You know that we take barbecue seriously here at Border Brewery & BBQ, but we’re pretty serious about beer, too. It’s one of the things that sets us apart from other restaurants in Salem, NH.
There are many steps in the process of brewing beer, and we want to take a closer look at them on our blog. Brewing beer is a fascinating blend of science and art, and it all begins with selecting the finest ingredients. The key players in this aromatic symphony are water, malted barley, hops, and yeast.
In this post, we’re taking a look at the ingredients and how we prepare to brew our beer.
Water
We always start with quality water, as it forms the canvas for our beer. Water chemistry can affect the taste, so sometimes, we have to adjust it to achieve the desired flavor profile. Any potable water is safe to use for brewing beer, but most brewers prefer distilled water as it does not contain any chemicals that could negatively affect the taste of the beer.
Malted Barley
Malt provides the sugars necessary for fermentation. To make malt, barley is soaked, germinated, and then dried in a process known as malting. The type of malt and its roast level contribute to the beer’s color, flavor, and body. Depending on the kind of beer we’re making, we want certain flavors which affect the malt we choose.
Hops
These cone-shaped flowers add bitterness, aroma, and flavor. Hops also act as a natural preservative. The timing of adding hops during the brewing process influences the beer’s bitterness and aroma. Just like with the malt, the beer we are making determines the hops we choose.
Yeast
Yeast is the magical microorganism responsible for fermentation. It consumes the sugars produced during mashing, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. The choice of yeast strain greatly influences the beer’s final taste.
Salem NH Breweries & Restaurants | Border Brewery & BBQ
Once we have all our ingredients, we can begin the brewing process. It involves mashing, lautering, boiling, fermenting, conditioning, and packaging. In our next post, we’ll delve into these steps to unravel the mystery behind crafting the perfect brew. While you eagerly await part two, come visit us for some beer and barbecue!
