Speidel’s Master Brewer
Page 6 of 26
4
Brewing with the Master Brewer
4.1
Introduction
Manufacturing beer with the Master Brewer can be split up into different phases: each
of which is described in detail below. These phases are described generally first of all,
in order to cover the brewing process and all sorts of beer and recipes for them. The
following section gives a definitive example of brewing for the novice brewer, as well
as a special recipe with exact information about quantities, brewing times and
temperature levels. It would be ideal if you could review the individual steps that lead
to the manufactured beverage first of all, before you begin with brewing the beer. It is
recommended to keep a record [e.g., a logbook] of brewing (refer to the record in the
appendix or at
www.speidel-behaelter.de
), so as to ensure that you do not omit any
steps: it will give you a review of your brewing processes retrospectively too. Some
more advice: you should allow a whole day for your first brewing attempt and do the
brewing with another person because that is more enjoyable and one can make good
use of the extra help. You should also bear in mind that brewing beer requires some
experience and one becomes more proficient when progressing from one brewing
process to the other. Do not be disappointed therefore, if the first beer does not meet
your expectations completely. A poem expresses this idea best of all.
“The first beer tastes so awful
that the farmer wets his trousers:
as an example for the others.
The second beer is a mediocre score,
you drink three measures and then pee four.
The third beer is from the core,
men and women drink it gladly for ever more.”
4.2
Preparations
Obtaining the ingredients
Obtain the requisite brewing ingredients in good time (hops, malt and yeast). It is
important that the malt is fresh while doing so. The malt should be used as quickly as
possible after the milling (grinding or crushing of the grains – not too finely). The
quantitative information varies somewhat according to the recipe: whereby the amount
of malt should be about 4-5 kg, whereas the amount of hops should be between 30 g
and 50 g. The hops are usually offered in pressed form as pellets. Dry yeast is
recommended for the fermentation because it is easier to store and it has a longer shelf
life. These ingredients have to be bought in a hobby-brewing shop or via the internet.
A third possibility of procuring the ingredients is from a brewery in your vicinity. Just
have a go at making enquiries!
Cleaning the equipment
The Master Brewer is rinsed out with warm water and the pump is rinsed through by
means of switching it on, before the brewing. The other utensils like beer spindles, a
wooden spoon and fermenting container should be ready for use and they must have
been cleaned too. Refer to the advice in the sections entitled “Advice about hygiene”
and “Cleaning the Master Brewer” for this purpose.
