NPR Fans: "The Science of Brewing" on Talk of the Nation tomorrow 2-3pm EDT

Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum

Help Support Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

tmoney1224

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2007
Messages
246
Reaction score
1
Location
Wichita, KS
Just an FYI to all, on Talk of the Nation tomorrow their subject is going to be The Science of Brewing.

http://www.sciencefriday.com/program/archives/200805162

The Science of Brewing (broadcast Friday, May 16th, 2008)

A hop cone is split apart to reveal lupulin glands, which produce the beta acids present in hops. Photo by Stephen Ausmus.
It's beer that made Milwaukee famous -- and in this hour, live from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ira and guests raise a glass to the science of brewing beer. How do yeast, water, hops and grain combine to form a lager, pilsner, or ale?

The steps in the brewing process seem simple: malting (allowing the barley to partially germinate followed by a roasting process), mashing (heating the grain in water, to convert some of the starches into sugars), and fermentation (converting the sugars into alcohol). But the actual process is quite complicated, requiring tightly-controlled conditions supervised by a master brewer. You need the right temperatures, the right times, and the right ingredients to get that brew to turn out right.

This hour we've rounded up the region's best brewmasters to talk about the science of brewing beer, and learn some tips for making your own home brewed treats. We'll also find out how expert beer tasters judge a good brew. Plus, what is it about Wisconsin that made it a center for brewing? We'll talk with the author of a book on Wisconsin's best brews about the natural resources and cultural heritage that put this state on the beerlover's map. We're visiting as the guests of Wisconsin Public Radio. Find out more at their site. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests
Russ Klisch
President and Founder
Lakefront Brewery
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Lyn Kruger
President and Chief Operating Officer
Siebel Institute of Technology
Chicago, Illinois

Kirby Nelson
Brewmaster
Capital Brewery
Middletown, Wisconsin

David Ryder
Vice-president of Brewing, Research and Quality Assurance.
Miller Brewing Company
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Robin Shepard
Interim Vice Chancellor for University of Wisconsin Extension
Associate Professor, Life Sciences Communication
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Author, "Wisconsin's Best Breweries and Brewpubs," (University of Wisconsin Press, 2001)
Madison, Wisconsin
 
Woot!

That reminds me, I need to write to the head of the local NPR station. They have a daily talk show, and a couple times a year would have the guy from the homebrew shop, the head brewer at the Albany Pump Station, and someone else on as their guests. BUT, apparently Crooked Alan decided that beer drinkers were not WAMC's target demographic (cue boos and hisses). Little does he know that we're bigger snobs - dare I say - EACs - than the fussiest of wine connoisseurs!
 
I'll sure have to listen to that one. Thanks for posting this.

I always thought Basic Brewing Radio is the npr of Brewing ;)

Kai
 
Somebody bump this tomorrow, 'cause I'll forget about it for sure, please...
 
Woot!

That reminds me, I need to write to the head of the local NPR station. They have a daily talk show, and a couple times a year would have the guy from the homebrew shop, the head brewer at the Albany Pump Station, and someone else on as their guests. BUT, apparently Crooked Alan decided that beer drinkers were not WAMC's target demographic (cue boos and hisses). Little does he know that we're bigger snobs - dare I say - EACs - than the fussiest of wine connoisseurs!

You obviously haven't met super fussy wine connoisseurs, when I was living in NJ many moons ago I once had to drive 85 miles each way to deliver one bottle of wine to a casino in Atlantic city so one of their high rollers could enjoy his favorite bottle. Did they tip me for 3 hours round trip and delivery of an $800 bottle of wine, no, they didn't. People tip the delivery guy who brings you a $20 pizza, but the guy who just unloaded $2,000 worth of wine and liquor and set up the bar for your party, no tip for him....
 
My station, WBUR, screwed me up. They had a news segment even when the show was already going on Michigan radio. Thanks for the link Revvy.

But I think it will be rather shallow when it comes to the science of brewing.

Kai
 
I'm impressed at how politically correct this panel's responses are.

With all of these questions relating to BMC beers I don't think that I would have been able to restain myself from getting in at least one slam on BMC. Of course the fact that they're in Milwaukee and that there are folks from the 'M' in BMC on the panel kind of restricts that.

I would have lost it when the host asked why Americans drink their beer so cold.
 
Yes, beer is heated during brewing ..... I'm cracking up.

Kai

Yeah, but remember this is geared towards the person who doesn't know anything about how their beer is made (and if they did they wouldn't be drinking bmc)...It ain't basicbrewing radio that we're listenning to.

For a generic show it ain't bad...I give Ira kudos for doing this. It's a heck of a lot more in depth in some ways than the "Good Eats" brewing episode.
 
they were ripping on a couple of specific people with their beechwood aging and ice beer comments. that was kinda funny.
 
Yes, beer is heated during brewing ..... I'm cracking up.

Kai

Well, if you know nothing except for what Coors tells you, then it may be shocking to hear that.

I quote loosely:
"Coors lite is frost brewed, as low as 34 degrees, aged cold, put into kegs and bottles cold. Why? Because we know you love cold beer."

I literally laugh every time I hear that commercial.
 
It was basically the stuff you get to hear on a tour at BMC. Initially I thought it was 2 hrs and based on other Science Friday show's, which went much deeper into their subject, I expected much more from this show. At least a run-down on now beer is brewed.

So I'm kinda disappointed by this.

Kai
 
Todays Science Friday show they were in Wisconsin talking about different things that have to do with the state. They talked about pollution of the Great Lakes for a while, some other state issues and then did the segment about beer brewing. Unlike in-studio episodes of Science Friday these were round table segments with a live audience.

The lady from Siebel pissed me off the most. She basically kept saying come and pay us and we'll tell you more information. It was pretty worthless for her to be on there.
 
I'm impressed at how politically correct this panel's responses are.

With all of these questions relating to BMC beers I don't think that I would have been able to restain myself from getting in at least one slam on BMC. Of course the fact that they're in Milwaukee and that there are folks from the 'M' in BMC on the panel kind of restricts that.

I would have lost it when the host asked why Americans drink their beer so cold.

I would be surprised if wasn't Politically Correct, being that it was on NPR;)
 
The lady from Siebel pissed me off the most. She basically kept saying come and pay us and we'll tell you more information. It was pretty worthless for her to be on there.

I was annoyed to. She had the attitude of: "If I really start talking about beer, you won't be able to follow me anyway"

Kai
 
I wonder what hops the Miller guy was talking about that cost $500 a lb.
 
I'm listening to this now and Kirby Nelson of Capitol Brewing (EDIT: David Ryder of Miller which makes way more sense, LOL) totally sounds like Christopher Guest as Count Rugen from the Princess Bride.

rugen.jpg


Beautiful isn't it? It took me half a lifetime to invent it. I'm sure you've discovered my deep and abiding interest in pain. Presently I'm writing the definitive work on the subject, so I want you to be totally honest with me on how the machine makes you feel. This being our first try, I'll use the lowest setting.
 
Back
Top