444: Mike Foniok of the Establishment Takes an Ultramodern Approach to Mixed-Culture Fermentation

Sheesh! The Establishment (Calgary, Alberta) has built a reputation over the past few years for taking an unconventional, experimental approach to mixed-culture brewing—as well as many other styles—and they’ve brought home numerous awards to prove it. The 2025 World Beer Cup gold medal for Belgian-Style Sour Ale may be the biggest of them all, despite the unabashedly modern approach to the mixed-culture blend: Erlton Street 5 includes a component that's essentially barrel-aged hazy IPA, right down to the Dynaboost dip-hop. They’re not afraid of calculated risks, and they love seeing where new ideas and techniques take them—because, as Foniok says, “Beer first, ask questions later.” In this episode, Foniok discusses: using advanced hop products in mixed-culture beer bench-trialing potential dry hops working around the mixed culture and dealing with Pediococcus ropiness brewing with high hop loads to suppress excessive acid production blending over multiple days to challenge and ultimately verify the blend using aged hops that have moved past the cheesy stage promoting fast fermentation for Saccharomyces strains in the mixed culture blending a fermented component with a hazy-IPA-ish grist bench-testing hops for improving dry-hop selection And more. This episode is brought to you by: G&D Chillers ( https://gdchillers.com ) : G&D Chillers uses quality components, expert craftsmanship, and constant innovation. With our 24/7 service and support, your brewery will never stop. Remote monitor your chiller for simple and fast access to all the information you need, and gain peace of mind your operation is running smoothly. Berkeley Yeast ( https://berkeleyyeast.com ) . Berkeley Yeast bioengineers ordinary strains and make them extraordinary—enhancing the flavors you want and eliminating the ones you don’t. Visit berkeleyyeast.com to learn more and start brewing with science on your side. Old Orchard ( https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer ) can formulate custom blends featuring specialty ingredients. Whether trending flavor additions or nostalgic favorites, the next best thing is around the corner at Old Orchard. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer. Indie Hops. ( https://indiehops.com ) Give your customers a pleasant surprise with Audacia in your next IPA. This descendant of Strata brings her own flare of catchy lilac/lavender aroma, and flavors of sweet-tart berries with tangy lychee. Life is short. Let’s make it flavorful! Five Star Chemical ( https://fivestarchemicals.com ) Looking for a powerful, no-rinse sanitizer that gets the job done fast? Meet Saniclean PAA Pro from Five Star Chemicals. This EPA-registered, PAA-based acid sanitizer is tough on beerstone and perfect for everything from kegs to packaging lines. Learn more at fivestarchemicals.com. PakTech ( https://paktech-opi.com ) PakTech’s handles are made from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. With a minimalist design, durable functionality you can rely on, and custom color matching, PakTech helps brands stand out while staying sustainable. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com. Hart Print, ( https://hartprint.com ) the original in digital can printing.With three locations across North America, the Hart Print team has your back from concept to can. Get ten percent off your first can order when you mention the Beer & Brewing podcast. Open an account at hartprint.com or email info@hartprint.com for details. Sennos ( https://prairiemalt.com ) The Sennosystem platform delivers real-time fermentation control and predictive insights, while the SennosM3 modular in-tank sensor delivers continuous, real-time monitoring. Turn your tank into a smart tank. Order your SennosM3 at sennos.com. Support Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast