Hop, Clip, & Pump

Sour beers are among the most complex and fascinating styles in modern brewing, unlike standard ales and lagers, which rely on clean, controlled fermentation. Sours embrace acidity, wild microbes, and time to create their signature tartness. At their core, sour beers are defined by one thing:  acid production , usually driven by bacteria or wild yeast. But how brewers get there varies widely, from quick, controlled methods to years-long ageing processes. The Science of Sourness To understand sour beer, it helps to begin with what actually creates the sour taste. The defining sharpness comes primarily from lactic acid, which is produced by bacteria such as Lactobacillus , known for giving a clean, yoghurt-like tang, and Pediococcus , which can contribute deeper, sometimes funkier acidity. In more traditional brewing, wild yeast such as Brettanomyces also plays a role, adding earthy, fruity, or even slightly 'wild' characteristics alongside the sourness. This is a fundamen...

Back in the day, when pubs were pubs, loud with laughter and louder with drinkers, there was always a certain kind of customer. The ones who would happily put away ten pints and then, almost as an afterthought, reach for something stronger. A Belgian Tripel perhaps. A measure of Jameson’s. And more often than not, a bottle of Duvel . Not a personal favourite for everyone, but undeniably iconic. Because behind that pale, deceptively strong golden ale lies one of the most respected names in brewing: Duvel Moortgat Brewery . Beyond Beer: The Art of the Glass While many breweries focus solely on what goes into the glass, Duvel Moortgat Brewery has long understood that presentation is part of the ritual. Their glassware is instantly recognisable: the classic tulip shape, wide enough to release aroma, narrow enough to concentrate it. But beyond function, Duvel has built something more, a tradition of collectible, artist-led design. This is where beer crosses into culture. Morrison ...

At first glance, the term ' nano brewery'  might sound like something lifted from a low-budget sci-fi film or a cutting-edge physics lab. But in reality, it represents one of the most exciting developments in the modern craft beer scene. Nano breweries are the latest evolution in independent brewing, and they’re quietly positioning themselves as a force to be reckoned with. What Exactly Is a Nano Brewery? Simply put, nano breweries are extremely small-scale brewing operations,   often no more than an individual or small household brewing beer, sometimes quite literally in a garage. Technically, they sit below microbreweries in size. According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) , a nano-scale operation may produce around 100–200 gallons per year , depending on household size. In other words, these are truly nano in both name and nature. But while they may be small in output, they are anything but small in ambition. Why Should You Care? Because nano ...

For anyone passionate about home brewing, there’s now even more reason to get the kettle on. Brew It Yourself has introduced a new customer loyalty scheme , rewarding brewers for doing what they already love, making great beer. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your latest recipe, this scheme adds a welcome incentive. And who knows, your next batch might just be an award winner. How the Loyalty Scheme Works The idea is simple,  the more you brew, the more you save . You’re automatically enrolled,   no registration required Points are added to your account every time you place an order You can check your balance anytime by logging into your account Each loyalty point is worth 1p , and once you reach 500 points (£5) or more, you can convert them into a discount code to use on future purchases. At checkout, you’ll see a ' Customer Loyalty Points'  section where you can generate your code. You don’t have to spend them straight away either, points c...

This wonderful libation has been quenching the masses for centuries, and yet most of us admit to knowing very little about the brewing process. Well, if a visit to a brewery is not in your near future, this article will at least get you on your way to knowing more about one of North America’s favourite beverages. There are two main families of Beer: Ales and Lagers Ale is top fermented and requires much less conditioning time than lager. Ales are generally brewed at higher temperatures (between 15 - 24 °C or 60 - 75 °F) at these temperatures, the yeast will produce a significant amount of esters and aromatic flavours in the ale. This will tend to give Ales 'fruity' or floral compounds. Ales tend to be slightly sweeter than Lagers. Some Styles of Ales include but are not limited to Stout, Barley Wine, Best Bitter and Albier. Lagers are Bottom fermented and require much more conditioning time than Ales. Lagers are the most commonly consumed of the two families. Lager undergoes ...