Science
5 Must-have Upgrades for the Beer Laboratory
Every once in a while a new gadget comes across the lab bench that instantly changes or improves the workflow. Below is a list that dramatically improved my lab flow over the last decade of running a beer science laboratory. These must-have upgrades for the beer laboratory will benefit scientists, brewers, and ultimately, the quality…
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5 Beer Spoilage Signs Every Brewer Should Know: Pediococcus Edition
Discover the top 5 beer spoilage indicators every brewer should watch for. Learn how brewery lab testing and a
trusted beer testing lab can protect your beer quality and brand reputation. Schedule a consultation today.
Sensory Evaluation Flowchart
Beer Sensory Evaluation Flowchat Selecting which Sensory test to run with your daily panel can be a tough maze to sort through. Using principles and techniques outlined from authors Harry T. Lawless and Hildegarde Heymann’s “Sensory Evaluation of Food: Principles and Practices” (used copies found here). Download the Beer Sensory Evaluation Flowchart clicking the link…
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Beer Microbe Identification Flowchart
Beer Microbe Identification Flowchart is available to all brewing scientists who want a quick reference for identifying spoilage microbes. At miniumn you should already know the cell morphology. Additionally helpful info would be the Gram Stain color, how it reacts with Hydrogen Peroxide, and if the colony grew up with oxygen or without it. Be…
Read MoreMarijuana and Beer
Earlier this year Oregonians rejoiced when recreational marijuana became legal to grow, buy, and use. Thanks to Measure 91 the people of Oregon are able to grow four plants per household, purchase medical and recreational ganja from state regulated stores, and possess 8oz of recreational pot at home and 1oz on their person. I’ll let…
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Hopped-Up Cocktails
With Fresh Hop Harvest upon us, I decided to make some Hop Bitters. I want to have that hoppy flavor follow me into winter and live vicariously through cocktails as a faux-fresh hopped drink. Adding hop bitters to a number of cocktails proved successful. Read on to learn about the science of hops, how to make…
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How Beer is Made (when Comics meet Beer)
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, this summer I was honored to received a Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) scholarship for the Science Communication Fellowship. This is a program that was developed by OMSI to teach scientists how to effectively explain and demonstrate their research to a wide variety of non-scientists. It’s a seriously incredible…
Read MoreWhy is Beer Science Important?
My professional background is heavily spotted with education and outreach. I’ve always believed that there’s no point to research and science if the average person doesn’t understand or can’t apply that science to their daily lives. I recognize that this is altruistic, but perhaps that’s why I volunteer so much of my time to science education.…
Read MoreThe Real Cost of Poor Quality Brewing
According to the Brewer’s Association, active breweries in the United States hit a new high of 3,040 facilities in 2014. This record-setting number encompasses brewpubs, nano-, micro-, and macro-breweries. That’s an increase of over 200 new breweries in one year. Below is an area graph that represents all of the Breweries in the US per…
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Brewing Microbes: Alignment Chart
Updated 11/21/2025 with a new chart and cute graphics! I love to check back in on this beer meme every so often because it changes every time! Now there’s two on the internet from Oregon BrewLab – which one resonates with you best? Brewing Microbes: Alignment Chart As a fan and player Dungeons and Dragons,…
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