The Brew Times
Bitter & Better: Your Ultimate Guide to IPAs
Ah, IPAs. The beer that makes hop lovers swoon and casual drinkers say, "Whoa, that's bitter!" But don't worry—we're here to break it all down for you in a way that anyone can understand. So, crack open a cold one, and let's dive into the world of India Pale Ale! What Even Is an IPA? Glad you asked. Quite simply, IPA beer is characterized by its high hop content, which leads to a bold, bitter flavor profile. Hops are the defining ingredient in this style, providing bitterness and contributing complex aromas and flavors, ranging from citrus and pine to tropical and floral notes. Back in the 18th century, some clever English brewers realized that loading up beer with hops helped keep it fresh on long journeys to India. Fast forward a few hundred years, and now IPAs are the rockstars of the craft beer world, with more variations than we can count. Let's talk about some of the best ones. Classic IPA Styles English IPA (5.0-7.0% ABV) The OG. This style is about balance—think of it like the polite cousin of the IPA family. It's got a mix of bitterness, malt sweetness, and some herbal, floral notes. It won't punch you in the face with hops, but it'll give you a firm handshake. →Try this out: Long Play IPA American IPA (5.5-7.5% ABV) This is where things get wild. American IPAs take that classic balance and say, "Let's crank up the hops!" These beers are bolder, bitterer, and packed with flavors like citrus and pine. →Try this out: Thunder Bay IPA Modern IPA Variants (Because We Can't Stop Experimenting) Double/Imperial IPA (7.0-10.0% ABV) Double the hops. Double the malt. Double the fun. These bad boys pack a punch, usually hitting 7% ABV or higher. Expect massive hop flavors and aromas, a full body, and a strong malt backbone. →Try this out: Surly Dog IPA Session IPA (3.0-5.0% ABV) Love IPAs but don't want to end up singing karaoke after two beers? Session IPAs are your best friend. They keep all the hoppy goodness but dial down the alcohol, so you can enjoy a few without turning into a hop-fueled party animal. →Try this out: Day After Day IPA New England IPA - 'NEIPA' (6.0-8.0% ABV) The juicy one. NEIPAs are hazy, fruity, and smooth, with a soft mouthfeel and way less bitterness than traditional IPAs. →Try this out: Royal Juice NEIPA West Coast IPA (6.5-8.5% ABV) No haze, no frills—just a crisp, clean, and super hoppy experience. West Coast IPAs bring the pine, citrus, and resin flavors with a dry, bitter finish. →Try this out: Angry Ranger IPA "Juicy and "Hazy"—What's All The Hype About? India Pale Ale has a fairly broad interpretation, with substyles pushing the boundaries of alcohol content. When most people talk about IPAs these days, you’ll probably hear the words juicy and hazy tossed around a lot. These terms have become super popular in the IPA world, but what do they actually mean? Well, it's simple: they’re describing two different ways an IPA can taste and look. Hazy IPA (New England IPA): These go big on "cold side" hops (i.e., added during fermentation) to unleash more aroma and flavor without extra bitterness. You’ll find their fruity hop notes tend to be more tropical and "juicy" than their West Coast counterparts. They’re unfiltered, giving them their signature cloudy look and smooth mouthfeel. Juicy IPA: While often used interchangeably with hazy IPAs, "juicy" refers more to the flavor profile than the appearance. Juicy IPAs burst with tropical and citrus flavors—think mango, pineapple, and passionfruit—without the intense bitterness of traditional IPAs. They can be hazy, but not all hazy IPAs are necessarily juicy. IPA Brewing Techniques Brewing an IPA requires careful attention to hop selection and the timing of hop additions throughout the brewing process. Hops are the key ingredient in defining an IPA's bitterness, flavor, and aroma. The brewing process places a heavy emphasis on hop usage during multiple stages. Bittering Hops (Added early in the boil, 45-60min) - These hops give beer its signature bite. They're like the responsible friend who keeps things balanced. Flavoring Hops (Added in the last 15-20 min) - Want a specific hope taste? These are your go-to. Aroma Hops (Final minutes or after the boil) - These give that hoppy, fragrant goodness. The choice of hops—whether