The Escarpment Labs Podcast

Escarpment Labs
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Welcome to The Escarpment Labs Podcast— a weekly podcast that brings you deeper into the science and strategy behind exceptional fermentation. Hosted by Sales Coordinator Mark Korczynski and CEO Richard Preiss, each episode explores popular topics from Escarpment’s blog and Knowledge Base with fresh insight, research updates, and brewer-focused tips. Whether you're a homebrewer looking to level up or a professional chasing consistency and flavour precision, this show has something for every fermentation nerd. New episodes every Tuesday!

  1. 2D AGO

    Repitching Yeast (Pt 2): The Healthy Fermentation Formula

    You’ve started repitching. Now let’s make it consistent. In Part 2 of our Repitching Series, we move beyond the basics and introduce the core science behind repeatable, high-quality repitching: The Healthy Fermentation Formula. Because pitch rate alone isn’t enough. In this episode, we break down why traditional “cells per mL per degree Plato” thinking is incomplete — and why Cell Health and Wort Stress are just as critical to fermentation success. We cover: The full formula:Healthy Fermentation = (Cells Pitched × Cell Health) ÷ Wort Stress What “Cell Health” really means (and how to observe it without a lab) The three biggest stressors: gravity, nutrient deficiency, and inhibitors Early harvest vs. post-cold-conditioning harvest — and why timing matters Why 2–5 PSI of CO₂ head pressure is non-negotiable during harvest How to upgrade your brink (and why stainless wins long-term) The simplest microscope-free measurement tool: Settled Yeast Volume (SYV) If Part 1 helped you start repitching, this episode helps you stop guessing. Featured in this Episode: To follow along, you can download our 93-page comprehensive guide on Yeast Management & Repitching, here.

    28 min

  2. FEB 10

    Hop Creep Isn't a Myth: Science, Risk, and Real Solutions with Jessica Young

    Hop creep has gone from an academic curiosity to a real, costly problem for brewers — but what’s actually happening inside the tank? In this episode of The Escarpment Labs Podcast, we sit down with Jessica Young, PhD candidate at UC Davis (Food Science, Brewing) and former Cellar, Quality, and Sensory Manager at Bearded Iris Brewing, to break down hop creep straight from the science. In recognition of International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Wednesday, February 11), this episode highlights the vital role women scientists play in advancing brewing knowledge and solving real-world industry challenges. We cover: What hop creep actually is (and what it isn’t) Why it’s showing up more often now How hop variety and hop product type influence risk Whether starch from hops can become soluble in beer How harvest timing may affect enzymatic potential Practical mitigation strategies brewers can use today Why yeast cropping and mid-fermentation dry hopping matter more than you think If you dry hop aggressively, care about stability, or want science-backed answers, this is a must-listen.

    26 min

  3. FEB 3

    Repitching Yeast (Pt 1): How to Start Without a Lab

    As brewers look to cut costs and improve consistency, yeast repitching is one of the highest-ROI process upgrades you can make. In this beginner-focused episode of The Escarpment Labs Podcast, Mark and Richard break down why repitching works — and more importantly, how to start repitching without a lab, microscope, or complicated equipment. We cover the non-negotiable fundamentals: How to choose a healthy “source batch” (freshness matters more than you think) The simplest harvest setup (a sanitized hose + a humble bucket) The single most important step to prevent off-flavours and repitch disasters If you’ve been repitch-curious but unsure where to start, this episode is your green light. Featured in this Episode: Follow along with our "Yeast Management & Repitching Guide" here. We've created this guide to be a comprehensive resource to learn how to repitch the right way — saving money, improving consistency, and keeping your beer quality high.Learn more about our Yeast Quality Control

    29 min

  4. JAN 27

    Cutting Through the Noise: Fermentation Tools That Actually Work

    What should a brewer do when seltzers keep going sideways—or when they just want a reliable, no-drama house ale? In this episode of The Escarpment Labs Podcast, Mark and Richard cut through the noise to talk about the products and technical resources from Escarpment Labs that actually solve real process problems. We break down how new releases like LalBrew® House Ale, Pink Boots Yeast, Seltzer Lightning, and our Non-Alcoholic Strain (LSB8001) are designed to make brewing more predictable, more consistent, and less stressful—without sacrificing flavour. We also dive into our newest Yeast Nutrition & Repitching Guides, sharing the two non-negotiable checks every brewer should be making, and preview what’s coming next in our Experimental Strain Program. If you’re tired of firefighting fermentations and ready to make your process easier, this episode is for you.

