Art, whether it’s on the canvas or in a glass, is a minor triumph over chaos. We have the vision, we put the pieces in place, and the results can bring joy to us and others. Many brewers are like chefs, seeing themselves as fermentation artists, not automatons. While big commercial breweries value process and repeatability, their smaller craft competition is often more focused on the creative spark. That’s even truer for homebrewers: our smaller scale and flights of fancy can lead to unpredictable but wonderful beer.
While there is luck, though, serendipity is favored when we limit the improvisation to the beer itself. An ordered approach improves our odds of success. Think of it this way. The chemistry of brewing guides us. We understand the importance of good sanitation practices and the effects of mash temperature, for instance. But with more control over our brewing session, we’re better prepared to deal with the unexpected. That control comes from planning and organization.
Let’s look at some good tools to give you that control.