THE GRAVITY OF THE SITUATION

Homebrewing has never been more popular in South Africa and while the warmer weather probably has you brewing the likes of a crisp pale ale or for the more adventurous brewer, a low ABV sour, it’s wise to plan ahead for the coming seasons.

Whether you’re allowed to buy beer or not, the best high gravity brews you’ll taste this winter are likely to be ones you make yourself. And since brewing such high gravity beers requires time, the moment to start brewing them is now.

WHAT IS HIGH GRAVITY BEER?

I really hate hair-splitting, so let’s not spend too much time arguing about what is or is not a high gravity brew. Generally, most brewers will agree that high gravity beers tend to push the envelope of a typical beer yeast’s capacity to create alcohol productively.