Smoky Mountain Homebrew

Cody Brown, a self-proclaimed beer enthusiast, shares how his journey into the craft beer world began. From humble beginnings, he recalls his first sip of Budweiser, which eventually led him to explore the vibrant universe of craft beers.https://www.instagram.com/codys.beer.adventures/-------------------------------------------Smoky Mountain Homebrew Links SUBSCRIBE: / @smokymountainhomebrewSign up: smokymountainhomebrew.beehiiv.comListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeremy-lincoln-show/id1853010507Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bLkPSvvBgIKYAOA3hlylAFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokymountainhomebrew/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smokeymountainbrewingFollow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583833223126 Follow on X: https://x.com/smkmnthomebrewSupport the Show: Pateron: https://www.patreon.com/cw/smokymountainhomebrewBuy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jeremylincpMerch:https://smoky-mountain-homebrew-shop.fourthwall.com/Recipes from Homebrewershttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b65jXOFevFO4JRUq0TyxU7gmFpTrXcvy?usp=sharingChapters00:00 Introduction to Beer Enthusiasm02:57 Craft Beer Awakening05:51 Exploring Beer Styles08:50 The Journey to Homebrewing12:02 Challenges and Insights in Brewing15:05 The Role of a Diesel Shop Manager18:09 Future Brewing Aspirations25:03 The Journey of Home Brewing28:33 Experimenting with Hard Ciders30:14 The Pinter Experience35:19 Exploring Belgian Beers42:13 The History of Brewing48:25 Myths of Home Brewing

Jordan Westengaard, a chemist and quality assurance manager at Ward Laboratories who works with brewing-water testing. They explain how water chemistry shapes beer, why generic municipal reports can mislead brewers, and how to avoid common mistakes with mineral additions, disinfectants, metals, and mash pH. Homebrewing host Jeremy Lincoln and Ward Labs water expert Jordan Westengaard continue their conversation on practical brewing water chemistry, pH measurement, mineral additions, and emerging lab technology. Jordan explains how consistent testing and thoughtful water blending can improve beer without overcomplicating the process, then shares what he enjoys brewing and drinking.-------------------------------------------Smoky Mountain Homebrew Links SUBSCRIBE: / @smokymountainhomebrewSign up: smokymountainhomebrew.beehiiv.comListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeremy-lincoln-show/id1853010507Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bLkPSvvBgIKYAOA3hlylAFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokymountainhomebrew/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smokeymountainbrewingFollow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583833223126 Follow on X: https://x.com/smkmnthomebrewSupport the Show: Pateron: https://www.patreon.com/cw/smokymountainhomebrewBuy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jeremylincpMerch:https://smoky-mountain-homebrew-shop.fourthwall.com/Recipes from Homebrewershttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b65jXOFevFO4JRUq0TyxU7gmFpTrXcvy?usp=sharingChapters00:00 Meet Jordan Westengaard and Ward Laboratories03:20 How a brewer’s sample grew into lab test kits06:25 Why soft water helps Pilsners10:38 IPA water: sulfate, chloride, and the five-to-one rule17:31 Common water-treatment mistakes: sodium and weak ratios20:05 Why city water profiles can mislead brewers24:15 Chlorine, chloramine, and the wet-bandage off-flavor26:29 How plumbing and low-mineral water affect metals31:11 What municipal water reports leave out35:02 Mash pH, logarithmic changes, and meter calibration38:32 When to measure mash pH and why repeatability matters41:01 pH strips versus a calibrated meter42:35 Calcium’s role in mash pH44:01 Magnesium, sulfate, and mineral-driven flavor48:06 Mid-IR spectroscopy: a Star Trek-style lab instrument53:17 Why precise ABV testing could matter to breweries54:39 The water-chemistry myth Jordan wants to bust56:36 RO systems, filter maintenance, and blending tap water01:00:08 East Coast IPAs, sour beer, and golf talk01:04:09 Jordan’s next brew: chocolate peanut butter stout01:10:15 Ward Labs water testing kits and turnaround time

Christopher Akocs shares his journey from building a custom Herms system to winning the 2025 American Homebrewers Association National Homebrew Competition with his strong ale. He discusses his brewing philosophy, DIY projects, and tips for entering competitions. In this episode, Christopher Akocs shares his extensive homebrewing experience, insights on beer competitions, and tips for aspiring brewers. Jeremy Lincoln explores the nuances of brewing, tasting, and the importance of patience in the craft.-------------------------------------------Smoky Mountain Homebrew Links SUBSCRIBE: / @smokymountainhomebrewSign up: smokymountainhomebrew.beehiiv.comListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeremy-lincoln-show/id1853010507Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bLkPSvvBgIKYAOA3hlylAFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokymountainhomebrew/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smokeymountainbrewingFollow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583833223126 Follow on X: https://x.com/smkmnthomebrewSupport the Show: Pateron: https://www.patreon.com/cw/smokymountainhomebrewBuy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jeremylincpMerch:https://smoky-mountain-homebrew-shop.fourthwall.com/Recipes from Homebrewershttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b65jXOFevFO4JRUq0TyxU7gmFpTrXcvy?usp=sharing Chapters00:00 Introduction to Christopher Akocs and his brewing background02:07 The story behind the name Calculated Risk Brewery02:58 Christopher shares insights on beer tasting and categorization04:03 Christopher's DIY Herms system and brewing setup06:51 The role of feedback and blind taste tests in brewing09:03 Winning the 2025 AHA National Homebrew Competition12:03 Brewing philosophy: meticulousness vs. experimentation12:16 Experiences with beer competitions and category placements18:00 The importance of descriptive versus vague entries in competitions20:04 Tips for new homebrewers entering competitions22:11 Lessons learned from brewing failures and patience in the process27:54 The impact of palate fatigue and how to manage it30:01 Common brewing challenges and how to overcome them32:57 Trends in craft beer and styles to watch for37:55 Advice for new brewers and common myths about brewing40:08 The importance of category placement and scoring42:53 The significance of patience and long-term aging in brewing48:00 Tools and techniques for improving brewing consistency49:56 Building community and sharing brewing experiences53:05 Future plans and upcoming brewing projects59:58 Future plans and advice for aspiring homebrewers

