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I think the last science class I ever took was in the 9th grade. Most chemistry is very foreign to me. One of the reasons I’ve enjoyed homebrewing so much is because it stretches my mind in a new direction. One of the most fascinating issues I’ve learned about through homebrewing is yeast growth and fermentation. Water chemistry is another area I’ve always wanted to know more about, but struggle with it.

Thanks to the Brewing Network, Jamil Zainasheff and John Palmer, I have 4 one-hour Brew Strong podcasts to listen to and learn from. Let me tell you how slow I am on these issues. I’ve been listening to Episode 1, “Why Adjust Your Water” for 6 hours today, off and on, taking the best notes I could. I’ve listened to many parts about 6 or 7 times, trying to let it sink in. It got so bad I had to start jotting down the time I left off and sit there and contemplate or take a break. But I’m learning!!!

This is the 1st time I’ve listened to any of the Brew Strong podcasts, and I love the intro:

Brewers: It’s time for the Beer Radio you’ve been looking for. This is the show that dispels myths, tackles the toughest topics and makes no apologies for geeking out on beer. Hosted by two guys that drink before they think, Jamil Zainesheff and John Palmer. This is Brew Strong!

There are also two really good Welcome Back lines after the commercials:

Back to your hosts, Jamil Zainesheff and John Palmer, putting the testicals in technical

Back to the 2 guys who know how to turn beer (high voice) into BEER (low voice). This is Brew Strong.

Here’s my notes from the 1st Brew Strong water chemistry episode: Read more…