We go over the Trappist beers, their heritage and glory. Check it out!
Timestamps:
(00:52) - Definition of Trappist Ales
(05:12) - Trappist Ales vs. Abbey Ales
(06:02) - History & existence of Trappist monasteries
(08:26) - Trappist breweries across the world
(11:16) - Trappist monk in India?
(15:08) - Belgian Single
(18:40) - Belgian Dubbel
(22:20) - Belgian Quad/Dark Strong Ale
(24:04) - Belgian Tripel
(27:31) - Discussing Orval
(35:40) Closing thoughts
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How does one become a Cicerone? What does it take to become a Cicerone? In this episode, our hosts Anudeep, who is a Certified Cicerone and Abhinav, a Certified Beer Server, go over their experiences and shine some light on the road to Cicerone.
Timestamps:
(00:56) - What is Cicerone?
(06:36) - Level 1: Certified Beer Server
(10:20) - Cicerone Courses offered by Beer Sommeliers
(12:38) - Abhinav’s level 1 experience
(16:51) - Level 2: Certified Cicerone
(21:40) - Anudeep’s level 2 experience
(25:39) - Preparing for Certified Cicerone’s Demo
(30:03) - Level 3: Advanced Cicerone
(40:02) - Level 4: Master Cicerone
Additional resources:
Cicerone recommended resources (overall)
Certified Beer Server course by Cicerone: BeerSavvy® Online
Certified Cicerone recommended resources: https://www.cicerone.org/sites/default/files/resources/CC_Resources_0.pdf
Advanced Cicerone recommended resources: https://www.cicerone.org/sites/default/files/AC_Resources.pdf
Master Cicerone recommended resources: https://www.cicerone.org/us-en/resources-links?type=All&certification=104&syllabus_s=All
Certified Beer Server Syllabus: https://www.cicerone.org/sites/default/files/resources/International_English_CBS_Syllabus_V4.0.pdf
Certified Cicerone Syllabus: https://www.cicerone.org/sites/default/files/resources/US_English_CC_Syllabus_V4.1.pdf
Advanced Cicerone Syllabus: https://www.cicerone.org/sites/default/files/resources/English_AC_Syllabus_V4.1.pdf
Master Cicerone Syllabus: https://www.cicerone.org/sites/default/files/resources/English_MC_Syllabus_V4.1.pdf
Cicerone Certification Program Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CiceroneCertificationProgram
Draught Beer Quality Manual: https://www.brewersassociation.org/educational-publications/draught-beer-quality-manual/
Link to courses:
A Bier Guy courses (Level 1 only)
Rich Higgins (Level 1 & 2)
Chris Cohen (Level 1 & 2)
Natalya Watson (Level 1 & 2)
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In this episode, Abhinav & Anudeep go over some of the common issues that are faced by consumers and what are some of the ideal ways to address it from a management or a brewer's standpoint.
Timestamps:
(00:01:17) - What do consumers want?
(00:06:09) - How do we recommend craft beer to the masses?
(00:15:25) - Defining a good vs. bad beer
(00:20:22) - How to constructively criticise a beer?
(00:28:54) - Defining right/effective ways to approach a problem
(00:34:58) - Should a brewers make beer as per their consumers or as per their own liking and drive the audience?
(00:42:20) - As management/brewer, what’s the ideal way to address consumer’s issues?
(00:48:20) - How to build a long-term relationship with consumers?
When you step in to a liquor store, there are many things to consider before you pick up a can or a bottle of your choice. In this short episode, Anudeep highlights key aspects, do's & don'ts of shopping at a liquor store.
Timestamps:
(01:07) - Reading the beer label
(03:00) - Assessing the freshness
(05:14) - Avoid picking up the bottles that were exposed to sunlight
(06:14) - Beer deals
This week's episode is all about pushing BJCP program into the spotlight. Anudeep, who is a BJCP certified judge, shares some of his insights for potential judges to get started on this path!
Timestamps:
(01:57) - Definition of BJCP
(03:32) - How does one benefit from BJCP certification?
(06:38) - So, where do you start?
(10:17) - BJCP Online Entrance Exam
(19:01) - BJCP Tasting Exam
(42:55) - Summary
Links to additional information:
Part 1 - BJCP Process & Guidelines
Part 2 - Perception & Descriptive Ability
Part 3 - Feedback & Troubleshooting
Part 4 - Beer Judging Exam & Application to Score Sheets
Part 7 - Hops, Boil, Adjuncts & Specialty Ingredients
Part 9 - Conditioning/Packaging
Recommended Books:
How to brew, Homebrewing Guide, Designing Great Beers, Brewing Better Beer, Principles of Brewing Science
In this short episode, Anudeep shares his insights on drinking a beer from the bottle vs. can vs. glass.
Recently, BJCP has released 2021 style guidelines and in this episode, our hosts Abhinav & Anudeep address some of the key changes.
Episode timestamps:
(00:34) - Today’s topic
(01:00) - Abhinav’s take on BJCP guidelines
(02:05) - Anudeep’t take on BJCP guidelines
(03:23) - Do breweries in India adhere to the style guidelines?
(09:05) - 2021 BJCP style guidelines update in a nutshell by Abhinav
(13:29) - Anudeep’s update on new guidelines
Link to the new 2021 style guidelines: https://www.bjcp.org/download/2021_Guidelines_Beer.pdf
In this short episode, Abhinav goes over some of the vital stats of a beer that you commonly come across in a microbrewery or a beer label.
Timestamps
(1:03) - ABV
(1:55) - IBU
(3:00) - SRM
(3:56) - OG & FG
In this episode, Anudeep discusses the science of beer foam and its significance from a sensory standpoint.