    25 min

  5. JAN 20

    Brew Year's Resolutions: 5 Ways to Improve Your Fermentation

    What should every brewer’s Brew Year’s Resolution be for 2026? In this episode of The Escarpment Labs Podcast, Mark and Richard talk about what really moves the needle in fermentation: process refinement over novelty. We break down the five most impactful resolutions brewers can make this year—from mastering yeast nutrition and controlling pH, to dialling in pitch rate, oxygen, and strain-specific stress limits. These aren’t flashy changes—but they’re the ones that turn inconsistent beers into reliable, repeatable “clone” batches. If you’re ready to stop chasing fixes and start brewing better beer on purpose, this episode is your new blueprint. Yes, there are quite a number of Star Wars references in this episode. No, we absolutely couldn't help ourselves. Featured In This Episode: ⁠Season 1, Episode 2⁠ | Pitch Perfect: Mastering Yeast Pitch Rates⁠Season 1, Episode 3⁠ | Breathing Life into Yeast: Oxygenation Best Practices for Better Fermentation⁠Yeast Lightning: ⁠Stress less about your zinc levels and your yeast health⁠Milwaukee MW600 PRO Dissolved Oxygen Meter:⁠  It can be used to verify wort dissolved oxygen levels for optimal yeast health.

    29 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    Yeastrodomus Beer Predictions for 2026

    What if the future of beer looks less experimental — but also more thoughtful, more intentional, and more serious — than it has in years? In this special forecasting episode, Mark and Richard channel “Yeastrodomus” to predict the biggest brewing and culture shifts coming in 2026. From beer trends to consumer behaviour to brewing philosophy, we explore why the next wave of craft isn’t about novelty… but about mastery, experience, balance, and brand coherence. We dive into: Why the industry is shifting from constant reinvention to better-over-new How the experience economy’s return will reshape taprooms The rise of fruit beers that aren’t sours (finally!) Why pasteurization is no longer a dirty word in craft The growth of staff-led side brands The visual language of animal beers, celeb beers, and semiotics on shelves The growing movement toward genre-less beer And why English pub vibes and session culture are coming back strong 2026 won’t be boring — but it may be quieter, smarter, and more delicious than the last decade of hype cycles. Let’s look ahead.

    30 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    Naughty and Nice: A Year of Fermentation Wins and Woes

    If we graded the fermentation decisions made across hundreds of breweries this year… what would land on the nice list, and what would definitely land on the naughty list? In this special year-end episode, Mark and Richard look back at 2025 through the lens of customer troubleshooting data, industry trends, lab insights, and Escarpment’s own milestones — from our 10th anniversary and new product launches to global podcast stats and community wins. We break down the practices that led to the cleanest, most consistent beer of the year… and the shortcuts that consistently caused sulfur, haze, stalls, and headaches. From oxygen management and yeast health to propagation pitfalls and pH discipline, this episode is both a celebration and a reality check for brewers heading into 2026. Whether you’re looking to tighten up your fundamentals or avoid the “naughty list” entirely, this episode will help set you up for a more stable, more successful brewing year ahead. Featured in this Episode: Check out our episode, "Breathing Life into Yeast: Oxygenation Best Practices for Better Fermentation"Learn more information about our Yeast Nutrients: Yeast Lightning and Seltzer Lightning.Learn more about our exclusive strain Superlager, and check out others in our Exclusive collection.

    50 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    Troubleshooting Sulfur in Lagers

    Why do some lagers smell like rotten eggs, cooked corn, or burnt matches — and how do you actually fix it? In this episode, Mark and Richard walk through one of the most misunderstood (and most feared) parts of lager brewing: sulfur compounds. Using key insights from Nate’s recent video Advanced Lager Techniques: Navigating Sulfur in Lager, we explore: The difference between “good sulfur” and sulfur faults The five major sulfur compounds found in beer Why yeast makes sulfur in the first place How to diagnose sulfur by aroma (your nose is your best instrument!) Process levers — oxygenation, FAN, pitch rate, temperature, spunding Cleanup strategies that work (and when it’s too late) Sulfur is a normal part of lager fermentation — the goal isn’t zero sulfur, but controlled sulfur. This episode helps you understand which compounds belong, which don’t, and how to keep your lagers clean, complex, and stable. Featured in this Episode: To view our full lager collection (including Isar Lager, Biergarten Lager, and Premium Pils), click here.

    31 min
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About

Welcome to The Escarpment Labs Podcast— a weekly podcast that brings you deeper into the science and strategy behind exceptional fermentation. Hosted by Sales Coordinator Mark Korczynski and CEO Richard Preiss, each episode explores popular topics from Escarpment’s blog and Knowledge Base with fresh insight, research updates, and brewer-focused tips. Whether you're a homebrewer looking to level up or a professional chasing consistency and flavour precision, this show has something for every fermentation nerd. New episodes every Tuesday!

Information

  • Creator
    Escarpment Labs
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Escarpment Labs
  • Show Website
    The Escarpment Labs Podcast

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