Brew Masters on Discovery w/ Sam Calagione

[Revvy]

Going back to the Chica recipe, (which I am watching now) Sonora Pickard's germinated Chicha looked like Hoegaarden, it was even served in giant Hoegaarden glasses. It had that cloudy lemon yellow look about it. Didn't look un appetizing in the least.

Since they were collected spit samples and testing it for ALpha amalaze, couldn't they just have made a huge, *ahem* "Gob Starter" then ran the corn and the AA starter through a mill to mush and crush the corn and then let it ferment out on it's own, skipping the actually chewing of the 40 pounds of corn? It still would have been made with human saliva, but just not chewed and spit.....

 

[SwampassJ]

Not on Torrent yet. Too bad, I liked watching Monday night. I guess it is now my Tuesday night show.

Both regular and 720p now on the arrrrrg matey site.

 

[Wigglyscuds]

Going back to the Chica recipe, (which I am watching now) Sonora Pickard's germinated Chicha looked like Hoegaarden, it was even served in giant Hoegaarden glasses. It had that cloudy lemon yellow look about it. Didn't look un appetizing in the least.

Since they were collected spit samples and testing it for ALpha amalaze, couldn't they just have made a huge, *ahem* "Gob Starter" then ran the corn and the AA starter through a mill to mush and crush the corn and then let it ferment out on it's own, skipping the actually chewing of the 40 pounds of corn? It still would have been made with human saliva, but just not chewed and spit.....

I tend to think they did the entire chewing/spitting thing in part because it makes a great advertisement/marketing ploy. Not saying that is a bad thing. It is just really interesting to people who have never heard of it. My family thought it was cool and gross at the same time. It really peaked their interests.

The other reason might be because Sam just wanted everyone to chew 40 pounds of corn because he is mad brewer?

Those are the only reasons I can think of.

 

[Revvy]

Pretty cool that they were doing iodine tests on the saliva. And explaining it.

 

[Revvy]

I tend to think they did the entire chewing/spitting thing in part because it makes a great advertisement/marketing ploy. Not saying that is a bad thing. It is just really interesting to people who have never heard of it. My family thought it was cool and gross at the same time. It really peaked their interests.

The other reason might be because Sam just wanted everyone to chew 40 pounds of corn because he is mad brewer?

Those are the only reasons I can think of.

Yeah I know, the whole chew/spit thing has more "cache" but I wonder if just making a huge spit starter really would work?

 

[Wigglyscuds]

Yeah I know, the whole chew/spit thing has more "cache" but I wonder if just making a huge spit starter really would work?

I see. That would be an interesting idea to try. Oddly enough that episode has made me want to make a chicha. If I ever get around to it I'll give it a shot.

 

[coastwx]

I thoroughly enjoyed the episode last night. The trip to Peru was Anthony Bourdainish (one of my favorite shows right now). I love to see how other cultures produce and enjoy alcohol. I grew up a Mormon, so alcohol has always been considered evil, but as I see more of the world, it's a huge part of almost all cultures and history. The show has me interested in trying as many different beers as I can.

 

[Revvy]

I see. That would be an interesting idea to try. Oddly enough that episode has made me want to make a chicha. If I ever get around to it I'll give it a shot.

I've been thinking the same thing.......but probably won't have the cajones to try. I double dog dare you!!!!

Though having a hand made chicha basket to filter wort through might be cool.

 

[Mikethepoolguy]

I'm not impressed. It looks like a 30 minute infomercial for DFH.

 

[Wigglyscuds]

I've been thinking the same thing.......but probably won't have the cajones to try. I double dog dare you!!!!

Though having a hand made chicha basket to filter wort through might be cool.

Okay, it is on! I'll get to it sometime, but it'll be in my mind.

 

[Revvy]

Okay, it is on! I'll get to it sometime, but it'll be in my mind.

I was hoping the power of the double dog dare would have that affect on you. I mean, SOMEONE from here has to make one now.

I may be tempted to try making a spitliess version of it someday. Just using beeno or a commercial Alpha Amalaze product to do the work of the spitting.

As much as I would try DFH's version of it. I don't have the guts to do a spit brew myself.

 

[smmcdermott]

I really liked last nights episode. I really enjoyed hearing more about the start of DFH and how he was only 24 (there's hope for me yet!!). I also agree with another post that I am really liking theird brewers. How they can take a tamarillo and make beer out of it is crazy. I would just never think of that.

I think the chewing in the Chicha episode was to keep it authentic. He even mentioned that they got a lot of crap for not being authentic and this was the most authentic part of it. All in all, it was gross, but cool learning about the history.

 

[jgln]

I'm not impressed. It looks like a 30 minute infomercial for DFH.

After watching my second show last night I can pretty much agree with this. I will still watch it if I can't find anything else on but I won't be waiting each week for it. I just don't really find the show all that interesting, odd because I do like beer and brewing.

 

[Revvy]

So was last night's episode just a repeat of the Chicha one, or was it episode 3?

 

[JorgeIsKing]

So was last night's episode just a repeat of the Chicha one, or was it episode 3?

It was Episode 3. It was about their Pumpkin Beer and a collaborative brew they made with Epic.

 

[kingmatt]

So was last night's episode just a repeat of the Chicha one, or was it episode 3?

I was wondering that myself...I thought Sunday night's Chicha was the newest episode but it sounds like they aired another new episode the next night??

 

[bknifefight]

It seems to have been a new one. I was going to bed at 10 and noticed the light came on indicating my DVR was recording. I checked it this morning and it was a Brewmasters saying it was a new episode. Fast forwarding a bit I didn't recognize any of it so it seems to be new.

 

[slantedbolt]

I am actually watching it now... it is a brand new one...

 

[knelson]

Yes, it looks like they are switching to Monday nights instead of Sunday's. At the end of the show it said the new one would be next Monday with no mention of Sunday.

So far I have enjoyed the show for what it is worth. I'm not sure why people are surprised that its basically a long commercial promoting DFH. I would assume that if Papazian or Palmer were to have a similar show they might try to sell a book or two as well.

I'm a little confused as to who they are targeting with the show. Its tough to target an audience that has a fairly high scientific knowledge or the brewing process while still remaining entertaining for those that have no knowledge of the sort (i.e. craft drinkers that may not brew). But then again, the Discovery Earth series would not be very entertaining if they took a purely scientific approach. We watch them (or I watch them) because of the visual imagery and easy to understand way they are portrayed.

I guess i see it more as Sam's journey and how he got to where he is today. I think last nights show really showed his vision of creating things that have never been created before, as shown by the Emerson quote that is located on the wall in the brewery (shortened to "Off Centered Ales for Off Centered People)

If anything, I must say that the show is much more interesting than a lot of the crap on tv today. It may not be the best reference from a homebrewing standpoint, but it reflects on a hobby that I find fun and interesting so I will watch it.

 

[winstonofbeer]

I wonder how much corn, "if i was going to do it" It would take to do a 5 gal batch.
Downside, Herbs...And i dont think i am going to buy or make a grass woven basket!
Just a little impractical....But wouldnt mind trying a bottle of it...Just to try!
WHy not!, Expand your horizons! What dont kill ya, Supposedly makes ya stronger

 

[wcarter1227]

it seems like they have moved the new episodes to monday nights, i got off work and watched chicha and was pleasently suprised to see a 3rd episode in the dvr. Never heard of a tamarillo but makes you appreciate this hobby even more with all the different things we can add to beer to make them interesting and exciting

 

[AirRageous]

I've watched all three episodes so far and enjoy the show. But I agree that it is pretty much an infomercial for DFH. I would enjoy the show better if Sam would take us to other breweries around the world and show the different ways beer is made and the local beer culture and not just his lame attempt at cloning it.

 

[chapa]

it seems like they have moved the new episodes to monday nights, i got off work and watched chicha and was pleasently suprised to see a 3rd episode in the dvr. Never heard of a tamarillo but makes you appreciate this hobby even more with all the different things we can add to beer to make them interesting and exciting

Nice! I'll have to check out my dvr when I get home! That's exciting!

 

[humann_brewing]

so, I have the last 2 episodes on the DVR to watch still. Are they getting more into the brewing yet or is it still more of a comedy hour with Sam?

 

[iaefebs]

Really? Have you NEVER had a problem on a small scale as a homebrewer? Imagine the crazy things you have to deal with as a commercial brewer. RDWHAHB, I applaud Calagione's efforts, and mistakes aren't a matter of utter carelessness, but a matter of sh*t happening. It happens to everyone.

Yes really, I didn't even include the vat of glue that was spilled and took hours to clean up. I guess spending my work career in Manufacturing makes me less tolerant of these type of preventable mistakes.

 

[bob1852]

so, I have the last 2 episodes on the DVR to watch still. Are they getting more into the brewing yet or is it still more of a comedy hour with Sam?

The third episode got a little more into brewing...

 

[lincoln]

The third episode got a little more into brewing...

there is still the obligatory "Sam is a dumb A$$" Rocky moment, but he is my kind of dumb A##. ie left to my own devices with a (inter?)national platform it would quickly devolve into drunken nut shots......... you like?

 

[DrawTap88]

there is still the obligatory "Sam is a dumb A$$" Rocky moment, but he is my kind of dumb A##. ie left to my own devices with a (inter?)national platform it would quickly devolve into drunken nut shots......... you like?

They already made that...it's called Jack a#!

 

[NuclearRich]

Yes really, I didn't even include the vat of glue that was spilled and took hours to clean up. I guess spending my work career in Manufacturing makes me less tolerant of these type of preventable mistakes.

Well I'd rather work for Sam than you then. I work in medicine, where mistakes are basically completely forbidden. They happen, and the house comes down on you. It sucks, but mistakes get made less. Or... they get covered up better and people live in fear. The people employed at DFH are more likely to have satisfying jobs where they can smile all day. I mean, come on, the kid lab tech who was walking around collecting spit samples and handing out donuts was having a blast. sorta

 

[yellowthere]

My two thoughts are (1) infomercial for DFH like many others have said, and (2) Craft does not = crazy ingredients. The former is just mildly annoying, but tolerable. The later drives me absolutely crazy. Great, millions of people (eventually) will learn their first little info about craft beer on this show and that will be, it's made with lumpy, dirty looking, African honey or spit from a dozen people. Thanks Sam, way to **** on Craft beer in order to sell your show and your gimmicky beer.