By Smart Moves This plan is freely available for viewing

Lesson Plan Overview

Welcome to our exciting lesson on creating a delectable hazy beer right in the comfort of your own home! In this session, we will delve into the world of home brewing, exploring the equipment, ingredients, and step-by-step process needed to craft a flavorful and visually appealing hazy brew. Throughout our 3-hour adventure in the field of home brew, students will not only learn the fundamentals of mashing, boiling, fermenting, and bottling but also discover the art of customizing their beer by experimenting with various hops, malts, and yeast strains. Get ready to immerse yourself in the craft of brewing as we uncover the secrets to brewing a tasty hazy beer!

Key Objectives

Key Notes for Instructors:

  • Ensure students have a basic understanding of home brewing equipment and terminology.
  • Emphasize the importance of cleanliness and sanitation throughout the brewing process to prevent contamination.
  • Provide clear instructions and demonstrations for each brewing step, including mashing, boiling, fermenting, and bottling.
  • Encourage students to take notes and ask questions to deepen their understanding of the brewing process.
  • Discuss safety precautions, such as handling hot liquids and working with fermentation vessels carefully.
  • Offer guidance on troubleshooting common issues that may arise during the brewing process.

Equipment required:

  • Brew kettle
  • Mashing tun
  • Fermentation vessel
  • Airlock and stopper
  • Hydrometer
  • Thermometer
  • Auto-siphon

Lesson Steps

Step 1
Introduction to Home Brewing
Step 2
Mashing and Boiling
Step 3
Fermentation
Step 4
Achieving a Hazy Appearance
Step 5
Flavor Profile Enhancement
Step 6
Bottling and Carbonation
Show All

Introduction to Home Brewing

During this section of the lesson, students will be introduced to the basic equipment and ingredients required for home brewing a hazy beer.

Home brewing equipment typically includes a brew kettle, fermentation vessel, airlock, hydrometer, thermometer, and siphon. The ingredients needed for brewing a hazy beer may include malted barley, hops, yeast, and water.

Understanding the essential equipment and ingredients is crucial for successfully brewing a delicious and hazy beer. Let's dive into the world of home brewing and explore the tools and components necessary for this exciting process.


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Welcome to the Introduction to Home Brewing worksheet!

In this worksheet, you will explore the basics of home brewing. You will start with some simple examples and gradually move to more challenging ones. Remember to think critically and have fun as you work through the questions.

  • Example 1: What are the essential equipment needed for home brewing?
  • Example 2: List the basic steps involved in the home brewing process.
  • Example 3: Calculate the amount of malt needed for a 5-gallon batch of beer with a target OG (Original Gravity) of 1.060.
  • Example 4: Design a recipe for a hazy IPA, including the types and amounts of hops, malts, and yeast to use.
  • Example 5: Troubleshooting - Identify and explain two common issues that home brewers may encounter during the fermentation process and suggest possible solutions.
  • Real-World Problem 1: You are planning to brew a Belgian Witbier with an ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of 5%. Calculate the amount of sugar needed for priming a 5-gallon batch for carbonation.
  • Real-World Problem 2: You want to brew a barrel-aged stout with complex flavors. Describe the aging process, including the type of barrel to use and the ideal duration for aging the beer.

Answers:

  1. Basic equipment includes a fermenter, airlock, hydrometer, thermometer, and sanitizing solution.
  2. The steps are: cleaning and sanitizing equipment, mashing, boiling, cooling, fermenting, conditioning, and bottling.
  3. Approximately 10 pounds of malt will be needed for the batch.
  4. The recipe will vary, but typically includes hops like Citra and Mosaic, malts such as Pilsner and Flaked Oats, and yeast like London Ale III.
  5. Common issues include stuck fermentation and off-flavors. Solutions may involve adjusting fermentation temperature and improving sanitation practices.
  6. Approximately 4 ounces of sugar is needed for priming.
  7. The aging process involves using oak barrels, with a recommended aging duration of 6-12 months for optimal flavor development.
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Mashing and Boiling

In this part of the lesson, students will be guided through the mashing and boiling process, which are crucial steps in brewing a hazy beer. It is essential to understand the importance of temperature control and the timing of ingredient additions to achieve the desired flavor and appearance in the final product.

