377: Shaun Yasaki of Noble Beast Makes Quirky and Nuanced Lager Work at Pub Scale

377: Shaun Yasaki of Noble Beast Makes Quirky and Nuanced Lager Work at Pub Scale

Author: Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine September 6, 2024 Duration: 1:03:09

After an early stint at Cleveland staple Fat Head’s, and a brief foray into brewery operation with the now-defunct Platform, Shaun Yasaki set out in 2016 to create a brewpub that reflected his interests as a brewer—well-made beers that don’t chase trends but earn repeat business for both flavor and drinkability. To achieve that goal, he designed a 10-barrel brewhouse that could brew any style of beer without compromise, thanks to its dedicated cereal cooker and decoction vessel. Now, with Noble Beast, he squeezes more beer from every batch using high-gravity brewing methods, and the results have garnered notice—two GABF medals for Baltic-style porter Murder Ballads, plus a number of high scores from our blind-judging panel at Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine®.

In this episode, Yasaki discusses:

  • designing a 10-barrel brewhouse with flexibility for cereal mashes, decoction, parti-gyle brewing, and more
  • exploring “weird” mash regimes to optimize flavor and fermentation performance
  • finding space for expression within traditional lager styles
  • maintaining foam-positive proteins through mashing and decoction
  • finding complementary esters in specific lager yeast strains
  • milling and cooking raw rice to create “negative space” in beer for other flavors to fill
  • decocting and cereal mashing IPA
  • using non-diacetyl-producing yeast in IPA fermentation
  • high-gravity brewing on a small pub system

And more.

This episode is brought to you by:

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There’s always more to discover in a glass of beer, whether you’re patiently tending a fermentation in your closet or just appreciate the craft behind a well-made pint. The Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast brings that curiosity to life through weekly conversations with the people who shape the industry. Instead of vague overviews, you’ll hear professional brewers and seasoned experts break down specific techniques, from water chemistry to hop selection, in a way that’s useful for both homebrewers and dedicated enthusiasts. These discussions go beyond simple tips, offering a deeper look at the evolving trends and science that influence how beer is made and enjoyed today. Tuning into this podcast feels like having a seat at a lively taproom table where the talk is always honest, detailed, and genuinely passionate about quality. It’s that blend of practical advice and broader insight that makes each episode a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand-and savor-the art of brewing a little better.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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