Smoky Mountain Homebrew

SmokyMountainHomebrew
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Food
  • Weekly

Welcome to the Smoky Mountain Homebrew where homebrewing meets great conversation. I'm Jeremy Lincoln, a passionate homebrewer, DIYer, and storyteller exploring craft beer and the people behind it. Each episode features homebrewing tips, craft beer stories, and interviews with brewers, makers, and enthusiasts chasing their passion. You'll find inspiration here. We cover homebrewing techniques, DIY setups, craft beer culture, recipe experiments, and conversations with local brewers. Pull up a chair, crack a cold one, and join us. New episodes weekly.

  1. 5d ago

    Jordan Westengaard of Ward Labs on Brewing Water Chemistry

    Jordan Westengaard, a chemist and quality assurance manager at Ward Laboratories who works with brewing-water testing. They explain how water chemistry shapes beer, why generic municipal reports can mislead brewers, and how to avoid common mistakes with mineral additions, disinfectants, metals, and mash pH. Homebrewing host Jeremy Lincoln and Ward Labs water expert Jordan Westengaard continue their conversation on practical brewing water chemistry, pH measurement, mineral additions, and emerging lab technology. Jordan explains how consistent testing and thoughtful water blending can improve beer without overcomplicating the process, then shares what he enjoys brewing and drinking.-------------------------------------------Smoky Mountain Homebrew Links SUBSCRIBE: / @smokymountainhomebrewSign up: smokymountainhomebrew.beehiiv.comListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeremy-lincoln-show/id1853010507Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bLkPSvvBgIKYAOA3hlylAFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokymountainhomebrew/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smokeymountainbrewingFollow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583833223126 Follow on X: https://x.com/smkmnthomebrewSupport the Show: Pateron: https://www.patreon.com/cw/smokymountainhomebrewBuy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jeremylincpMerch:https://smoky-mountain-homebrew-shop.fourthwall.com/Recipes from Homebrewershttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b65jXOFevFO4JRUq0TyxU7gmFpTrXcvy?usp=sharingChapters00:00 Meet Jordan Westengaard and Ward Laboratories03:20 How a brewer’s sample grew into lab test kits06:25 Why soft water helps Pilsners10:38 IPA water: sulfate, chloride, and the five-to-one rule17:31 Common water-treatment mistakes: sodium and weak ratios20:05 Why city water profiles can mislead brewers24:15 Chlorine, chloramine, and the wet-bandage off-flavor26:29 How plumbing and low-mineral water affect metals31:11 What municipal water reports leave out35:02 Mash pH, logarithmic changes, and meter calibration38:32 When to measure mash pH and why repeatability matters41:01 pH strips versus a calibrated meter42:35 Calcium’s role in mash pH44:01 Magnesium, sulfate, and mineral-driven flavor48:06 Mid-IR spectroscopy: a Star Trek-style lab instrument53:17 Why precise ABV testing could matter to breweries54:39 The water-chemistry myth Jordan wants to bust56:36 RO systems, filter maintenance, and blending tap water01:00:08 East Coast IPAs, sour beer, and golf talk01:04:09 Jordan’s next brew: chocolate peanut butter stout01:10:15 Ward Labs water testing kits and turnaround time