they are piney, citrusy, or tropical, plays a significant role in shaping the overall flavor profile of the beer. How Did IPAs Become So Popular? IPAs didn’t just get popular on their own. Their rise is closely tied to the explosion of the craft beer movement, where craft breweries pushed boundaries, redefined styles, and introduced beer lovers to hop-forward brews. Decades ago, the beer industry was dominated by lighter, milder beer styles. However, as independent American brewers gained traction, they began experimenting with different hop varieties, brewing techniques, and ingredient combinations. The IPA became their canvas—a versatile beer style that allowed for creativity through massive hop additions or hazy textures. As beer enthusiasts sought unique, flavorful alternatives to lighter beers, the demand for IPAs skyrocketed. Perfect IPA Food Pairings Whether you're having dinner at home or stopping by your favorite brewery, here are some go-to options that’ll take your IPA experience to the next level: Spicy Foods - The bitterness of hops in IPAs can cut through the heat of spicy dishes like chicken wings or curry. Hearty Meats - A double IPA is a great match for BBQ ribs or a juicy burger. Cheese Plates - The bitterness of IPAs can be a good counterpoint to the richness and intensity of strong cheeses. Cheers to Your Next IPA Adventure! So, next time you're staring at a beer menu feeling overwhelmed, just remember: more hops usually means more fun. Cheers to the wonderful, wacky world of IPAs! And don't forget to browse all the IPA options and hop additives available at Mr. Beer—your next brewing adventure awaits! The Perfect Brew for Hop Lovers If it's hops you're after, look no further! We're getting ready for the sunny days ahead with our Sun-Kissed Blonde Ale - Hoppy Edition. Brewed now to enjoy later, this crisp golden ale is perfect for warm afternoons on the patio. With a touch of Cascade bitterness and a bold citrus punch from dry-hopped Citra, this brew delivers a hop-forward experience without overwhelming bitterness. It’s all about drinkability—a beer you can sip on and savor without feeling weighed down. Get ready to enjoy the sunshine with a brew that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful!
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Hop To It: Your Guide to Hops and Their Flavors
Hops are the heart and soul of beer, giving it that distinctive aroma, flavor, and bitterness we all love. Whether you're a seasoned homebrewer or just a craft beer enthusiast, understanding hops can deepen your appreciation for every sip. In this article, we'll explore what hops are, popular varieties, and the science (and magic) behind hop additions. And guess what? You can get all your hops right from the Mr. Beer website! Plus, we have recipes crafted by our expert brewmasters featuring all your favorite hops—so you can brew the perfect pint at home. What are hops? Hops are the flowers (or cones) of the Humulus Lupulus plant, and they're basically the life of the beer party. These little green powerhouses contain essential oils and acids that contribute to a beer's bitterness, aroma, and flavor. Without hops, your beer would be flat, sweet, and way less exciting—so let's give them the respect they deserve! Hops help: Keep beer fresher for longer (yep, they're natural preservatives!). Maintain a beer's head retention, enhancing aroma and mouthfeel. Balance the sweetness of malt with bitterness. Infuse beer with a wide range of flavors, from citrusy and tropical to earthy and piney. Popular Hop Varieties and Their Characteristics Let's take a hop-forward journey through some of the most famous varieties—all of which you can find on the Mr. Beer website! Cascade Origin: Developed in the USA and released in 1971, Cascade is a cornerstone of American craft brewing. Characteristics: Known for its versatility, Cascade is used for both bittering and aroma. Flavor Profile: Dominant notes of floral, citrus, and pine, with a signature grapefruit aroma. Common Usage: Widely used in American Pale Ales and IPAs, Cascade imparts a distinctive American hop character. →You might like these brews: Howling Irish Red Ale, Horse's Ass American Pale Ale, Dangerously Hoppy IPA Centennial Origin: Released in 1990, Centennial was named in