Article at a Glance
- Discover each step of the craft beer brewing process, from grain to glass.
- Learn how Alter Brewing selects ingredients for exceptional flavor.
- See how science and creativity meet in our brewing philosophy.
- Explore what’s next for brewing innovation at Alter.
How We Make Our Beer at Alter
Every pint at Alter Brewing begins long before it reaches your glass. Our process blends traditional brewing craftsmanship with modern precision to ensure every beer is balanced, flavorful, and true to our vision.
Whether it’s a crisp lager, a hop-forward IPA, or a smooth stout, each beer tells a story that begins with a handful of grains and ends in your favorite glass.
Crafting Beer from Grain to Glass
Brewing craft beer is both an art and a science. It involves transforming simple ingredients, such as grain, hops, yeast, and water, into a complex, flavorful beverage through a series of carefully controlled steps.
At Alter Brewing, our process follows six essential stages: malting and milling, mashing and lautering, boiling and whirlpooling, cooling and fermentation, conditioning, and packaging.
Malting and Milling
The journey begins with malted barley. The grain is soaked, germinated, and dried to develop natural sugars that feed the yeast during fermentation. Once ready, the malt is milled to break it down into smaller pieces, exposing starches that will later become fermentable sugars.
Milling is crucial to consistency. Too fine, and it clogs the system; too coarse, and it limits sugar extraction. Our team at Alter uses precision milling techniques to ensure the ideal balance every time.
Mashing and Lautering
Next, we mix the milled grain with hot water in a process called mashing. This step activates enzymes that convert starches into sugars. The result is a thick, sweet liquid known as wort. This wort is then separated from the spent grains and prepared for the next stage of brewing.
During lautering, the wort is separated from the grain husks using a large vessel with a false bottom. This filtered wort forms the base of every beer we make at Alter Brewing.
Boiling and Whirlpooling
The wort then moves to the kettle, where it is boiled to sterilize and stabilize the mixture. Hops are added during this stage to contribute bitterness, aroma, and flavor balance. The timing of when the hops are added during the boil significantly influences the beer’s final character.
After boiling, we use a whirlpooling process to separate solid particles and create a clean, clear wort ready for fermentation. Our brewery tours offer visitors a firsthand look at this fascinating stage.
Cooling and Fermentation
Once boiled, the wort must be cooled rapidly before yeast can be introduced. The temperature depends on the beer style being brewed, cooler for lagers, warmer for ales. This quick cooling process is crucial because it minimizes the risk of contamination from unwanted airborne bacteria.
Yeast is the magic ingredient that transforms wort into beer. As yeast consumes sugars, it produces alcohol and carbonation. Our brewers carefully monitor temperature, timing, and yeast strain performance to create consistent, high-quality results.
Conditioning and Packaging
After fermentation, the beer is conditioned to refine its flavors, clarify its appearance, and achieve the right level of carbonation. Conditioning can take several days or weeks depending on the style.
Finally, the beer is filtered, carbonated, and packaged into kegs, cans, or bottles. From there, it’s ready to pour fresh in our taprooms.
Selecting the Finest Ingredients
At Alter Brewing, we believe great beer starts with great ingredients. Each grain, hop, and yeast strain is carefully selected for its unique role in shaping the flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel. Our commitment to quality ensures every sip is a memorable experience.
The Role of Grains in Beer
Malted grains provide the backbone of every beer. Barley is the most common, but we also use wheat, oats, and specialty malts to create depth and complexity. These grains determine color, sweetness, and body.
Explore our beer menu to discover how various malt combinations impact our core lineup.
Choosing the Perfect Hops
Hops give beer its distinctive aroma and bitterness. From floral and citrus to piney or tropical, hops are what make an IPA stand out. Our brewers experiment with hop blends to achieve signature flavor profiles unique to Alter Brewing.
We regularly rotate hop varieties in limited-edition releases, offering beer lovers something new with every visit.
The Importance of Yeast Selection
Yeast is often the unsung hero of brewing. It not only ferments the beer but also adds subtle flavor notes ranging from fruity to spicy. Different strains produce different effects, so yeast choice is key to each recipe’s identity.
Our brewing team sources high-quality yeast from trusted suppliers to ensure both reliability and creativity in every batch.
Enhancing Flavor Profiles
Creating the perfect beer means understanding balance. Every ingredient, temperature, and timing decision affects the final taste. It’s a delicate dance of flavors and processes that requires precision. Too much of one element can throw everything off, leading to a less-than-ideal brew.
Experimentation with Unique Ingredients
While we respect traditional brewing methods, innovation drives us forward. Alter Brewing frequently experiments with ingredients like fruit, coffee, and local honey to develop one-of-a-kind brews.
These creative choices allow us to expand our flavor palette while keeping our beers approachable and well-balanced.
Balancing Flavors and Aromas
Achieving harmony between malt sweetness, hop bitterness, and yeast complexity is what defines great brewing. Our team constantly tastes, adjusts, and refines each batch until it meets our high standards.
This balance ensures that every sip, from the first to the last, is as satisfying as the one before.
The Future of Brewing at Alter
Brewing at Alter is a continuous journey of learning and experimentation. As equipment advances and ingredient sourcing improves, our focus remains on quality, community, and connection.
Innovations on the Horizon
Looking ahead, we’re exploring sustainable brewing techniques, small-batch collaborations, and barrel-aged releases that showcase depth and character. Our goal is simple: to craft beers that surprise and delight while staying true to what makes Alter Brewing special. To stay updated on our latest creations, follow our Instagram.