Rahshal from the Lady Fermenter shares her journey into homebrewing, her unique culinary approach to brewing, and insights into experimenting with flavors, styles, and techniques. Discover practical tips and inspiring stories for both beginners and seasoned brewers. In this episode, Lady Fermenter shares her insights on homebrewing, fermentation techniques, and the importance of experimentation and understanding ingredients. She discusses her approach to brewing, judging, and how to enjoy the hobby without overcomplicating it.Lady Fermenter Channel ⁨@ladyfermenter-ThanksAPint⁩ -------------------------------------------Smoky Mountain Homebrew Links SUBSCRIBE: / @smokymountainhomebrewSign up: smokymountainhomebrew.beehiiv.comListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeremy-lincoln-show/id1853010507Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bLkPSvvBgIKYAOA3hlylAFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokymountainhomebrew/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smokeymountainbrewingFollow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583833223126 Follow on X: https://x.com/smkmnthomebrewSupport the Show: Pateron: https://www.patreon.com/cw/smokymountainhomebrewBuy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jeremylincpMerch:https://smoky-mountain-homebrew-shop.fourthwall.com/Recipes from Homebrewershttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b65jXOFevFO4JRUq0TyxU7gmFpTrXcvy?usp=sharing-------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Introduction to Rahshal and her brewing background02:02 Rahshal's journey from cider to wine and beer04:01 Her culinary approach to brewing and flavor focus07:01 Experimenting with hop flavors and recipes09:57 Her experience with brewing competitions and awards14:07 Simplifying brewing processes and avoiding overcomplication17:01 Using neutral beers for hop flavor testing19:48 Her methods for experimenting with hop combinations22:59 The importance of keeping it simple and trusting your palate26:59 Debunking brewing dogma and traditional techniques30:06 Her insights on water chemistry and fermentation techniques42:21 The story of arresting fermentation and yeast management43:18 Experimenting with spices and flavors in brewing45:23 Back sweetening and flavor enhancement techniques46:41 Making mead and experimenting with ingredients47:35 The value of a service-oriented brewing channel48:47 Tinkering with cider and fruit flavors50:12 Brewing as a hobby and community involvement52:39 Lagering, style accuracy, and brewing techniques54:26 Cost considerations and commercial brewing insights55:45 Breaking rules and experimenting in brewing58:03 Yeast management and diacetyl testing01:00:06 Ingredient choices and flavor profiles01:02:02 Brewing competitions and style adherence01:04:55 Simplifying brewing for busy schedules01:07:36 Judging beer and understanding off flavors01:13:49 Common off flavors in mead, cider, and beer01:19:27 Sharing feedback and community involvement01:23:37 Where to find Lady Fermenter online and future plans

Cal Larson shares his expertise on white oak, innovative extraction techniques, and how soluble oak can revolutionize brewing. Discover how his background in forestry and science is shaping a new frontier in craft beverages.-------------------------------------------Smoky Mountain Homebrew Links SUBSCRIBE: / @smokymountainhomebrewSign up: smokymountainhomebrew.beehiiv.comListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeremy-lincoln-show/id1853010507Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bLkPSvvBgIKYAOA3hlylAFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokymountainhomebrew/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smokeymountainbrewingFollow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583833223126 Follow on X: https://x.com/smkmnthomebrewSupport the Show: Pateron: https://www.patreon.com/cw/smokymountainhomebrewBuy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jeremylincpMerch:https://smoky-mountain-homebrew-shop.fourthwall.com/Recipes from Homebrewershttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b65jXOFevFO4JRUq0TyxU7gmFpTrXcvy?usp=sharingChapters00:00 Introduction to Cal Larson and his background01:56 Father-son homebrewing and its significance04:10 Cal's experience in white oak market and sales06:02 Experimenting with oak in homebrewing08:06 Discovery of soluble oak and its rapid extraction10:08 Flavor profiles from American and French oak11:47 Science of oak compounds and extraction challenges13:50 Environmental impact and waste in barrel production15:59 Consistency and sourcing of oak for brewing18:05 Heat sensitivity of oak compounds and extraction methods20:05 Potential applications of soluble oak in beer and spirits22:04 Nuanced flavors and post-fermentation adjustments24:03 Future trends in craft brewing and oak usage