honor of Washington State's centennial celebration. Characteristics: Often referred to as "Super Cascade," Centennial boasts higher alpha acids (bitterness). It's prized for its dual-purpose capabilities for both bittering and aroma. Flavor Profile: Offers a balanced blend of floral and citrus notes, with less emphasis on grapefruit compared to Cascade. Common Usage: Ideal for Pale Ales and IPAs, Centennial provides a robust hop character with balanced bitterness →Consider these recipes: Slipper Socks Double IPA, Thunder Bay IPA, Phil-Hop-Sophy IPA Citra Origin: A relatively new variety, Citra has quickly become a favorite among brewers for its intense aromatic properties. Characteristics: With high alpha acids, Citra is primarily used for its intense aromatic properties rather than bittering. Flavor Profile: Renowned for its strong citrus aroma, including lime and grapefruit, complemented by topical fruit notes like mango and passionfruit. Common usage: Perdominetely featured in IPAs and Pale Ales, Citra imparts a vibrant, fruity aroma that defines many modern hop-forward beers. →Try these brews: Summertime Shanty, Sun Kissed Blonde Ale, Space Warrior Double IPA Northern Brewer Origin: Developed in England in 1934 for Scottish & Newcastle Breweries. Characteristics: This dual-purpose hop has moderate to high bitterness, contributing to its versatility in brewing. Flavor Profile: Features a unique combination of woody, earthy tones and subtle minty and piney notes. Common Usage: Commonly used in English-style ales, as well as California Common (steam) beers, Northern Brewer provides a distinct, robust hop character. →Explore these recipes: On The Mountain Pop Cream Ale, Shillelagh Stout, Rusky Business Amarillo Origin: Discovered in Washington's Yakima Valley, Amarillo has become a staple in craft brewing. Characteristics: With a mild alpha acid content, Amarilla is valued for both bittering and aromatic purposes. Flavor Profile: Offers a floral, tropical, and citrus-like aroma, often described as sweet orange or tangerine, with some topical fruit nuances. Common Usage: Widely used in American Ales, IPAs, and Pale Ales, Amarillo contributes a bright, citrusy character that enhances hop complexity. →Take a look at these brews: Running With The Dev-Ale, Royal Juice NEIPA, Queensland NEIPA 5 Gallon Time the Hop Additions: When to Toss Those Bad Boys In The magic of hops isn't just in what they bring to the table—it's also when they crash the party. Here's how timing affects your brew: Bittering Hops (Added early in the boil, 45-60min) - These hops give beer its signature bite. They're like the responsible friend who keeps things balanced. Flavoring Hops (Added in the last 15-20 min) - Want a specific hope taste? These are your go-to. Aroma Hops (Final minutes or after the boil) - These give that hoppy, fragrant goodness. Dry Hopping for Aroma If you want to supercharge your beer's aroma without adding bitterness, dry hopping is where it's at. Toss those hops straight into the fermenter after the primary fermentation and let them work their magic. This technique is a must for hop-forward styles like IPAs. The Secret Superpower of Hops: They're Natural Preservatives! Fun Fact: Hops were originally used in beer to prevent spoilage before refrigeration existed. But even after the fridge came along, brewers kept adding them because—let's be honest—beer just tastes better with them! Stock Up on Hops from Mr. Beer! Whether you're after Cascade's citrus burst or Simcoe's piney punch, Mr. Beer has you covered. Check out our selection of high-quality hops and start crafting your perfect brew today! Want to experiment with different hops and find your favorite? We’ve got brewmaster-crafted recipes to help you explore unique flavors and brewing styles—try them out and discover the perfect hop for your next batch! In Celebration of Our Upcoming Brew-Along! In anticipation of our upcoming brew-along and the release of our new Sun-Kissed Blonde Ale - Hoppy Summer Edition, now's the perfect time to experiment with hops! This crisp golden ale is balanced with a touch of Cascade bitterness and a bold citrus punch from dry-hopped Citra—a refreshing companion for those sunny days by the grill. Get ready to brew along with us and experience the magic of hops firsthand!
