Making great beer is dependent on many things, including effective yeast fermentations. Yeast relies heavily on nutrients and trace minerals such as nitrogen compounds in the form of Free Amino Nitrogen (FAN), calcium, magnesium, and vitamins. FAN is one nutrient that is critical to making great beer, but how and why is it so important? Learn the basics of FAN and how it affects fermentation performance, how to achieve optimal levels, and troubleshoot your FAN and fermentation.

Kara Taylor has been with White Labs since 2009. She became interested in fermentation science while homebrewing during her days at Loyola Marymount University. She received a B.S. in biology in 2009 and began employment at White Labs in San Diego as a yeast laboratory technician. She enjoys traveling the world judging beer and educating brewers about fermentation.