The Beer Taster’s Notebook

Jonathan Thompson
  • 5.0 (5)
  • FOOD

The podcast specifically dedicated to learning about beer. Join Advanced Cicerone® Jonathan Thompson on deep dives into everything beer. From sensory to biochemistry, this is the podcast for all students of beer and brewing.

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 22: Meet the Yeasts

    A preliminary dive in to yeast. Jonathan tries to keep it on the rails, and mostly succeeds. A basic introduction to the yeasts we use in brewing, their differences, and characteristics.  Support the show

    16 min

  2. APR 24

    Episode 21: Cellular Respiration and Fermentation

    A preliminary dive into cellular respiration and fermentation.  A look at glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, the electron transport chain, and fermentation. Fundamental to understanding how yeast does what it does and why.    Support the show

    17 min

  3. APR 17

    Episode 20: Hop Aroma

    Dive into the crazy world of hop aroma. From monoterpenes to terpenoids to thiols we look at the hydrocarbon fractions and their derivatives that drive all those wonderful aromas.  Support the show

    16 min

  4. APR 10

    Episode 19: Hops and Bitterness

    All about alpha and beta acids. What they are, why they are, and why we love them.   Support the show

    14 min

  5. APR 2

    Episode 18: Hops... Part `1

    An introduction to hops.  Covering basic anatomy, agriculture and usage, this episode serves as a foundation for the deeper dives in the subsequent episodes. Strap in and get your bitter on!  Support the show

    22 min

  6. MAR 28

    Episode 17: Whirlpooling and Cooling

    Out of the boil kettle and into the whirlpool.  We explore the mechanics and importance of both the whirlpool and the cooling of wort prior to yeast pitch.  We look at the potential issues with oxygen pick up and off flavour development as well as the potential for infection.   Support the show

    15 min

  7. MAR 18

    Episode 16: The Boil

    Jump into the boil kettle and learn about what happens during that hot hot hot 60-90 minutes.  Why we boil, how we boil and what to expect.  Join Advanced Cicerone Jonathan Thompson as we continue to dive deep into making, tasting, and appreciating beer.  Support the show

    14 min

  8. FEB 27

    Episode 15: Caramelization and Maillard

    Confused about caramelization and Maillard?  We explore how they work, what the differences are, and what's what in the world of browning.  Support the show

    8 min
See All (22)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The podcast specifically dedicated to learning about beer. Join Advanced Cicerone® Jonathan Thompson on deep dives into everything beer. From sensory to biochemistry, this is the podcast for all students of beer and brewing.

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Thompson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Beer Taster’s Notebook
  • Show Website
    The Beer Taster’s Notebook