185: Ryan Wibby of Wibby Brewing Explores the Possibility in Traditional Lagers

Cacao nibs in dunkel? American hops in helles? Oats in schwarzbier? For Ryan Wibby, cofounder of the eponymously named brewery in Longmont, Colorado, lager dogma is just the starting point for a flavor-forward approach to brewing that’s inspired by tradition but doesn’t copy it. In this episode, Wibby walks us through the brewery’s award-winning approach to amber and dark lagers, such as their Moondoor Dunkel and Volksbier Vienna—beers with slight Wibby twists that feel in character for the styles but achieve that result through different means. Along the way, he discusses: Pushing ABV higher in lagers The contribution of German malts to yeast health Step mashing for effective and clean fermentations Substituting bitterness from cacao nibs for hop bitterness Tactically using vanilla to amplify flavors in imperial lagers Lagering to produce beautiful beer without filtration Playing on the hoppier side of lagers with IPL And more. Why should ale brewers have all the fun? Wibby is proving that a flavor focus to lager brewing can make compelling beers, with ingredients and techniques that serve that ultimate goal of flavor rather than drive it. * This episode is brought to you by: * G&D Chillers ( https://gdchillers.com ) : As the brewing industry’s premier choice for glycol chilling, G&D Chillers has set the standard on quality, service, reliability and dedication to their customer’s craft. New this year, Redundancy meets Efficiency! G&D’s Micro-Channel Condensers are built with all aluminum construction which eliminates galvanic corrosion. Using half the refrigerant of conventional condensers with fewer brazed connections, translates to a lower GWP and less opportunity for leaks. Call G&D Chillers today to discuss your project or reach out directly at GDChillers.com . BSG ( https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/ ) This episode is brought to you by Crisp Scottish Pale Ale Malt. Crisp Scottish Pale Ale Malt is the workhorse of many a brewery and is at home in a variety of beer styles. Crisp sources the lowest-nitrogen spring barley from farmers in Fife up to Moray. During malting, high cast moistures and a balance of optimal germination time and temperature results in an even, well-modified malt with a rich color and balanced sweet, malt flavor which is ideally suited to ale brewing. Visit bsgcraftbrewing.com for more information on Crisp Scottish Pale Ale Malt, or call 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 . Brewery DB® ( https://www.marketmybrewery.com ) : For years, BreweryDB® has been the industry’s only professionally curated source of brewery and beer information. In 2019, over one million brewery visits were made by craft fans searching for breweries on BreweryDB.com! In just a few weeks, BreweryDB® will unveil an all-new experience to help craft lovers get back on the brewery trail! To take full advantage of the enhanced marketing power of BreweryDB® – and increase your tap room traffic, setup your account on MarketMyBrewery.com . It’s easy and it’s free! Ss Brewtech ( https://www.ssbrewtech.com ) : The founders launched Ss Brewtech with a very clear goal to advance brewing equipment design, performance, and quality to the very highest standards in the industry. With a team that draws upon strong functional backgrounds in brewing science, mechanical engineering, industrial design, supply chain, and manufacturing, Ss Brewtech has the people and skill sets you would want and expect from your supplier of pro brewing equipment. Head over to SsBrewtech.com for more information on their brewhouses and brewing gear. 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