Homebrew Happy Hour

Lots of you asked for it so I’m proud to welcome my buddy (and the AHA Homebrewer of the Year), Wayne Doucette, back on the show. This week, he’s talking all about pH in brewing and why it matters. From the mash, to the boil, and all the way thru fermentation! So buckle up because it’s time for the Homebrew Happy Hour podcast!… THE home brew #podcast where we answer all of your home brewing questions and discuss anything related to craft beer!

A NOT SO SUBTLE REMINDER:

If you appreciate the things we do here at Homebrew Happy Hour, consider joining our Trub Club! — https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21132635

On Today’s Show:

Brewing Water Chemistry: Understanding Mash, Boil, and Fermentation pH with Wayne Doucette

Links for this episode:
APERA Digital pH Meter: https://amzn.to/4kJjaIn
Milwaukee Digital pH Meter: https://amzn.to/4qLKHdL
pH Test Strips: https://amzn.to/4bVW7I7

We want to hear from you!

If you have a question that you’d like us to discuss on a future episode, please click on the “Submit a Question” link at the top of our website or you can now call in your questions via our questions hotline @ 325-305-6107 and leave your message after the beep.

Let us know what you think and enjoy the show!

cheers,

joshua

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Thank you to our show’s sponsor, Hops Direct! Family owned and operated, Hops Direct provides a wide variety of hop selection and ships directly to your door. Learn more by visiting https://hopsdirect.com/?utm_source=HHH&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=HHH+link

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This episode is brought to you by, Muntons Malts – a company that is passionate about providing premium malts to brewers worldwide. YOU can experience the difference Muntons offers by joining a recipe receiving tier of our Trub Club because every kit that ships out now includes premium Muntons Malt, join at https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

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This episode is brought to you by Brewer’s Friend! Brewing beer at home isn’t just about the ingredients, it’s about precision. And that’s where BrewersFriend.com comes in. Whether you’re dialing in your very first recipe or perfecting your hundredth, Brewers Friend gives you the tools to brew with confidence. Their recipe builder, mash calculators, and water profile database helps take the guesswork out of the process so you can focus on what matters: making great beer! Plus, Brewers Friend isn’t just software, it’s a community of passionate homebrewers, sharing recipes, tips, and feedback. It’s like having a brew club in your pocket! Head over to BrewersFriend.com today and take your homebrewing to the next level. Use promo code HAPPYHOUR to save 25% OFF premium memberships! That’s BrewersFriend.com…because better brewing starts with better tools! Click here to use our link: https://bit.ly/3N7uQbm

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Become a Patron! Reminder that these episodes are ultimately made possible because of YOUR support. Consider becoming a member of our TRUB CLUB via our Patreon page and receive perks such as merch, exclusive group access and content, recipes, and some tiers even get monthly recipe kits mailed to you! https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

#homebrewing #homebrewers #craftbeer #beer #brewing #craftbrew #kolsch #webcast #show

Continuing with our Patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour Trub Club goal for 2026, I am so excited that this month we’re brewing a clone of one of my favorite beers – Firemans 4 from Real Ale Brewing Company. Much like last month’s Shiner Bock, tons of Texans know Firemans 4 as being a gateway into the wonderful world of delicious craft beer. In fact, Real Ale doesn’t make a bad beer and I’m confident y’all are going to love the clone kit. Even more, I am confident y’all are going to love this interview I did with Real Ale’s president, Brad Farbstein. Brad has homebrewing roots and is a down to Earth dude. I had such a good time with him. This year is their 30th year anniversary and they’ll be throwing a very fun shindig in April. You can learn more about that on their website https://realalebrewing.com/

With all of that being said, I hope you’re ready because it’s officially time for the Homebrew Happy Hour podcast!… THE home brew #podcast where we answer all of your home brewing questions and discuss anything related to craft beer!

A NOT SO SUBTLE REMINDER:

If you appreciate the things we do here at Homebrew Happy Hour, consider joining our Trub Club! — https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21132635

On Today’s Show:

A Hill Country Original: Talking Real Ale w/ Brad Farbstein

Links for this episode:
Real Ale’s website: https://realalebrewing.com/
Homebrew Kegs: https://amzn.to/4b75pk5
Real Ale’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/realalebrewing/

We want to hear from you!

If you have a question that you’d like us to discuss on a future episode, please click on the “Submit a Question” link at the top of our website or you can now call in your questions via our questions hotline @ 325-305-6107 and leave your message after the beep.

Let us know what you think and enjoy the show!

cheers,

joshua

———————–

Thank you to our show’s sponsor, Hops Direct! Family owned and operated, Hops Direct provides a wide variety of hop selection and ships directly to your door. Learn more by visiting https://hopsdirect.com/?utm_source=HHH&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=HHH+link

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This episode is brought to you by, Muntons Malts – a company that is passionate about providing premium malts to brewers worldwide. YOU can experience the difference Muntons offers by joining a recipe receiving tier of our Trub Club because every kit that ships out now includes premium Muntons Malt, join at https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

————————–

This episode is brought to you by Brewer’s Friend! Brewing beer at home isn’t just about the ingredients, it’s about precision. And that’s where BrewersFriend.com comes in. Whether you’re dialing in your very first recipe or perfecting your hundredth, Brewers Friend gives you the tools to brew with confidence. Their recipe builder, mash calculators, and water profile database helps take the guesswork out of the process so you can focus on what matters: making great beer! Plus, Brewers Friend isn’t just software, it’s a community of passionate homebrewers, sharing recipes, tips, and feedback. It’s like having a brew club in your pocket! Head over to BrewersFriend.com today and take your homebrewing to the next level. Use promo code HAPPYHOUR to save 25% OFF premium memberships! That’s BrewersFriend.com…because better brewing starts with better tools! Click here to use our link: https://bit.ly/3N7uQbm

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Become a Patron! Reminder that these episodes are ultimately made possible because of YOUR support. Consider becoming a member of our TRUB CLUB via our Patreon page and receive perks such as merch, exclusive group access and content, recipes, and some tiers even get monthly recipe kits mailed to you! https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

#homebrewing #homebrewers #craftbeer #beer #brewing #craftbrew #kolsch #webcast #show

What a wild 10+ days it’s been down here in Texas! The winter storm was fun (meh) and I also have other news to update y’all with on a future episode but, for the time being, I’m so happy you could join me this week. You’re in for a special treat because my dear friend, Lorena Evans, is helping me take YOUR questions and hanging out as I undoubtedly derail the show at some point. Either way – I hope you’re ready because it’s officially time for the Homebrew Happy Hour podcast!… THE home brew #podcast where we answer all of your home brewing questions and discuss anything related to craft beer!

A NOT SO SUBTLE REMINDER:

If you appreciate the things we do here at Homebrew Happy Hour, consider joining our Trub Club! — https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21132635

On Today’s Show:

Parti-Gyle Brewing, IPA Freshness, & Backsweetening Kombucha

00:00:00 – 00:12:51 Sponsors & Small Talk
00:12:52 – 00:28:04 Parti-Gyle Brewing
00:28:05 – 00:39:55 IPA Freshness
00:39:56 – 00:55:38 Backsweetening Kombucha

Links for this episode:
16 Gallon Brew Kettle: https://amzn.to/4qt4heM
Homebrew Kegs: https://amzn.to/4qm3X0Z
Kombucha Starter Kit: https://amzn.to/3OmhbgW

We want to hear from you!

If you have a question that you’d like us to discuss on a future episode, please click on the “Submit a Question” link at the top of our website or you can now call in your questions via our questions hotline @ 325-305-6107 and leave your message after the beep.

Let us know what you think and enjoy the show!

cheers,

joshua

———————–

Thank you to our show’s sponsor, Hops Direct! Family owned and operated, Hops Direct provides a wide variety of hop selection and ships directly to your door. Learn more by visiting https://hopsdirect.com/?utm_source=HHH&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=HHH+link

————————–

This episode is brought to you by, Muntons Malts – a company that is passionate about providing premium malts to brewers worldwide. YOU can experience the difference Muntons offers by joining a recipe receiving tier of our Trub Club because every kit that ships out now includes premium Muntons Malt, join at https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

————————–

This episode is brought to you by Brewer’s Friend! Brewing beer at home isn’t just about the ingredients, it’s about precision. And that’s where BrewersFriend.com comes in. Whether you’re dialing in your very first recipe or perfecting your hundredth, Brewers Friend gives you the tools to brew with confidence. Their recipe builder, mash calculators, and water profile database helps take the guesswork out of the process so you can focus on what matters: making great beer! Plus, Brewers Friend isn’t just software, it’s a community of passionate homebrewers, sharing recipes, tips, and feedback. It’s like having a brew club in your pocket! Head over to BrewersFriend.com today and take your homebrewing to the next level. Use promo code HAPPYHOUR to save 25% OFF premium memberships! That’s BrewersFriend.com…because better brewing starts with better tools! Click here to use our link: https://bit.ly/3N7uQbm

————————–

Become a Patron! Reminder that these episodes are ultimately made possible because of YOUR support. Consider becoming a member of our TRUB CLUB via our Patreon page and receive perks such as merch, exclusive group access and content, recipes, and some tiers even get monthly recipe kits mailed to you! https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

#homebrewing #homebrewers #craftbeer #beer #brewing #craftbrew #kolsch #webcast #show

Hey friends! I just wanted to hop on here real quick and remind you that it is last call if you are wanting to brew the delicious Shiner Bock clone kit (https://www.patreon.com/posts/january-2026-kit-148064513) that we’ve come up with. I’m confident that you’re going to love this kit! Also, don’t forget to check out the interview I did with Shiner’s brewmaster, Greg Hybner, available here https://youtu.be/kiUTazur30E?si=GHzqfL1bx6GjbqU8 or wherever you get audio podcasts from.