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The All-American History of Root Beer & How You Can Brew Your Own
Root Beer is a true American classic, rivaling apple pie and baseball in its cultural significance. While many associate it with modern soda fountains, its roots stretch back to the indigenous tribes of North America. Over time, these early concoctions evolved, intertwining with American brewing traditions. While root beer may not be beer in the traditional sense, its origins share the same fermentation processes that gave rise to homebrewed ales and small beers. Today you can embrace this legacy with the Mr. RootBeer Kit, which brings the fun of brewing into your home. A Brew with Deep Roots Before European settlers arrived, indigenous communities brewed herbal infusions featuring ingredients like sarsaparilla and sassafras for their medical benefits. Over time these drinks inspired early American settlers to experiment with small-batch brews that included ginger beer, birch beer, and what would eventually become root beer. These early fermented drinks, often called "small beers," were popular in colonial America due to their relatively low alcohol content and the perception that they were safer to drink than potentially contaminated water. With the rise of 19th-century pharmacists creating medicinal tonics, root beer evolved into a flavorful and widely enjoyed beverage. The Evolution of Root Beer Charles E. Hires, a Philadelphia pharmacist, is credited with bringing root beer to the masses. Inspired by an herbal tea blend he encountered on his honeymoon. Hires developed a special mix of roots, berries, and spices. Initially selling it as "Hires' Root Tea," he later rebranded it as "root beer" to appeal to working-class Americans. Hires introduced his creation at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition, where it quickly gained fans. By 1893, bottles of root beer were being mass-produced and sold across the country. Early versions of root beer were naturally carbonated through fermentation, but as soda production modernized, carbonation was introduced artificially, making it a non-alcoholic drink. In 1960, the FDA banned the use of true sassafras in commercial root beer due to concerns over safrole, a substance found in the root that can increase your risk of cancer. However, modern root beers use artificial sassafras flavoring to maintain its classic taste. Brew Your Own with Mr. RootBeer Just like traditional beer brewing, making root beer at home is a rewarding hands-on experience. The Mr. RootBeer Kit allows you to recreate this classic beverage using natural fermentation, much like early brewers did. The result? A delicious, homemade root beer with rich, creamy flavor, bringing the quintessential taste right to your kitchen. What's Inside the Kit? 2 Packets Root Beer Mix 2 Packets Flavor Crystals 1 Packet Root Beer Yeast 1 Packet No-Rinse Cleanser 4 Plastic 1-liter Bottles (PET) 4 Bottle Caps and Gaskets 1 Plastic Funnel 4 Root Beer Bottle Labels Easy to follow Instructions/Science Fun Why Homebrew Root Beer? Fun for All Ages: Unlike traditional beer brewing, root beer can be enjoyed by the whole family. The Mr. RootBeer Kit makes it easy to introduce your kids to the delicious fun of homebrewing. Quick and Reusable: In just three days, you can brew up two gallons of delicious, homemade root beer! And the best part? Once you’ve finished your first batch, you can keep the fun going with refill kits. Customize Your Flavor: Experiment with different sweeteners and spices to create your own root beer recipe. Experience the Brewing Process: Learn about fermentation, carbonation, and how early brewers crafted beverages. *Brewing Safety Tip* Always use the specially designed bottles and caps provided in the kit. Standard PET or glass bottles can burst due to pressure buildup! Start Brewing Today! Whether you're a homebrewing enthusiast or just love the nostalgic taste of root beer, the Mr. RootBeer Kit makes it easy to create your own fizzy flavorful drink. Dive into the fun of brewing and enjoy a sip of American history!
