448: West Coast Pils Panel Discussion Live From the Brewers Retreat

448: West Coast Pils Panel Discussion Live From the Brewers Retreat

Author: Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine November 28, 2025 Duration: 56:26

This week’s episode comes from a live panel discussion on West coast pils recorded a few weeks ago at the Craft Beer & Brewing Brewers Retreat in Asheville, North Carolina, and features Khristopher Johnson of Green Bench, Bob Kunz of Highland Park, and Evan Price of Green Cheek. Over the course of the conversation, these three brewers cover a range of topics, including:

  • the impact of lager yeast sulfur production on hops flavor and hops longevity
  • building hops blends that ground with a classic baseline and expand with contemporary flavors and aromas
  • creating structure and body with lower-alpha hops
  • considering "vegetive load" as a means of boosting body
  • blending base malts for different intended finishing gravities
  • the impact of floor-malted barley on tropical hop expression
  • adjusting fermentation to accentuate hop character
  • swapping headspace carbon dioxide to control sulfur
  • using a controlled ramp-up in fermentation temperature to balance ester production with ideal dry hop conditions

And more.

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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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