Closer and the Crouch bring you, Brews Brothers, a podcast that explores the history of beer styles and how they came to be. In each episode, we break down how a particular style started, some of the defining features of that style and we drink some beer. Keep an eye out for fun segments such as 'surprise snack' and 'can the Closer close?' as we explore the magic that is our favourite beverage.
German Berliner Weisse
Another German regionality specialty, this week we explore the Berliner Weisse. Described as both "the most refreshing beer in the world" and "the Champagne of the north", this beer has a lot to live up to.
In this episode, we taste examples from:
•Alvinne Brewing (Belgium)
•Aether Brewing (QLD)
•Wayward Brewing (NSW)
•Yulli's Brews (NSW)
6/27/2021 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 35 seconds
Russian Imperial Stout
In this episode, we explore the much fabled (and very alcoholic), Russian Imperial Stout. A favoured beverage of the Russian monarchy, this beer is described by Vladimir Lenin ("that Lenin") as the "Bourgeoisie Tipple".
We explore how a chance trip by Peter the Great to England when at war with the Ottoman Empire led to a whole new style of beer. We further explore its journey through the ages and it's subsequent death by being tipped out in the streets of St Petersburg. Finally, we discuss its revival due to the American craft beer revolution.
We also drink and discuss the following beers:
•Dainton Darklord Russian Imperial Stout
•Mornington Penninsula Russian Imperial Stout (2020 vintage)
•Stockade Old Money Barrell-Aged Russian Imperial Stout
6/13/2021 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 55 seconds
German Gose
In this episode, we go back to the 1700s to discuss the hyper-localised German Gose. German Gose, whilst incredibly popular in it's area, never truly found its place and sadly disappeared from the earth after WW2. Having to compete with two world wars, the rise of communism and a clash with the German purity law, it really has had a lot of things working against it. Despite this, Gose has come back strong and is more popular today than ever.
In this episode we drinks beers from:
•Insel-Brauerei (Germany)
•Anderson Valley (California)
•Garage Project (New Zealand)
5/30/2021 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 22 seconds
Belgian Tripel
This week we cover the Belgian Tripel. Belgium has a long and interesting history of brewing beer and this beer does not disappoint. Traditionally brewed by Monks in the monastery's of Belgium, these beers provide a high alcohol but complex and smooth tasting beer. We explore how Belgium Monks started brewing and how the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars disrupted these proud breweries.
The beers we taste this week are:
•Westmalle Tripel
•Chimay Tripel
•Fick Brewing Series Bruxelles Tripel
5/16/2021 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 22 seconds
Helles Lager
In this episode, we explore the history of Helles Lager and other German Lagers. Lagers have sadly developed a poor name in the craft beer community due to the endless sea of mass-produced pilsners but the history of Lager is both fascinating and deeply complex. Helles Lager is Germany's response to the Pilsner and provides a deeply complex and nuanced beer.
During the episode, we discuss Lagers more generally and what makes a beer a Lager (hint: it isn't related to the colour).
Featured this week are:
•Weihenstephaner Original Helles
•Burleigh Brewing Blonde Bier Garden Lager
•10 Toes Hell Yes Lager
5/2/2021 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 54 seconds
English Porter
In this podcast, we explore the history of the English Porter, the beer of the industrial revolution. The English Porter dominated the world during the 18th and 19th Century and lead to the invention of a lot of advances in brewing science.
Not many beers can lay claim to the fame that it was the first 'global beer style' and also still be popular today.
Featured this week are:
•Sierra Nevada Porter
•Brendale Brewing Darkest Days Porter
•Heretic Shallow Grave Porter
•Hook Norton Twelve Days Original Porter
4/18/2021 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 51 seconds
American Pale Ale
In this episode, we explore what has to be the most popular beer style of the 21st Century, the American Pale Ale. From it's origins in Chico, California in 1980 through to the modern interpretations being made in Australia, American Pale Ale is a beer we all know and love.
Featured this week are:
•Adnams Southwold Ghost Ship: https://www.adnams.co.uk/
•Black Hops Pale Ale: https://blackhops.com.au/
•Green Beacon 3 Bolt Pale Ale: https://www.greenbeacon.com.au/