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From Idea to Glass: How to Design Your Own Homebrew Recipe
Create Your Own Homebrew Recipe: Brew your Dream Beer! Want to take the next step and push your brewing abilities to the next level? Designing your own homebrew recipe is a fun, rewarding adventure—and there's nothing quite like cracking open a cold one that you made yourself. Ready to make your dream beer a reality? Let's dive in! Step 1: Pick your Beer Style First things first: what kind of beer are you in the mood to create? If you're looking to save time, start with a style you're familiar with, maybe one you've brewed before, and tweak it for a new twist. Look through the Mr. Beer refill section to find your perfect base. For some more inspiration, the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) style guidelines are your best friend. They give you a complete rundown from flavor profiles to ingredient tips. But, hey don't be afraid to get creative and break the rules! Step 2: Gather your ingredients Now that you've got your beer style locked down, it's time to think about the essential ingredients that will bring your beer to life. You're going to need the classic four: malt, hops, yeast, and water. But within each of these categories, there's an ocean of options to explore. Luckily, Mr. Beer has you covered from specialty grains to fresh hops, we have everything you need! Malts: This is going to serve as the backbone of your beer. If you're brewing something dark like a porter, then roasted malts with chocolate or coffee flavors are calling your name! Think of malts as the flavor palette that sets the stage for everything else. Hops: These little guys are going to add bitterness, flavor, and that signature aroma that makes beer so irresistible. The hops you choose will depend on your style, for a juicy IPA reach for something like Cascade or Citra for the citrusy notes. Yeast: The magic happens here (no, seriously!). Yeast ferments the sugars in your wort and turns it into alcohol! Different strains will produce different flavors and aromas. Step 3: Put It All Together With your ingredients in hand, it's time to design your recipe. A great place to start is by using a beer recipe calculator that can help you figure out things like your beer's alcohol content (ABV), bitterness level (IBUs), and color (SRM). Don't be afraid of the more technical aspects—it's part of the fun! Almost every Mr. Beer recipe comes to life thanks to the Brewer's Friend Beer Recipe Calculator and the creative genius of our Brewmasters. That's how we craft the delicious recipes you know and love! Step 4: Brew It Up! Now comes the fun part—brewing your beer! As you brew keep your eye on these numbers to make sure your beer turns out just the way you want it! Original Gravity (OG): This is how strong your beer will be before fermentation. Typically, the higher the OG, the higher the alcohol content. Bitterness (IBUs): The bitterness ratio helps you balance your beer's flavor—think of it as the battle between hops and malt. A super hoppy IPA? High bitterness ratio. A smooth, malty stout? Low bitterness ratio. Color (SRM): It's an easy way to match your beer's appearance its style. Keep it simple: if you want light beer, stick to pale malts; if you want something dark, go for the deep toasty ones! Final Gravity (FG): This is the last gravity reading after fermentation, showing how much sugar is left and your final alcohol content. As you start out, final gravity isn’t something to stress over—it’s just good to keep notes! Step 5: Perfect Your Brewing Technique Once you've got your ingredients and recipe dialed in, it's time to focus on technique! Different beer styles call for different methods, so here are a few key ones to consider: Hops: Play with dry hopping, late additions, or bittering hops to get the right aroma and balance. Steeping: Instead of mashing, Mr. Beer uses steeping—a simple way to add rich, grainy flavors to your brew without the extra work. Just soak your grains in hot water (155-160°F) for 30 minutes, like making a strong tea for your beer. Easy, flavorful, and no complicated mash required! Fermentation & Aging: Keep your yeast happy by fermenting at the right temp, and consider aging for smoother results. Brewing is part science, part art—so experiment, have fun, and enjoy the process! Step 6: Taste and Adjust You're almost there! Now that your beer is brewed and fermented, it's time to taste it. Don't be afraid to take notes on what you love and what you might want to tweak next time. The beauty of homebrewing is that it's a continuous process of trial, error, and improvement. If you love how it turned out, you've just crafted your very own beer recipe! If not, hey there's always next time. Final Sip Creating your own beer is a totally rewarding experience, and you don’t have to be a pro to get started. With a little creativity, a few great ingredients, and some good ol’ fashioned trial and error, you’ll soon be sipping on the beer of your dreams. So what are you waiting for? Get brewing, and let your imagination run wild! Cheers to your next homebrew adventure! Looking for All the Homebrewing Ingredients You Need? We’ve got you covered! Mr. Beer offers specialty grains, brewer’s yeast, hops, and malt extract so you can get started brewing your own masterpiece. Check out our full selection of ingredients here, and start making your dream beer today! Remember, there's no rush—brewing should be fun, not stressful! If creating your own recipe feels overwhelming, just kick back and reorder your favorite Mr.Beer refill. It’s easy, delicious, and always a win!
