From Malting to Packaging: Breaking Down the Brewing Process

Ever look at the beer in your hand and wonder how it got here? Behind every pint at The Growler Guys is a centuries-old process that taps into science and artistry. The recipes and styles of craft beer may vary widely, but the foundation is always the same – transforming grain, hops, water, and yeast into something flavorful and refreshing. Let’s take a closer look at the craft beer brewing process to see how those simple ingredients become the beer in your hand.

The Seven Foundational Steps of Craft Beer

Step 1: Malting

Beer typically begins with barley, although sometimes wheat, rye, and other grains are used. Before the grain can be brewed, it has to go through malting to develop the enzymes needed later in the brewing process. Malting involves soaking the grain in water to let it germinate, then drying it in a kiln. The degree of roasting in the kiln influences the beer’s flavor and color – light malts give beer a golden hue and crisp taste, darker roasts provide notes of chocolate, coffee, or caramel.

Step 2: Mashing

In step two of the brewing process, the malted grain is crushed and mixed with hot water in something called a mash tun. This step creates a thick porridge-like mixture known as mash. The mashing process activates the enzymes formed during malting, converting starches into sugars. The result is a sweet liquid called wort, which will be used later to feed the yeast during fermentation.

Step 3: Lautering

Once the mash is complete, the liquid wort is separated from the solid grain husks in a process called lautering. The grains are often rinsed several times to extract as much sugar as possible. Instead of going to waste, the leftover grains, or “spent grains”, are often donated to local farmers for animal feed or even baked into bread and snacks. This sustainable practice highlights the community-minded spirit of craft brewing.

Step 4: Boiling

Once the wort has been collected, it’s brought to a vigorous boil to sterilize it and prepare it for fermentation. During the boiling phase of the brewing process, hops are added. Hops are what provide the bitterness to balance the malt’s sweetness. They also contribute aromas and flavors that range from citrusy and floral to piney and earthy. When hops are added makes a big difference – early additions emphasize bitterness, late additions enhance aroma and flavor. Some brewers also dry-hop, adding hops after boiling, to intensify a beer’s aroma without adding extra bitterness.

Step 5: Fermentation

After boiling, the wort is rapidly cooled and transferred to a fermentation tank, where yeast is added. This is where the magic happens in the brewing process. Yeast consumes the sugars in the wort, producing alcohol, carbonation, and a range of flavor compounds. The choice of yeast plays a huge role in defining the beer. Ale yeasts are fermented at warmer temperatures and tend to create fruity and spicy notes. On the other hand, lager yeasts ferment at cooler temperatures, yielding a cleaner, crisper taste. Depending on the style, the fermentation process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Step 6: Conditioning

Once fermentation is complete, the beer enters the conditioning phase. This part of the brewing process is when the flavors develop and smooth out. Conditioning is also when carbonation stabilizes, giving beer its refreshing fizz. The length of conditioning varies depending on the style – light, crisp beers may be ready in a few days, complex styles like stouts may take weeks or even months.

Step 7: Packaging

The last step of the brewing process is packaging. Many craft breweries choose smaller packaging runs to ensure freshness and quality. Some also opt for bottle conditioning, where a small amount of sugar and yeast is added before sealing to create natural carbonation in the bottle. From here, the beer is shipped to taprooms like the Growler Guys, restaurants, stores, or even enjoyed directly at the brewery itself.

Get a Taste of the Brewing Process at The Growler Guys

Brewing craft beer walks the line of precision and creativity. Every choice shapes the final brew, telling the story of the brewer’s decisions during the brewing process. Come in to The Growler Guys to find that story in a glass. Our extensive rotating tap list features the best local and global brews, giving you endless opportunities to taste the centuries-old craftsmanship that brought it from grain to glass. Stop in today for a pint, flight, or growler fill.