It's a beer world after all!
| Let's check out a couple of key terms in brewing that are important to know. Technically, Secondary Fermentation refers to any phase of fermentation following the very active “primary” fermentation, but before complete removal of the yeast. In lager beers, secondary fermentation can refer to the period of maturation and lagering, during which important flavor changes occur, particularly reabsorption of diacetyl by yeast. In traditional German lager brewing, the term can also refer to the krausening process, where actively fermenting wort is added to beer that has finished its primary fermentation. This addition restarts fermentation in the combined batch, reducing diacetyl and, if the reactivated fermentation is in a closed tank, building natural carbonation. In Britain, secondary fermentation refers to an important part of the traditional ale-brewing process whereby condition (dissolved carbon dioxide) is built up as residual sugar and is slowly taken up by the yeast. This gives sparkle and mouthfeel to the finished beer. Secondary fermentation may also remove unwanted flavor compounds, such as sulfurous character in the beer, giving it a “cleaner,” more pleasant palate. Secondary fermentation can take place in the brewery in conditioning tanks or in casks. Secondary fermentation in conditioning tanks can be prompted by the addition of wort or sugar solution to the tank. Amateur brewers often use the term “secondary fermentation” to refer to an aging period after the primary fermentation; this usually involves transferring the young beer to another fermentation vessel to remove it from dormant yeast. ================ Belgian Tripel was first commercialized by Hendrik Verlinden at the secular De Drie Linden brewery in Braaschat, Belgium in 1932? Trademarked as “Witkap Pater = Trappistenbier” (Witkap Pater = Trappist Beer), which was the first legal use of the name “Trappist” as a trademark, it is a strong, golden ale. The Westmalle Trappist Abbey followed in 1934 with their Superbier that was modified by Brother Thomas and renamed “Tripel” in 1956. It is one of the most popular beer styles in Belgium and there are hundreds of versions brewed worldwide. The term “tripel” refers to the amount of malt with fermentable sugars and the original gravity of the wort prior to fermentation. One theory of the origin is that it follows a medieval tradition where crosses were used to mark casks: a single X for the weakest beer, XX for a medium-strength beer, and XXX for the strongest beer. Three X’s would then be synonymous with the name “tripel.” In the days when most people were illiterate, this assured drinkers that they were getting the beer they asked for. Tripel beers are traditionally brewed using soft water and approximately 80% pilsner malt for sweetness supplemented with fermentable sugar to lighten the perception of body. Hopping is done in multiple additions using classical aroma varieties such as Saaz, Tettnang, Spalt, and Styrian Golding, with flowers being preferred to pellets or extracts. Primary fermentation is done at relatively warm temperatures using Belgian ale yeast and is usually followed by a cool maturation of 2 to 4 weeks. The best tripels have 8%–10% ABV and a gold to light amber color. They are dry on the palate, well- attenuated and generously hopped using aroma varieties. Tripels should show dense and mousse-like foam, bright burnished golden color, and complex spicy, floral, orange, banana, and citrus notes. Flavors are fruity with alcohol and slight maltiness and are supplemented by hop flavor bitterness and spicy yeastiness. The body is medium because of high carbonation, attenuation, and hop bitterness. Despite the high alcohol content, a good tripel remains almost dangerously drinkable. ================= Hope you found this month's column of interest. If you have any questions about beer or brewing or just want to submit a word for me to discuss here just e-mail it to me. Thanks and Cheers! |
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| Beer Words To Learn - Seconday Fermentation // Belgium Tripel |
| A new column by Jack O'Reilly |
| Jack O'Reilly attended the Siebel Institute/ World Brewing Academy |