History

Thick, rich, smooth Baltic porter is a comforting treat for the frigid months. If only it were easier to brew...

Whether African, Caribbean, or Belgian, foreign export stouts occupy the oft-overlooked middle ground between the smooth lows of dry Irish stout and the highs of alcoholic exuberance.

Brewers are forging their own paths from the long-traveled spontaneous-fermentation road. Where they will end up is anyone’s guess, but it’s shaping up to be a remarkable journey.

From hops harvested at the Smithsonian to congressional staffers squaring off with their homebrew recipes, there’s been a lot of brewing action happening in the nation’s capital in the past few weeks.

Decoction mashing and patient lagering remain the norm across Upper Franconia, as they do in nearby Czechia—the two places in the world most famed for their attractive, flavorful lagers. Our correspondent takes a deep dive into the region.