The Brew Bag Blog — home brewing

In 2013, craft brewers reached 7.8 percent volume of the total U.S. beer market, up from 6.5 percent the previous year. Additionally, craft dollar share of the total U.S. beer market reached 14.3 percent in 2013, as retail dollar value from craft brewers was estimated at $14.3 billion, up from $11.9 billion in 2012. Go here to read the rest of the article.    http://www.brewersassociation.org/pages/media/press-releases/show?title=brewers-association-announces-2013-craft-brewer-growth

Why, yes Wilbur, there can be too much water in the mash tun. But can there be too little as well? Let's start by listing the ways wort can get into the boil kettle. In no significant order: 1. Batch sparging - mashing at water too grain ratios of ~1.25 per pound and then adding water in large batches to rinse the wort into the boil kettle - faster than fly sparging - no arm or pump needed.  2. Fly Sparging - a spinning arm held above the wort delivers water in an even composition so as to gently wash...