A NOT SO SUBTLE REMINDER:

If you appreciate the things we do here at Homebrew Happy Hour, consider joining our Trub Club! —  https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21132635

Around October 2025, I came up with an idea for our 2026 Trub Club recipe kits (https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21132635). My plan – to feature clone recipe kits of our country’s most popular and longstanding craft beer AND I wanted to interview the brewmaster each month to learn more about the history of their brewery and the beer that made them so popular. Think about it! How cool is it to chat with brewmasters that are responsible for beer that have pioneered and shaped craft beer as we know it? With all of that being said, I am so thrilled that we’re starting off 2026 VERY strong by featuring a Texas OG: Shiner Bock. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve certainly heard about and likely have consumed your fair share of Shiner Bock. I was so excited when their brewmaster, Greg Hybner, replied to my email and agreed to come on the show. Not only did we have a great conversation for the podcast, he was also an exceptional host and gave me a true VIP tour of the campus. I can’t say enough nice things about Greg and the beer speaks for itself so make sure you grab yourself a six pack or even a case sometime soon.

With all of that being said, I hope you’re ready because it’s officially time for the Homebrew Happy Hour podcast!… THE home brew #podcast where we answer all of your home brewing questions and discuss anything related to craft beer!

A NOT SO SUBTLE REMINDER:

If you appreciate the things we do here at Homebrew Happy Hour, consider joining our Trub Club! — https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21132635

On Today’s Show:

A Texas Craft Beer Tradition: Inside Spoetzel Brewery w/ Shiner Brewmaster Greg Hybner – ep.462

Links for this episode:
Shiner’s Website: https://shiner.com/
Homebrew Kegs: https://amzn.to/4b75pk5
Shiner Beer Metal Sign: https://amzn.to/4qCDv4q

We want to hear from you!

If you have a question that you’d like us to discuss on a future episode, please click on the “Submit a Question” link at the top of our website or you can now call in your questions via our questions hotline @ 325-305-6107 and leave your message after the beep.

Let us know what you think and enjoy the show!

cheers,

joshua

———————–

https://www.kegconnection.com/

Each and every episode is made possible by Kegconnection.com! Build the kegerator or keezer of your dreams using Kegconnection.com’s unique customizable product options that allows you to get exactly what you need. Kegconnection.com also stocks products and solutions for kegging kits, draft systems, hardware, components, cleaning and much much more. Kegconnection.com has been operating for more than 20 years in the industry and has established expertise and superior customer service.

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Thank you to our show’s sponsor, Imperial Yeast, for supporting us and the homebrewing community. Learn more about why we LOVE Imperial Yeast by checking out their entire line, available at https://www.imperialyeast.com/

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Thank you to our show’s sponsor, Hops Direct! Family owned and operated, Hops Direct provides a wide variety of hop selection and ships directly to your door. Learn more by visiting https://hopsdirect.com/?utm_source=HHH&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=HHH+link

————————–

This episode is brought to you by, Muntons Malts – a company that is passionate about providing premium malts to brewers worldwide. YOU can experience the difference Muntons offers by joining a recipe receiving tier of our Trub Club because every kit that ships out now includes premium Muntons Malt, join at https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

————————–

This episode is brought to you by Brewer’s Friend! Brewing beer at home isn’t just about the ingredients, it’s about precision. And that’s where BrewersFriend.com comes in. Whether you’re dialing in your very first recipe or perfecting your hundredth, Brewers Friend gives you the tools to brew with confidence. Their recipe builder, mash calculators, and water profile database helps take the guesswork out of the process so you can focus on what matters: making great beer! Plus, Brewers Friend isn’t just software, it’s a community of passionate homebrewers, sharing recipes, tips, and feedback. It’s like having a brew club in your pocket! Head over to BrewersFriend.com today and take your homebrewing to the next level. Use promo code HAPPYHOUR to save 25% OFF premium memberships! That’s BrewersFriend.com…because better brewing starts with better tools! Click here to use our link: https://bit.ly/3N7uQbm

————————–

Become a Patron! Reminder that these episodes are ultimately made possible because of YOUR support. Consider becoming a member of our TRUB CLUB via our Patreon page and receive perks such as merch, exclusive group access and content, recipes, and some tiers even get monthly recipe kits mailed to you! https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

#homebrewing #homebrewers #craftbeer #beer #brewing #craftbrew #kolsch #webcast #show