The Escarpment Labs Podcast

Brewing great non-alcoholic beer is not as simple as stopping fermentation early — and doing it safely requires a completely different mindset. In this episode, Mark and Richard walk through what NA beer actually is (legally!), why the category is exploding, and how craft breweries can make high-quality, microbiologically safe NA products using real fermentation. We break down the risks, the safes...

What if your taproom’s best-performing new beer next year isn’t a double IPA, but a 3.5% crusher that customers can’t stop ordering ? In this episode, Mark and Richard dive into the rise of mid-strength beer — flavourful, balanced, and built for today’s drinkers. From brewing science to taproom strategy, we break down why these beers are gaining traction and how to make them shine. You’ll learn: W...

Big beers demand big planning. In this episode, Mark and Richard tackle the challenges of high-gravity fermentations — where yeast faces the toughest conditions and even small mistakes can lead to stuck or stalled ferments. Drawing from real troubleshooting experiences (including a triple IPA gone rogue), we explore why high gravity stresses yeast, what’s happening inside the cell, and how to prev...

What if the secret to more consistent, stable, and better-tasting beer isn’t a new yeast strain or a fancy sensor — it’s just controlling your pH? In this episode, Mark and Richard break down why pH is the quiet backbone of brewing, tying together mash performance, fermentation health, hop creep, stability, and even how your dry hop behaves. From mash targets and pH drops during fermentation to ho...

Now that we’ve built the foundation of process and philosophy, it’s time to meet the culture itself — the community of microbes that defines mixed fermentation. In Part 2 of our Mixed Fermentation Manifesto series, Richard dives deep into the living side of the art: Saccharomyces, Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, and the wild microbes that make mixed-culture beer what it is. We explore h...

Mixed fermentation isn’t a style — it’s a philosophy. In this episode, Richard kicks off our two-part Mixed Fermentation Manifesto series by exploring what it means to brew with multiple microbes working together. From fast-turn mixed cultures to long-aged sours, we look at how balance, not chaos, defines great mixed fermentation. You’ll hear about process foundations — creating “food for the cult...

Brewing lagers at 8°C — just like old-world brewers — is making a comeback. But how do you balance tradition with modern efficiency? In this episode, Mark and Richard unpack a study testing four lager strains at three different pitch rates to see how fermentation performance and flavour hold up under cold conditions. From the surprising strain-dependent results to practical recommendations for bre...

Foam isn’t just a pretty pour — it’s a story about yeast, beer quality, and brewing science. This week, Mark and Richard dive into the fascinating world of foam: what it’s made of, how yeast helps (and sometimes hurts) it, and why your beer’s head says more about quality than you might think. Learn about the genes that make lager yeast foam-positive, how foam impacts aroma and mouthfeel, and why h...

Lager yeast didn’t just appear fully formed — its story was written across Europe. In this solo episode, Richard takes us on a journey through Munich and Copenhagen , two cities central to the history of lager brewing. From tasting Augustiner Helles at the source, to unpacking the Hofbräuhaus origin hypothesis, to Carlsberg’s revolutionary work with pure yeast culture, and the global rise of 34/70...

What if that sluggish fermentation or unexpected haze in your lager isn’t about your yeast strain or your malt, but about two overlooked minerals: zinc and magnesium? In this episode, we dig into why zinc and magnesium are essential for healthy fermentations, crisp finishes, and consistent flocculation. From their biochemical roles in yeast metabolism to real-world troubleshooting tips, we break d...

When our blog post on “ Arcane Lager Brewing: Yeasting the Mash ” went brewing-viral this summer, we realized just how much curiosity there is around old-school lager techniques. So in this episode, we’re taking it further. From decoction mashing to flotation to the much-debated yeasting the mash , we explore how seemingly “arcane” brewing methods actually solved real problems with yeast nutrition...

Why is Isar Lager becoming the “house strain” for so many breweries? In this episode, we dig into what we learned from 28 breweries fermenting with Isar Lager . From fermentation speed to nutrient use, malt choice, oxygenation, and yeast storage, we share surprising insights that help brewers fine-tune their process. Plus: how Isar stacks up against the world-famous 34/70, and why nutrients like Y...

Green apple, raw pumpkin, or even latex paint — acetaldehyde is one of the most common brewing off-flavours, but it doesn’t have to show up in your beer. In this episode of The Escarpment Labs Podcast , Mark and Richard unpack why acetaldehyde forms, why lagers are especially sensitive, and how yeast health, oxygenation, and nutrients all play a role in cleaning it up. You’ll also hear best practi...

Not all lagers are created equal — and neither are lager yeasts. In this episode of The Escarpment Labs Podcast , we break down our lager strain lineup and help you find the perfect match for your goals, whether that’s a fast-turnaround crispy pils, a patient and traditional Czech-style lager, or a hop-forward modern Cold IPA. Learn about strain personalities, thiol expression, cold fermentation c...

Why does my beer finish sweeter than expected? In this episode, we explore the science and art of attenuation — the key to achieving the perfect balance between dryness and sweetness in your beer. We’ll cover how attenuation is measured, the role of mash conditions, the influence of yeast strains, and how factors like temperature, pH, and nutrition impact fermentation results. You’ll also learn tr...

Oxygen is essential to great fermentation — but getting it wrong can throw off your entire batch. In this episode, Mark and Richard explore how oxygen impacts yeast health and performance, why when and how you oxygenate really matters, and what tools brewers can use to dial it in. From shaking a carboy to inline sintered stones and DO meters, this one’s packed with tips for brewers at all levels....

What’s the big deal with pitch rate — and why does it confuse so many brewers? In this episode, Mark and Richard break down what pitch rate really means (beyond the numbers) and why it’s one of the most critical levers in fermentation. From underpitching risks to strain-specific stress tolerance, we’ll help you navigate the numbers, avoid common pitfalls, and dial in your approach whether you'...

In our very first episode, we're diving into a trend that’s gaining momentum in both pro and homebrew circles: pressure fermentation . What is it? Why are more brewers trying it? And how can it improve your beer? Mark and Richard unpack the science and strategy behind fermenting under pressure — from the basics (spunding valves, CO₂ buildup) to the real-world benefits (faster turnarounds, cleaner...

The Escarpment Labs Podcast is your new brew day companion. Every Tuesday, Mark and Richard go beyond the blog and dive into the details of yeast, fermentation, and all things beer science — with insights for pros and homebrewers.