Podcast Episode 338: Anthony Tallman of Burgeon Packs Big Flavor into Lean West Coast Pale Ales, IPAs, and Pils

So far, Anthony Tallman’s quest to brew the perfect hop-forward session beer has borne two GABF silver medals for Carlsbad Crush. But this San Diego brewer isn’t done experimenting with techniques, ingredients, or timing, as he continues to squeeze big hop flavors into Burgeon’s lean, drinkable beers.

Jamie Bogner Jan 7, 2024 - 6 min read

Podcast Episode 338: Anthony Tallman of Burgeon Packs Big Flavor into Lean West Coast Pale Ales, IPAs, and Pils Primary Image

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Lean is all the rage in hop-forward West Coast–style beers, from pilsner to IPA, and paring beers back to their bare necessities has been a significant focus for Burgeon’s Anthony Tallman. Yet the quest for crisp-and-drinkable doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, and recent experimentation has given Tallman a fresh perspective on the ultra-minimal approach.

In this episode—which is focused especially on Carlsbad Crush, winner of multuple GABF medials in the International-Style Pale Ale category—Tallman discusses what has and has not worked with their clear hop-forward beers, including:

  • the impacts of various pilsner malts on pale ales, IPAs, and lagers
  • shortening and lengthening boil times for certain beers
  • achieving significant measured IBUs in a beer with no hot-side hops
  • inadvertently making a would-be hazy IPA drop clear via knockout dry hopping
  • watering back to lower whirlpool temperatures
  • varying techniques based on the hops in a recipe
  • focusing on hot-side hops for increased package longevity
  • finding balance in lower-ABV West Coast pils

And more.

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You might have heard of Old Orchard, but have you heard of their newest flavors? Berry Blend, Blood Orange, Lemonade, and Tart Cherry are the latest additions to their lineup of flavored craft juice concentrate blends. Old Orchard's R&D team can also formulate custom blends unique to your needs. To learn more and request your free samples, head over to oldorchard.com/brewer.


Streamline efficiency with Omega Yeast’s Diacetyl Knock Out series. The DKO series is comprised of 8 familiar yeast strains engineered to knock out the formation of diacetyl before it starts. The strains you know, now better. Available now for made-to-order pitchables at any volume. Contact Omega Yeast today at omegayeast.com.

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Everyone’s talking about 2024 California Craft Beer Summit, March 12-14 in Sacramento and with their speaker announcements, it’s easy to see why. Kicking off the Summit as the Keynote speaker is ROB TOD, the pioneer who built Allagash Brewing. Alongside him in the opening session is Christopher Shepard, from Beer marketers Insights, with the latest industry insights in craft beer. Check out the full schedule at the website cacraftbeersummit.com.

Jamie Bogner is the cofounder and editorial director of Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine®. Email him at [email protected].

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