I agree. When I started brewing 5-6 years ago, I remember thinking I HAD to do everything according to John Palmer’s book, but over the little time I have been brewing, I’ve learned at the end of brew session, it’s almost always beer. And how can that be bad?
Right! I maintain that “Try it for yourself” is one of the most important rules in learning to brew. There’s plenty of bits of advice floating around, especially on the interwebs…some good, some bad, but rarely definitive.
With so many variables in the process and the multiple ways (both methodology and ingredient-wise) to get great results in the end, the surest path to finding the best way for one’s own situation (and taste) is through experimentation and good note taking.
So does this mean the “Mud Wrestling With the Beer Wonks” feature at NHC '12 has been canceled?
Not necessarily… 
I want to see Denny and Gordon arm-wrestle!
And Palmer take on the winner!
Haven’t watched it, but listened to the podcast on the way to work this AM and really enjoyed it. Great job Danny & Gordon! The BeerSmith podcasts are really well done, IMO.
Watched the entire episode lastnight. Great format and info. I would like to see more of this and I’m confident Brad will be hosting more episodes. Great to see you guys converse in such a format. Nice job Denny!
I am just finishing Gordon’s book, Brewing Better Beer, and I enjoyed hearing comments from the others on some topics that really were helpful (like forgetting about mash hopping - I couldn’t agree more). Really well done and great guys to have on there!
Happy New Brew Year to the participants, viewers and listeners. I can’t wait for another episode.
Yes, very good indeed! I was tempted to grab a brew while watching even if it was 7 am.
I watched and listened to this yesterday. Very interesting to hear the topics and opinions. I do agree that each brewer needs to look at some of these suggestions and see what works best for their brewing setup and process. What works for one person, may not for another or what is an issue for one person may not be one for another.
Perfect example:
I have only done step mashes on a few beers and one decoction mash in my 11 years of brewing. I really did not see much benefit on my system to make it worth the time. I may do it again, but it’s not a regular practice of mine. If this works and helps others with their beers, great.
Thanks for posting the video and thanks to Denny, Gordon and John for the insight.