  2. Oct 19

    Christopher Akocs of Calculated Risk Brewery on Builds, Comps & Strong Ales

    Christopher Akocs shares his journey from building a custom Herms system to winning the 2025 American Homebrewers Association National Homebrew Competition with his strong ale. He discusses his brewing philosophy, DIY projects, and tips for entering competitions. In this episode, Christopher Akocs shares his extensive homebrewing experience, insights on beer competitions, and tips for aspiring brewers. Jeremy Lincoln explores the nuances of brewing, tasting, and the importance of patience in the craft.-------------------------------------------Smoky Mountain Homebrew Links SUBSCRIBE: / @smokymountainhomebrewSign up: smokymountainhomebrew.beehiiv.comListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeremy-lincoln-show/id1853010507Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bLkPSvvBgIKYAOA3hlylAFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokymountainhomebrew/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smokeymountainbrewingFollow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583833223126 Follow on X: https://x.com/smkmnthomebrewSupport the Show: Pateron: https://www.patreon.com/cw/smokymountainhomebrewBuy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jeremylincpMerch:https://smoky-mountain-homebrew-shop.fourthwall.com/Recipes from Homebrewershttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b65jXOFevFO4JRUq0TyxU7gmFpTrXcvy?usp=sharing Chapters00:00 Introduction to Christopher Akocs and his brewing background02:07 The story behind the name Calculated Risk Brewery02:58 Christopher shares insights on beer tasting and categorization04:03 Christopher's DIY Herms system and brewing setup06:51 The role of feedback and blind taste tests in brewing09:03 Winning the 2025 AHA National Homebrew Competition12:03 Brewing philosophy: meticulousness vs. experimentation12:16 Experiences with beer competitions and category placements18:00 The importance of descriptive versus vague entries in competitions20:04 Tips for new homebrewers entering competitions22:11 Lessons learned from brewing failures and patience in the process27:54 The impact of palate fatigue and how to manage it30:01 Common brewing challenges and how to overcome them32:57 Trends in craft beer and styles to watch for37:55 Advice for new brewers and common myths about brewing40:08 The importance of category placement and scoring42:53 The significance of patience and long-term aging in brewing48:00 Tools and techniques for improving brewing consistency49:56 Building community and sharing brewing experiences53:05 Future plans and upcoming brewing projects59:58 Future plans and advice for aspiring homebrewers

  3. Oct 8

    Rahshal Went from Helping Her Husband Brew to Becoming the Lady Fermenter

    Rahshal from the Lady Fermenter shares her journey into homebrewing, her unique culinary approach to brewing, and insights into experimenting with flavors, styles, and techniques. Discover practical tips and inspiring stories for both beginners and seasoned brewers. In this episode, Lady Fermenter shares her insights on homebrewing, fermentation techniques, and the importance of experimentation and understanding ingredients. She discusses her approach to brewing, judging, and how to enjoy the hobby without overcomplicating it. Lady Fermenter Channel ⁨@ladyfermenter-ThanksAPint⁩ ------------------------------------------- Smoky Mountain Homebrew Links SUBSCRIBE: / @smokymountainhomebrew Sign up: smokymountainhomebrew.beehiiv.com Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeremy-lincoln-show/id1853010507 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bLkPSvvBgIKYAOA3hlylA Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokymountainhomebrew/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smokeymountainbrewing Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583833223126 Follow on X: https://x.com/smkmnthomebrew Support the Show: Pateron: https://www.patreon.com/cw/smokymountainhomebrew Buy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jeremylincp Merch: https://smoky-mountain-homebrew-shop.fourthwall.com/ Recipes from Homebrewers https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b65jXOFevFO4JRUq0TyxU7gmFpTrXcvy?usp=sharing ------------------------------------------- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rahshal and her brewing background 02:02 Rahshal's journey from cider to wine and beer 04:01 Her culinary approach to brewing and flavor focus 07:01 Experimenting with hop flavors and recipes 09:57 Her experience with brewing competitions and awards 14:07 Simplifying brewing processes and avoiding overcomplication 17:01 Using neutral beers for hop flavor testing 19:48 Her methods for experimenting with hop combinations 22:59 The importance of keeping it simple and trusting your palate 26:59 Debunking brewing dogma and traditional techniques 30:06 Her insights on water chemistry and fermentation techniques 42:21 The story of arresting fermentation and yeast management 43:18 Experimenting with spices and flavors in brewing 45:23 Back sweetening and flavor enhancement techniques 46:41 Making mead and experimenting with ingredients 47:35 The value of a service-oriented brewing channel 48:47 Tinkering with cider and fruit flavors 50:12 Brewing as a hobby and community involvement 52:39 Lagering, style accuracy, and brewing techniques 54:26 Cost considerations and commercial brewing insights 55:45 Breaking rules and experimenting in brewing 58:03 Yeast management and diacetyl testing 01:00:06 Ingredient choices and flavor profiles 01:02:02 Brewing competitions and style adherence 01:04:55 Simplifying brewing for busy schedules 01:07:36 Judging beer and understanding off flavors 01:13:49 Common off flavors in mead, cider, and beer 01:19:27 Sharing feedback and community involvement 01:23:37 Where to find Lady Fermenter online and future plans