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Top 5 Beer Cocktails to Elevate Your Homebrewing Experience
Homebrewing is more than just making beer; it’s about creativity, experimentation, and discovering new ways to enjoy your craft. Looking to mix things up (literally)? Want to elevate your homebrewing experience? Look no further than Beer Cocktails. A beer cocktail is exactly what it sounds like! A beer mixed with other ingredients. Whether you love bold flavors, refreshing twists, or sweet treats, these five beer cocktails will open up new possibilities for enjoying your homebrews in exciting and unexpected ways. Espresso Stout For coffee lovers, this beer cocktail blends the boldness of espresso with the deep richness of stout, creating a deliciously smooth drink. Ingredients: Homebrewed Stout Cold Espresso Coffee Liqueur Instructions 1.) Pour the cold espresso into a small jug and add the coffee liqueur. Stir well. 2.) Place the mixture in the fridge and chill for 30 minutes. 3.) Pour Stout into a glass and slowly add the chilled espresso mix. Michelada A Michelada is the quintessential beer cocktail that combines spice, citrus, and umami flavors into one refreshing drink. It’s perfect for those who love a classic with a kick. Ingredients: Homebrewed Lager Lime Juice Hot Sauce Worcestershire Sauce Tomato Juice Tajin or salt for the rim Instructions: Rim glass with your choice of seasoning and fill with ice. Add lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato juice. Pour in beer and stir, enjoy with a lime wedge garnish! Shandy Shandies are one of the easiest ways to mix beer and complimentary flavors. You can go classic with lemonade or spice things up with ginger ale, shandies are always a crowd-pleaser. Lemon Shandy: Homebrewed wheat beer Lemonade Ginger Beer Shandy: Homebrewed Pale Ale Ginger Beer Instructions: 1.) Mix equal parts beer and chosen mixer 2.) Stir gently and serve chilled Grapefruit IPA Twist This refreshing and citrusy cocktail brings out the hoppy notes of your homebrewed IPA while adding a hint of botanical complexity. Ingredients: Homebrewed IPA Beer Grapefruit Favorite Gin A few mint leaves Simple syrup (optional) Instructions: 1.) Measure grapefruit juice, gin, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker; drop in a couple of mint leaves. Fill with ice and shale. 2.)Pour cocktail into a glass, add beer, and stir. Beergarita Why choose between a margarita and beer when you can have both? This beer margarita blends crisp Mexican beer with tequila and lime for a zesty, fun drink. Ingredients: Homebrewed Lager Tequila Lime Juice Orange Liqueur Instructions: 1.) Add tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur in a cockatiel shaker; add ice and shake 2.) Pour beer into a glass and add your cocktail; mix and enjoy! Want to Build your Own Beer Cocktail Recipe? As a homebrewer, your knowledge or beer styles, flavors, and ingredients gives you an advantage of creating well balanced and falvorful cocktails. Before mixing your ingreideints, consider these key principles: Balance Flavors Thoughtfully: Consider hoe the flavors of different spirits, mixers and, additions will interact with your beer. A rich stout enhances the depth of coffee liquer, while a citrusty IPA pairs beautifull with gin. Enhance, Don't Overpower: Mixing beer cocktails is both an art and science. Don't hesitate to test new combinations and discover what works best for your taste. Mind the Dilution: Since beer has a lighter alcochol content than spirits, be careful not to water down its distinct flavors when adding mixers or ice. Respect the Brew: Just as you carefully crafted your beer recipe, approach beer cocktails with the same intentionality. Aim to enhance the beer's natural charecterists rather than overshadow them. Elevate Your Homebrewing and Join the Fun Beer cocktails are just one way to enjoy your homebrews in new and exciting ways. Want to take your brewing skills further? Stay tuned for our upcoming "Brew Along" event and get ready for Cinco De Mayo celebrations—we have exciting suprises in store! In the meantime, stock up on your Mr. Beer essentials and experiment with these beer cocktails for a delicious twist on your homebrews! Don't forget — enjoy 10% off all beer kits
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Enhancing Your Belgian Beers: Making Candi Sugar at Home
What Exactly Is Candi Sugar, And How Does It Benefit My Beer? The process of making candi sugar involves inverting, then caramelizing sugar syrups at high temperatures, which results in a range of colors and flavors. This caramelization process can produce a variety of sugars with different characteristics, allowing brewer to tailor the sugar to their specific beer recipes. Simply put, inverting sugar is the process of breaking down complex sugars, such as sucrose, into simple sugars, such as fructose and glucose. These simple sugars are more efficient for the yeast to ferment since the yeast would normally have to create an enzyme (invertase) to break the sugar down itself, which is just more work for the yeast. This inversion will result in a much cleaner flavor profile than using sugar on its own. Candi sugar is very easy to make from normal cane or beet sugar, which are both sources of sucrose. You will only need 1 other ingredient, and that is a food grade acid of some sort to invert the sugar. Citric acid will work, but “cream of tartar” (potassium bitartrate) is available in just about every grocery store so it may be more accessible to you. The exact method of making real Belgian candi sugar is a closely guarded secret held by the manufacturers, but with the instructions below, you should be able to make something very similar at home, and for a fraction of the cost (it can be expensive stuff to obtain). Cane Sugar and Cream of Tartar The History and Tradition of Candi Sugar “Candi” sugar, also known as Belgian candi sugar, or candi syrup, has a long history in Belgian brewing and is integral to the production of many Belgian beer styles, particularly the stronger ones like Tripels, Dubbels, and Quadrupels. The spelling, “candi sugar” is a variation of “candied sugar”. This also differentiates it from other sugars that may be used in the candy making process. The spelling specifically denotes its association with Belgian brewing practices and traditions. The use of candi sugar dates back centuries in Belgium, and it became particularly popular during the medieval period. Brewers initially used honey as a fermentable sugar source, but as trade routes expanded and other sources became more widely available, candi sugar became a more common ingredient in brewing. Historically, cane sugar and honey were precious commodities in Europe and were quite expensive. Belgian brewers found that using adjunct sugars derived from a cheaper, but plentiful product like beets, could boost the alcohol content of their beers without adding excessive body or sweetness - and at a more affordable cost than using more expensive sugar sources. This was particularly important in regions like Belgium where beer was a staple part of the diet. The addition of candi sugar serves several purposes in Belgian brewing: 1. Color Enhancement: Candi sugar comes in various forms, such as liquid, soft, and rock, and it also comes in various colors, including light, amber, and dark. Brewers use different types of candi sugar to achieve the desired color in their beer. The sugars undergo caramelization during production, contributing to the color of the final product 2. Flavor Enhancement: Candi sugar can impart unique flavors to the beer, depending on its type. Dark candi sugar may add caramel, toffee, or dark fruit notes, while light candi sugar may contribute a more subtle sweetness. 3. Alcohol Boost: Belgian beers are often characterized by higher alcohol content, and candi sugar is an efficient way to increase fermentable sugars without adding excessive body to the beer. The additional sugars boost the alcohol content without significantly increasing the maltiness. 4. Dryness: Some Belgian beer styles, such as Tripels and Strong Golden Ales, benefit from the addition of candi sugar to create a drier finish in the beer. This is because the sugars are highly fermentable and can be easily consumed by yeast. Real Belgian Candi Sugar Making Hard Candi Sugar: SAFETY WARNING: Working with boiling hot sugar can be dangerous and can cause severe burns! It is advised to wear eye protection and heat resistant gloves when handling hot syrups. Adding cold water to hot syrup can result in splash-back so, as with all cooking, please be safe and use the proper protective gear. I’m using 1 lb of sugar for this recipe, but feel free to adjust to your needs. Ingredients: • Cane or beet sugar (both work equally well) • Cream of tartar (citric acid will also work) • Water Tools: • Cooking Pot • Thermometer • Long Spoon • Baking sheet/tray lined with aluminum foil or, preferably parchment paper, which will peel off easier. Process: 1. Add the sugar to your cooking pot and place over medium heat on your stove. 