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Greg Casey earned a PhD studying brewing yeast and went on to work for several major North American breweries—Anheuser-Busch, Coors, Stroh, and Molson—as well as Carlsberg in Denmark. Yet his post-retirement project of the past decade has been compiling an exhaustive history of lager brewing in America. Here he discusses the creative and technical innovations that marked major turning points in U.S. brewing history.
“If you like beer," Casey says, "there’s no better time in the history of mankind to be living in the United States, right now.”
If anyone’s qualified to make such a statement, it’s Casey, whose account showcases American brewing innovation as well as the interplay throughout that history with parallel brewing cultures and industries in Europe.
In this episode, Casey hits on turning points in American lager-brewing history, outlining the contexts and driving factors in large-scale recipe changes, consumer preferences, ABVs, and more. Along the way, he discusses:
- differences in 1800s beer drinkers in Europe and America
- American brewers’ development of pale beer without chill haze
- the two prominent yeast lineages in American lager brewing
- “flowering times” through American brewing history where beer, in general, became lighter
- early attempts to ban corn and rice via congressional action
- the impact of the pork industry on brewery closures in the 1940s
- the long history of using offbeat ingredients in American beer
And more.
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It’s time to stop worrying about diacetyl with Berkeley Yeast’s line of Fresh™ strains. These revolutionary yeast strains are engineered to produce the ALDC enzyme inside the cell, preventing diacetyl before it forms. That means no more lengthy diacetyl rests—just clean, crisp beer that’s ready for packaging sooner. Whether you’re brewing a classic lager with Fresh Andechs or a hazy IPA with Fresh London, you’ll get ultra-low diacetyl levels and let your beer’s true flavors shine. The team at Fireforge Craft Beer call it a “cheat code” and “game changer” for their hoppy beers. Learn more at berkeleyyeast.com/fresh.
Every beer menu could use a refresh button on the fruit flavors. That‘s why it‘s time to revisit Old Orchard‘s flavored craft juice concentrate blends, where the latest additions include Fruit Punch, Guava, Kiwi, and Pomegranate. We aren‘t stopping there, and we welcome flavor suggestions from the brewing industry. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer.
Indie Hops breeds new hop varieties to help brewers captivate beer lovers. Brewers worldwide trust Indie’s unique varieties—Strata, Lórien, Luminosa, Meridian, and Audacia—to modernize, brighten, and diversify their beer lineup. Indie also offers classics that thrive in Oregon terroir such as Chinook, Crystal, and Sterling. Thoughtfully crafted and selected hops to meet your brewing needs. Visit indiehops.com/podcast to discover what’s new in hop flavors. Indie Hops—Life is short, let’s make it flavorful!
Upgrade your fermentation game with Unitank 2.0 from Ss Brewtech. Featuring a laser-welded cooling jacket for efficient and precise temperature control, an innovative silicone racking arm, and a carbonation stone that allows you to carbonate right in the fermentor, Unitank 2.0 is engineered to help you get the most out of your fermentations! Available from 7-gallon up to 1-barrel sizes, Unitank 2.0 will be right at home in your homebrew set-up or producing pilot batches at your commercial brewery. Visit Ss Brewtech.com to learn more!
Did you know that Isuzu trucks have been the best-selling low-cab-forward trucks in America every year since 1986? That’s right! For more than 38 years, the legendary durability, remarkable performance, and low cost of ownership of Isuzu trucks have made them a favorite for work-truck owners. You may have seen our Ultimate Craft Beer Truck that debuted at the Craft Brewers Conference in 2019, and it has been there every year since. As members of the Brewers Association, we have partnered with breweries, suppliers, and distributors alike to support the craft-beer industry. Whether you are looking for a self-distribution solution or one to deliver supplies, there is an Isuzu truck that will fit your needs. Go to isuzucv.com to check out our impressive lineup or visit an Isuzu dealer today to find out why now, more than ever, Isuzu trucks are the trucks you trust for the work you do!