207: Nick Mader of Alma Mader Balances Lager with Two Sides of Hazy IPA

For Alma Mader , combining lager brewing with a broad approach to hazy IPA provides the best of both worlds—a dogmatic approach to technical brewing synergized with a ranging program to squeeze every last ounce of flavor from their hops. Founder and head brewer Nick Mader studied and worked with industry-leading breweries before heading back home to Kansas City, Missouri, to open the eponymously named brewery with wife Tania Hewett-Mader. That studied, nuanced approach to beer design is evident no matter which style you order. In this episode, Mader first discusses lager, including: Quality, consistency, and expression in Saaz hops Dialing in utilization of Noble hops in lagers Utilizing later hop additions in lager Balancing bitterness and malt character Manipulating pH to achieve proper expression Keeping minerality in check The significant differences in lager yeasts strains Then, the discussion turns to hazy IPA, and Mader covers: Their two-pronged approach to hazy IPA, with drier and sweeter veins Boil additions in hazy IPA for mid-palate hop flavor The impact of specific hop varieties on expression of “juicy” The benefit of using gypsum A West Coast–style approach to hazy IPA “Cool-pooling” for better hop aroma And more. * This episode is brought to you by: * G&D Chillers ( https://gdchillers.com ) : Like your flagship beer you can rely on G&D Chillers for the same quality and consistency. G&D guarantees that every chiller they build will hit 28 degrees without breaking a sweat. They never stop. They draft, they craft, they service each and every brewery – big or small. All in an effort to build one hell of a chiller. For nearly 30 years, G&D's been committed to cold. Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com . BSG ( https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/ ) …brought to you by Rahr North Star Pils. A new base malt to set your compass by. Rahr North Star Pils is crafted for brewers looking for a domestic pilsner malt with low color and low modification. North Star Pils carries overtones of honey and sweet bread, supported by flavors and aromas of hay and nutty character. Suitable for any beer style, but particularly craft brewed versions of classic lagers. Let Rahr North Star Pils guide your craft by visiting bsgcraftbrewing.com , or contact them at 1.800.374.2739. Old Orchard ( https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer ) : A brewery might have 99 problems, but your fruit supplier shouldn't be one. Old Orchard is already known for their quality concentrates, but they also pride themselves on consistent product and reliable supply. When brewers need assistance, Old Orchard is just an email, phone call, or even a text away. Based in Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan—better known as Beer City, USA—Old Orchard is core to the brewing community. To join their fruit family, learn more at www.oldorchard.com/brewer . ProBrew ( https://www.probrew.com ) : What if you could take your favorite recipe and make a nonalcoholic version without sacrificing the flavor, color or beer quality? N/A? No Problem! The Alchemator from ProBrew uses proprietary membrane technology to strip the alcohol from the beer without sacrificing all the elements – like flavor and color - that make the beer great! Are you ready to Brew Like A Pro? The Alchemator from ProBrew. NA? No Problem! Email contact@probrew.com for more info. Fermentis ( https://fermentis.com ) : Looking for a good lager yeast? Fermentis, the obvious choice for beverage fermentation, providing brewers large and small with the most complete portfolio of dry lager yeast available anywhere. To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation, and for the latest on their exciting new product releases, visit Fermentis.com . Clarion Lubricants ( https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do ) : When it comes to brewing, nobody has your back like Clarion. Because their food-grade lubricants are formulated to help make your brewing system 100% food safe. That means, when you switch to Clarion, you can put the costly potential of contamination and recall out of your mind. All you need to worry about is brewing great beer. And since you already do that, well, it’s more like focusing on business as usual. Go to clarionlubricants.com to learn more. Support Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast