194: Ryan Crisp of Alesmith is Wired on Coffee Stout

What this episode covers

Can we spend an entire hourlong episode talking about one beer? You bet we can. In this week’s episode, Alesmith Director of Brewing Operations Ryan Crisp takes us for a few hot laps around the track as we discuss their iconic Speedway Stout. From building a malt base to complement coffee additions, to validating and substituting ingredients and maximizing hop and coffee additions, Crisp walks us through the the vision, ingredients, and techniques that make Speedway such a revered modern classic. While the recipe hasn’t changed much over the years, the techniques behind the beer certainly have, and the Alesmith pit crew is always looking for ways to improve the beer. “If we weren’t tinkering, we wouldn’t be good brewers,” Crisp says. “We don’t want to change everything, but we want to maintain it.” With whole-leaf hops, a multi-continent coffee blend, and an unexpected process for adding the coffee, Speedway definitely isn’t your average coffee stout. This episode explores what Alesmith has learned while pushing that red line. *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°F (-2°C) 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/) Meet the latest in the BSG Hop solutions portfolio, Citiva. Strong expressions of stone fruit, floral, and resinous/pine flavors and aromas define this blend, crafted specifically for use in hazy IPAs and other hop-forward beers. Citiva is ideal for aroma, whirlpool, and dry hop additions to hazy and juicy IPAs, or for any other hoppy styles where a combination of citrus, tropical fruit, and pine aromatics are desired. Go to bsgcraftbrewing.com to learn more, 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. Brewmation (https://www.brewmation.com): With nearly 20 years of innovation and experience, Brewmation specializes in electric, steam, and direct fire brew houses, complete cellar solutions, and automated controls for the craft brewing industry. From a half barrel to thirty barrel systems, Brewmation puts you in control to design a brewery that fits your needs and brewing style. Whether you’re starting a new brewery, upgrading your cellar, or just need some parts to keep you up and running, Brewmation has you covered. Visit Brewmation.com to get started. Clarion Lubricants (https://www.clarionlubricants.com/Welcome.do): There’s nothing easy about brewing beer. It’s an intricate, time-consuming art. The last thing you need to face is a recall or contamination that can hurt your pride and your pocketbook. Clarion lubricants meet strict purity and performance standards to help make your system 100% food safe. That’s protection for your equipment and your beer. So, make the switch to Clarion, and ensure your system is running smooth and safe. Go to clarionlubricants.com to learn more. Support Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast