At Cornella Brewery, we’ve always believed that the best beer is the one enjoyed with a bit of context. If you’ve follow us on Instagram and Facebook, you'll know that our sister account, @shirazrepublic, loves to pull back the curtain to show you exactly how we do things around the winery and vineyard. Now, we’re bringing that same Inside Look series to the brewery.

In this new 6-part video series, our co-founder Matt van Run takes you through the step-by-step process of brewing a fresh batch of our fan-favorite Hay Bale XPA.

From Grain to Glass

Brewing isn't just about mixing ingredients; it’s a delicate balance of chemistry, timing, and a bit of heavy lifting. Throughout the series, we dive deep into the technical side of the craft:

• Part 1: The Mill
  It all starts with 300kg of Voyager Malt. We show you how we crush the grain to make those vital starches accessible.
  
• Part 2: The Mash & pH
  Precision is everything. We check the pH levels (aiming for that 5.2–5.4 "sweet spot") to ensure maximum sugar conversion.
  
• Part 3: The Mash Out
  Raising the temp to 74°C to lock in the body of the beer and prep for the big move.
  
• Part 4: Recirculation
  The "clarification" phase. We filter the liquid through itself until it goes from grainy to crystal clear.
  
• Part 5: The Boil & Hops
  Moving to the kettle for the boil and adding those signature hops for the bitterness and aroma that define an XPA.
  
• Part 6: Stay tuned!

Watch the Journey Unfold

We’re currently five parts into this six-part journey. Whether you’re a home-brewing nerd or just someone who loves a cold pint on a Saturday afternoon, this series is for you!

Follow Us to Catch Every Episode:

Check out the reels on our Instagram and Facebook accounts and join the conversation: 👉 @cornellabrewery 👉 @shirazrepublic

Not on Instagram or Facebook? You can watch them on YouTube. Head to our Shiraz Republic YouTube Channel and navigate to the "shorts" tab.

Don’t miss the series finale! We’ll be showing you the final stages of the brew and, most importantly, the finished product.

Which part of the brewing process surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments of our latest Reel!