Annie Johnson

Annie Johnson is an experienced R&D brewer, IT specialist, and national beer judge. Her awards include 2013 American Homebrewer of the Year honors.


Modular Pale Ale: Explore the Split-Batch Multiverse

There is not one pale ale—they are infinite. For example: There are a few classic types that can be assembled from essentially the same wort based on some key choices. Let’s explore the versatility.

No Rests For The Wicked: Wheatwine, Be Mine

Extract brewers can embrace this indulgent wheat show smacking of fresh bread and jammy fruit, while letting the all-grain brewers enjoy their gummy stuck mashes.

Recipe: Annie’s All Winter Wheatwine Long

While their all-grain friends cope with gummy stuck mashes, here’s a recipe that extract brewers can employ for a strong, elegant, aromatically fruit-forward wheatwine.

Recipe: Annie’s Holidaze Wassail

This recipe for a dark, spiced holiday ale is ideal for serving either cool or warmed and mulled, with many more variations possible on fruits and spices.

No Rests for the Wicked: Wassailing Away with Fruit

What the Noël? Hot fruit beers for the holidays? It’s not as weird as it sounds. As the days get cold, Annie Johnson explains how to keep warm by getting punchy.

Recipe: Annie’s Stout on the Half-Shell

Inspired by Rogue Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout, the base here is English-style yet robust, with a taste of the Pacific Northwest. Use fresh oyster shells, when in season, with an eye toward adjusting the type and quantity of shells in future batches.

The World Is Your Oyster Stout

While not for vegetarians, oyster stout has the power to raise eyebrows with its sheer oddity and unlikely compatibility of flavors. The stout base is ideal for brewers with any level of experience—but are you ready to play the shell game?

Recipe: Annie’s Red Planet IPA

Old-school malt layers, New World hop flavors, and that beautiful red-amber color... Love live the red IPA.

No Rests For the Wicked: The Quick & The Red

In this throwback IPA style that recalls the beauty of malt—both visually and in the flavor—you can go with a complex, layered all-grain grist. Or, you can get there quicker (and just as beautifully red) with an intentional approach to extract brewing.

Recipe: Annie’s Rice & Easy Lager

Here’s an elegant homebrew recipe for a super-lean and dry rice lager, ideal for warm summer nights or enjoying with virtually any meal.