Whirlpool Hops

Steve Parker, cofounder and head brewer of Fidens in Albany, New York, explains the thinking behind their hot-side hopping, from kettle to whirlpool—and why he’s recently grown to love Strata.

Meeting expectations with a great saison means making careful choices with grains, hops, yeast, and fermentation. Julian Shrago, co-owner and brewmaster at Beachwood Brewing in Los Angeles, explains how they’ve adjusted theirs based on their own goals and judges’ feedback.