OnTap Magazine

SMOOTH HOP-ERATOR HOMEBRU NICK SMITH Nick Smith, the mastermind behind Soul Barrel Brewing in Simondium and winner of best beer in Africa 2022, gives us a crash course in how to brew “hoppy” beers with a smoother finish. H ave you ever tasted a beer that was harsh, acrid or overly bitter? Great hoppy beers, especially in the hazy or New England style, can have a smooth hop flavour while poor ones can be a challenge to drink. Great hoppy beers should be bright, appropriately intense, clean and interesting. While we need and appreciate a certain amount of hop bitterness, the bitterness should be a counterpoint to sweetness and add crispness to the the beer - it should never add harshness. Achieving smooth hop flavour and making a delicious hoppy beer requires a keen focus on the details of the recipe and getting the brewing fundamentals right. 48 | Spring 2023 | ontapmag.co.za