Mashing: The mashing process involves steeping crushed grains in hot water to extract sugars and other fermentable compounds. Students will learn about the different types of malted grains and their impact on the flavor and body of the beer. Emphasize the need for maintaining a specific temperature range during mashing to activate enzymes that convert starches into sugars.

Boiling: During the boiling stage, students will discover how hops are added at various times to contribute bitterness, flavor, and aroma to the beer. Explain the concept of hop additions, including early additions for bitterness and late additions for aroma. Emphasize the importance of a rolling boil and proper sanitation practices to prevent contamination.

By the end of this section, students will have a clear understanding of the mashing and boiling process and how these steps influence the overall character of their hazy beer.

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Fermentation

In this stage of the brewing process, students will delve into the fascinating world of fermentation. Fermentation is a crucial step where yeast plays a pivotal role in transforming sugars into alcohol and flavor compounds. As the yeast consumes the sugars produced during mashing, it produces alcohol and carbon dioxide, contributing to the overall flavor and effervescence of the beer.

During fermentation, students will learn about the ideal temperature ranges for different yeast strains and the importance of maintaining a controlled environment to ensure a successful fermentation process. They will also explore the impact of fermentation duration on the final flavor profile of the beer.

Encourage students to actively monitor the fermentation progress by checking the specific gravity of the beer using a hydrometer. This will allow them to track the fermentation process and determine when it is time to proceed to the next stage of bottling.

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Achieving a Hazy Appearance

One key characteristic of a hazy beer is its cloudy and opaque appearance. This can be achieved through specific techniques and ingredients that contribute to the desired haze.

One method to achieve a hazy appearance is by incorporating certain grains into the brewing process. Grains like wheat or oats contain proteins and beta-glucans that can contribute to haze formation in the beer. Adding a portion of these grains to the mash can help create the desired haze effect.

Additionally, the use of oats, in particular, can enhance the haziness of the beer due to their high protein content. Oats also contribute to a smooth mouthfeel, adding to the overall sensory experience of the brew.

Experimenting with different combinations and proportions of haze-contributing grains can allow students to fine-tune the appearance of their hazy beer, creating unique and visually appealing results.

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Flavor Profile Enhancement

5: Flavor Profile Enhancement

In this section, we will delve into methods for enhancing the flavor profile of the beer, which is crucial for creating a delicious and unique brew.

One key aspect to consider is the hop additions. Different hop varieties can contribute various flavors and aromas to the beer, ranging from citrusy and floral notes to piney and earthy undertones. Encourage students to experiment with different hop combinations to find the perfect balance for their hazy beer.

Another important factor in shaping the flavor profile is the selection of yeast. Yeast plays a significant role in determining the final taste of the beer by producing various flavor compounds during fermentation. Discuss the characteristics of different yeast strains, such as fruity, spicy, or funky notes, and how they can impact the overall flavor profile.

By understanding the influence of hop additions and yeast selection on the flavor of the beer, students can craft a hazy brew that is not only visually appealing but also bursting with complex and delightful flavors.

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Bottling and Carbonation

In this part of the lesson, students will learn how to bottle their brewed beer and carbonate it to achieve the desired level of carbonation.

First, ensure that all equipment, including bottles, caps, and a bottling bucket, is sanitized to prevent contamination. Students should also prepare a priming solution if they choose to carbonate using priming sugar.

Next, guide students through the bottling process. Have them transfer the beer from the fermenter to the bottling bucket while being careful not to disturb the sediment at the bottom. Students can then fill each bottle using a bottling wand, leaving some headspace to allow for carbonation.

Once all the bottles are filled, explain the carbonation process. If using priming sugar, show students how to add the correct amount to each bottle before capping. Alternatively, if opting for natural carbonation, discuss the importance of sealing the bottles properly to trap the carbonation produced by the remaining yeast.

Finally, remind students to store the bottles in a dark, cool place for the recommended carbonation time before enjoying their homemade hazy beer!

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