  4. Sep 28

    Cal Larson of Soluble Oak on Reinventing Beer Oaking

    Cal Larson shares his expertise on white oak, innovative extraction techniques, and how soluble oak can revolutionize brewing. Discover how his background in forestry and science is shaping a new frontier in craft beverages. ------------------------------------------- Smoky Mountain Homebrew Links SUBSCRIBE: / @smokymountainhomebrew Sign up: smokymountainhomebrew.beehiiv.com Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeremy-lincoln-show/id1853010507 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bLkPSvvBgIKYAOA3hlylA Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokymountainhomebrew/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smokeymountainbrewing Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583833223126 Follow on X: https://x.com/smkmnthomebrew Support the Show: Pateron: https://www.patreon.com/cw/smokymountainhomebrew Buy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jeremylincp Merch: https://smoky-mountain-homebrew-shop.fourthwall.com/ Recipes from Homebrewers https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b65jXOFevFO4JRUq0TyxU7gmFpTrXcvy?usp=sharing Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cal Larson and his background 01:56 Father-son homebrewing and its significance 04:10 Cal's experience in white oak market and sales 06:02 Experimenting with oak in homebrewing 08:06 Discovery of soluble oak and its rapid extraction 10:08 Flavor profiles from American and French oak 11:47 Science of oak compounds and extraction challenges 13:50 Environmental impact and waste in barrel production 15:59 Consistency and sourcing of oak for brewing 18:05 Heat sensitivity of oak compounds and extraction methods 20:05 Potential applications of soluble oak in beer and spirits 22:04 Nuanced flavors and post-fermentation adjustments 24:03 Future trends in craft brewing and oak usage

  5. Sep 21

    Jeff "Puff" Irvin on Teaching Brewing at AB Tech Asheville

    Smoky Mountain Homebrew

  6. Sep 14

    Chris Decker - Recreating Lost Beer Recipes and Reviews

    Chris Decker shares his journey from beginner kits to all grain brewing, his efforts to recreate lost local beers, and insights into the brewing community and industry. Perfect for enthusiasts looking to deepen their brewing knowledge and explore historical recipes.https://www.instagram.com/trailerpark_homebrewery/-------------------------------------------Smoky Mountain Homebrew Links SUBSCRIBE: / @smokymountainhomebrewSign up: smokymountainhomebrew.beehiiv.comListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeremy-lincoln-show/id1853010507Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bLkPSvvBgIKYAOA3hlylAFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokymountainhomebrew/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smokeymountainbrewingFollow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583833223126 Follow on X: https://x.com/smkmnthomebrewSupport the Show: Pateron: https://www.patreon.com/cw/smokymountainhomebrewBuy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jeremylincpMerch:https://smoky-mountain-homebrew-shop.fourthwall.com/Recipes from Homebrewershttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b65jXOFevFO4JRUq0TyxU7gmFpTrXcvy?usp=sharingChapters00:00 Introduction to Chris Decker and his brewing background01:07 Getting started in homebrewing and initial experiences02:02 Transition from extract kits to all grain brewing04:26 Dealing with brew day mishaps and learning from mistakes07:11 Recreating historical beers and research process13:31 Modifying the claw hammer brewing system for full boil18:13 Using surplus grains and experimenting with recipes21:32 Reviewing breweries and sharing honest feedback24:37 Volunteering at breweries and industry insights28:40 Favorite local breweries and beer styles32:49 Upcoming brewing projects and personal goals38:29 Balancing brewing, family, and community involvement

