Session 1: Yeast Cell Counting and Viability

Fermentation control is fundamental to brewing at any scale. Yeast health and concentration have a profound impact on fermentation performance and flavor profile. This presentation will provide an in-depth explanation and demonstration of the simple and low-cost American Society of Brewing Chemists (ASBC) method used to determine cell count, viability, and vitality with a microscope, hemocytometer, and commercially available dyes. This session will include a live demonstration and Q&A.

Session 2: Basic Microbiology on a Budget

Microbiology is an essential tool for all brewers. In fact, we are all microbiologists when working with yeast and cleaning our breweries. Join us as we explore, demonstrate, and explain HLP media and other low-cost micro options that give you scientific know-how and peace of mind in the brewery. Basic aseptic technique will be demonstrated and many ideas on how to have a micro program in a small brewery will be discussed.