2. Add enough water to dissolve the sugar into a syrup, adding slowly and stirring as you go until it is all dissolved into a syrup. Don’t worry about the exact amount of water added as it will boil off during this process anyway. ½ cup of water to 1lb of sugar is the ratio I use. It will be thick, but once heated, it will eventually thin out as the sugar melts. 3. Once dissolved, you now have what is known as “simple syrup”. Now it’s time to add the acid. 1/8 tsp of cream of tartar per lb of sugar is an acceptable ratio. 4. Raise the boiling temp to just above 260° F, but do NOT let it go above 275° F. Hold this temperature for 20 minutes. During this time, the acid will invert the sucrose into glucose and fructose molecules. Water will slowly boil off during these 20 minutes, which will raise the temperature of the solution. To keep from going above 275° F, add a few tablespoons of water to lower the temperature. BE CAREFUL when doing this as the water can steam and cause splash-back. 5. After 20 minutes, you now have clear candi sugar. If this was your goal, you can skip to step 7. However, if you want a darker candi sugar, continue to the next step. 6. To make a darker candi sugar, simply keep boiling between 260° F and 275° F until you have achieved the desired color. The longer you boil, the darker it will get. Remember to keep adding teaspoons of water if the temperature gets too hot. 7. Raise the temperature to 300° F. In candy making, this is known as a “hard crack” temperature and will solidify the candi sugar into a “rock candy” when it cools. 8. Once at 300° F, carefully pour the syrup into the aluminum/parchment-lined baking sheet/tray and let it sit at room temperature until it hardens, which may take up to an hour or more. 9. Once hardened, you can break it into pieces and store it in an airtight container in a cool place for up to a year. Tip: Lightly coat the pieces in powdered sugar to prevent them from sticking together in storage. Adding water to the sugar Boiling sugar solution at 260° Freshly poured dark candi sugar Finished product Making Candi Syrup: While the steps above will result in a hard candi sugar that can be stored for long periods of time, this form of the sugar can be difficult to dissolve into the wort, taking more time than you may want to spend. For this reason, I am also including instructions on how to preprocess your hard candi sugar ahead of time into an easy-to-use syrup that will dissolve into the wort much faster. Process: 1. Add ½ lb of hard candi sugar to your pot and bring the heat on your stovetop to medium. Don’t add the entire 1 lb you made above, or it may become too messy and can possibly burn. 2. Add ¼ cup of water to the pot and begin stirring until it is fully dissolved. Do not raise the temperature to dissolve the sugar faster. This may cause it to burn. Patience is key here. 3. Once it is fully dissolved, you can add any remaining candi sugar and stir until it is also fully dissolved. 4. If the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of water until you’ve reached the desired consistency. 5. Store the candi syrup in glass jars. If using plastic jars, be sure to cool the syrup first. Store in a dry, cool place, but do NOT refrigerate as this will result in the sugar crystallizing and hardening, making it difficult to use. Keep in mind that candi syrup doesn’t have the long shelf life hard candi sugar has. The syrup will only last for about 30 days before it loses quality via oxidation, and it is also more prone to mold. Commercial syrups can last much longer because they are typically sealed with nitrogen, protecting the sugar. Using Candi Syrup in Mr. Beer refills/recipes: Use 1 cup of syrup for every 2 gallon batch. Use more if you want a higher ABV and dry body. See below for some of our Belgian recipes and recommendations. Candi syrup will enhance any of these recipes. Cheers!
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