    Chris Decker - Recreating Lost Beer Recipes and Reviews

  7. Sep 7

    Alex Titov - Lallemand Yeast, Hefeweizens & Yeast Science

    Alex Titov from Lallemand shares his extensive experience in brewing, fermentation science, and yeast technology. We explore practical tips for homebrewers, yeast management, and the latest trends in the brewing industry.-------------------------------------------Smoky Mountain Homebrew Links SUBSCRIBE: / @smokymountainhomebrewSign up: smokymountainhomebrew.beehiiv.comListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeremy-lincoln-show/id1853010507Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bLkPSvvBgIKYAOA3hlylAFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokymountainhomebrew/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smokeymountainbrewingFollow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583833223126 Follow on X: https://x.com/smkmnthomebrewSupport the Show: Pateron: https://www.patreon.com/cw/smokymountainhomebrewBuy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jeremylincpMerch:https://smoky-mountain-homebrew-shop.fourthwall.com/Recipes from Homebrewershttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b65jXOFevFO4JRUq0TyxU7gmFpTrXcvy?usp=sharingChapters00:00 Introduction to Alex and his brewing background02:00 Alex's journey from industrial brewing to homebrewing03:51 Starting with grain vs extract in homebrewing06:01 Equipment choices for homebrewers07:58 Pressure fermentation and flavor control10:05 Working with souring bacteria and yeast12:07 Handling cleaning and sanitation disasters13:59 Trends in beer styles and industry shifts15:55 Yeast reusability and generations18:07 Lalaman's role in yeast production and services20:02 Advice for choosing yeast strains and misconceptions21:57 Freezing yeast and viability considerations23:54 Alex's tips for homebrewers and industry insights26:11 Upcoming brewing conferences and innovations28:13 The importance of cleaning and sanitation29:57 Common fermentation mistakes and troubleshooting32:02 The future of sour beers and modern techniques33:59 Trends in low ABV beers and market shifts36:05 Yeast and fermentation tips for brewers37:58 Lessons learned and career reflections39:57 Yeast reusability and storage tips42:01 Lalaman's product offerings and collaborations44:02 Innovations in yeast and fermentation products46:04 Brewing trends and market insights48:08 Beer styles and consumer preferences50:02 The impact of brewing equipment and techniques51:58 Safety, sanitation, and best practices54:00 The joy of homebrewing and community

    Alex Titov - Lallemand Yeast, Hefeweizens & Yeast Science

  8. Sep 1

    Noah Baron - Tilt Hydrometer, Lost Luggage & HomebrewCon Chaos

    Noah Barron, founder of Tilt Hydrometer, shares the journey of developing a real-time, affordable device for measuring beer gravity. Discover the technical challenges, innovative solutions, and practical tips behind creating a product that revolutionizes home brewing. In this episode, Noah shares his journey into brewing, the innovative tilt hydrometer, and insights into brewing techniques, equipment, and industry trends. Perfect for homebrewers and industry enthusiasts alike. https://tilthydrometer.com/  ⁨@tilthydrometer⁩  ------------------------------------------- Smoky Mountain Homebrew Links SUBSCRIBE: / @smokymountainhomebrew Sign up: smokymountainhomebrew.beehiiv.comListen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeremy-lincoln-show/id1853010507 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bLkPSvvBgIKYAOA3hlylA Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokymountainhomebrew/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smokeymountainbrewingFollow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583833223126 Follow on X: https://x.com/smkmnthomebrew Support the Show: Pateron: https://www.patreon.com/cw/smokymountainhomebrewBuy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jeremylincpMerch:https://smoky-mountain-homebrew-shop.fourthwall.com/ Recipes from Homebrewershttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b65jXOFevFO4JRUq0TyxU7gmFpTrXcvy?usp=sharingChapters00:00 Introduction to Noah Barron and Tilt Hydrometer02:03 The origins of the Tilt Hydrometer and initial ideas04:00 Challenges faced during prototype development06:01 Technical details of the sensor and calibration08:01 Use of 3D printing and custom parts10:02 Battery life and power considerations12:02 Comparison with other brewing sensors14:00 The role of buoyancy and weight calibration16:04 From prototype to commercial product18:06 Lessons learned and advice for inventors19:59 Final thoughts and future of brewing tech

    Noah Baron - Tilt Hydrometer, Lost Luggage & HomebrewCon Chaos
See All (43)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Smoky Mountain Homebrew where homebrewing meets great conversation. I'm Jeremy Lincoln, a passionate homebrewer, DIYer, and storyteller exploring craft beer and the people behind it. Each episode features homebrewing tips, craft beer stories, and interviews with brewers, makers, and enthusiasts chasing their passion. You'll find inspiration here. We cover homebrewing techniques, DIY setups, craft beer culture, recipe experiments, and conversations with local brewers. Pull up a chair, crack a cold one, and join us. New episodes weekly.

Information

  • Creator
    SmokyMountainHomebrew
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © SmokyMountainHomebrew
  • Show Website
    Smoky Mountain Homebrew

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