380: Garrett Oliver and Vinnie Cilurzo are Brewing for Impact With Fonio Grain

Published: Sept. 27, 2024, 6 a.m.

While Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery and Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River need little introduction, the grain they\u2019ve grown fond of brewing with\u2014an African millet known as fonio\u2014may be unfamiliar to many brewers. In this episode, these two brewing legends discuss the grain\u2019s background, as well as how and why they\u2019ve used it in a series of new beers produced for the Brewing for Impact project. Along the way, Oliver and Cilurzo touch on:

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  • the limitations of our industrialized food system
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  • the history and nature of fonio
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  • fonio\u2019s farming and climate benefits
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  • using fonio as a brewing component at various percentages
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  • fonio\u2019s unusual amino acid\u2013like bitterness
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  • its impact on free amino nitrogen (FAN) in finished beer and the implications for potential stability and longevity
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  • a basic step-mash regimen for a Belgian pale ale with fonio
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  • the Sauvignon Blanc\u2013like flavors that fonio can produce
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  • nearly clear beer made from 100 percent fonio
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And more.

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