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Author Topic: blending beers  (Read 2232 times)

Offline pinnah

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blending beers
« on: March 17, 2013, 08:16:31 am »
At the tap.   Is this possible? 

Anyone know if there are breweries blending beers on purpose?


Offline nateo

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Re: blending beers
« Reply #1 on: March 17, 2013, 08:45:54 am »
It's pretty easy to blend liquids. Like, fill the glass halfway with one, then fill it the rest of the way with the other.

The only place I've had that done was at the Rockslide (which you probably know), and the bartender did that to compensate for flaws in the beers.
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Offline pinnah

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Re: blending beers
« Reply #2 on: March 17, 2013, 08:57:21 am »
It's pretty easy to blend liquids. Like, fill the glass halfway with one, then fill it the rest of the way with the other.

The only place I've had that done was at the Rockslide (which you probably know), and the bartender did that to compensate for flaws in the beers.

 ;D, funny stuff.  That place could definitely use some creative bar tending.


I am thinking about blending prior to the bar stool, so your concoction comes out of the tap.
Like, as a brewer, you actually thought about the blend, calculated ratios, carbonation levels, etc.

Offline majorvices

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blending beers
« Reply #3 on: March 17, 2013, 09:04:02 am »
Blending is an art unto itself, one I am completely incompetent about thus far. We recently hired a guy with an enology degree and I am hoping to learn some blending techniques from him.

Offline hopfenundmalz

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Re: blending beers
« Reply #4 on: March 17, 2013, 09:29:45 am »
Firestone Walker blends their beers for one of the anniverasy beers. Matt Brynildson talked about blending in one of his NHC talks, and you can find that talk on the NHC page.

Bells blends Expedition Stout and Double Cream Stout, then barrel ages that to make Black Note.

DFH Burton Baton is a blend of 2 beers. Newcastle Brown is said to be a blend.

Many more examples out there.

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Offline pinnah

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Re: blending beers
« Reply #5 on: March 18, 2013, 08:10:08 am »
Interesting Jeff.  I will look for that talk.

Major...what ideas do you have for potential blending?  No worries if you do not want to give out your secret strategy. ;)

I have been thinking about the possibilities of an "American Radler".  Perhaps a pale or American wheat mixed with 'homemade lemon-lime soda'?  You know, a nice spring spritzer for the masses? mmmm, the Yellowhammer Shandy! 8)

Offline factory

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Re: blending beers
« Reply #6 on: March 18, 2013, 08:55:02 am »
I have been thinking about the possibilities of an "American Radler".  Perhaps a pale or American wheat mixed with 'homemade lemon-lime soda'?  You know, a nice spring spritzer for the masses? mmmm, the Yellowhammer Shandy! 8)

I was thinking about trying to create a shandy one day myself.  But would have no idea where to begin.

Offline hopfenundmalz

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Re: blending beers
« Reply #7 on: March 18, 2013, 08:56:52 am »
Top of the page.
http://www.ahaconference.org/conference/past-presentations/2007-presentations/

He gives lots of commercial blending examples.
« Last Edit: March 18, 2013, 08:59:27 am by hopfenundmalz »
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Offline kylekohlmorgen

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Re: blending beers
« Reply #8 on: March 18, 2013, 11:23:18 am »
Blending is an art unto itself, one I am completely incompetent about thus far...

I think it takes a lot of practice, just like training your palate for BJCP judging or a Cicerone cert.

I like to blend beers I have on tap in the glass, trying to guess the outcome beforehand. Most of the time the blend isn't something to be desired, but I think going through the process is good practice.

Maybe after doing it for YEARS I'll be able to apply it to entire batches without ruining them.
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