We write about exploring different beer styles, learning about the diverse types of beer from around the world and brewing them.

Besides these aspects, there is another mark of homebrewing mastery and that lie in brewing one style consistently. We have written in the past where brewing the same beer recipe over and over again can help you improve your skills.

Consistent Process, Consistent Results

Mike is always examining his brewing process, not only his but mine too. He feels that if your brewing process is standardized – meaning that it can be easily replicated for each brew session – then you beer brewing results should be predictable. Having a sloppy process where the steps aren’t regimented, opening up chances for accidents or other occurrence beyond your control will lead to unpredictable result and could lead to bad beer.

The only way to standardize your brewing process is to brew often. Through experience and taking notes (it certainly helps), you’ll know your brewing system’s quirks and you’ll gain the practice to get the steps and timing down for homebrewing.

Once you feel like you have a consistent process, it’s time to prove it in brewing the same style repeatedly with the goal of producing the same beer over and over.

Choose a Style – Any Style

One fact about brewing a style is choosing one you like. If you brew it several times, you are going to have a lot of it so choose wisely. It probably won’t be the hardest decision in your life but it sure does pay off if you start brewing your favorite beer in bulk.

The other thought I have on it is optional. If you are looking to improve or learn more about a certain aspect of brewing, you can choose a style that aligns with that goal. Maybe nailing down the perfect fermentation temperature for witbier is a goal of yours. Maybe understanding how much late in the boil hops make a great IPA is something you are looking to figure out. If you want, you can add an improvement aspect to your choice as well.

My choice was the Vienna Lager style. I like that beer very much and I wanted to know lagering cold (pun intended).

Seek Proof

How can you tell you are brewing consistently? Certainly you can use yourself as a judge and taste the different versions of the same beers side by side to understand differences if any. Your homebrewing and beer loving friends are also a great resource for getting opinions as well.

Another way of getting feedback on your brewing consistency is putting the same beer into competition year after year. You can note the scores, comments, or if you are lucky enough, the same award.

Ok – humble brag time. I won the first place prize two years in a row in the European Amber Lager category at the New England Regional Homebrew Competition. Now it’s time to brew it again and hopefully get a better placement at next year MCAB.

Steps to Follow For Homebrewing Consistency

If you want to know the path to consistent homebrewing, follow these steps:

  • Know your brewing process – know how your set up works – know the steps to brew and follow them every time
  • Practice, practice, practice – brew often!
  • Brew the same beer several times
  • Compare results of the same beer brewing (self, friend, and beer judge evaluations)

Brew ON!