If you are haunted by the seductive siren of barrel aging, you are not alone. They are sexy and romantic so what’s not to like? Well, if you do not want to be under their spell like the great Ulysses lost in the winemaking sea, read on. You need to a
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This week, The Guardian, New York Times, and New York Post have all been yammering about a new study that might finally explain why that bottle of red you love so much sometimes leaves you clutching your temples. Previous blog posts have postulated a
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Wine kits are evolving, and the Finer Wine Kits' Novello Series is a testament to this evolution. This unique wine kit is not just another low ABV wine kit; it's a revolution in the world of home winemaking, offering a unique blend of affordability,
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Beer making is not all hops and barley. There's a delicate dance happening in your brew, and it's all about the ABV. That's Alcohol by Volume, for the uninitiated. It's the measure of ethanol (read: the fun stuff) in your beer. And let me tell you, g
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Today, we're going to delve into the somewhat misunderstood concept of headspace in the fermentation process. Just like we get into different moods and go through different phases of life, so does our wine. Like us, it has different strengths, and we
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In the complex realm of winemaking, the quality of ingredients is paramount. This principle is deeply ingrained in Finer Wine Kits' philosophy, leading to their choice to exclusively use California sourced juices in their wine kits, for now.During th
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I've always been hesitant to write from a personal perspective, preferring to remain objective and unbiased in my blog posts. However, today is an exception. I feel compelled to address a social media post I recently read on a winemaking pa
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Let's dive into the fascinating role individual powdered acids can play in your winemaking process. Acidity is the structural foundation in your favorite bottle of wine, providing balance, enhancing flavor, and preserving freshness. Not only do winem
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Hey there, beer aficionado! You're here because you've got a burning desire to know more about the grains that make your favorite stout and porter beers. Well, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey into the heart of beer making.First
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Let’s talk about hop pellets, those little nuggets that give your beer its signature bitterness and aroma and start with a history lesson. Hop pellets, believe it or not, are a relatively new kid on the block. They were introduced in the 1970s,
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As a home beer or winemaker, you're no stranger to the art of crafting unique flavors. You've spent countless hours experimenting with different ingredients, refining your recipes, and perfecting your brews. But have you ever considered the transform
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As a home winemaker, you may have come across social media posts showcasing neatly sliced fruits in water, poised for fermentation. While aesthetically pleasing, this method doesn't quite hit the mark when it comes to extracting the best flavor and s
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If you like to make wine and beer but you want to give something complete different a try, you might want to venture into the world of mead! If you've got a taste for the extraordinary, a thirst for the historical, and a healthy inclination for curio
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If you're not curious about Omega Yeast Labs Cosmic Punch Ale Liquid Yeast, you should be. This yeast strain is a game-changer for those of you who like tropical fruit flavors in your beer, and you're about to delve into why.Let's dive right int
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When it comes to the art of wine and beer making, there's a lot more to it than meets the eye. It's not just about the right ingredients or the perfect recipe. It's also about the tools you use, and how they can improve your process. What if you no l
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As a home winemaker, so many of the processes you use have ancient origins, but there is one that is a very recent innovation. Though it lacks the historicity of processes like using sulfites, which can be traced back to the ancient Romans, it is no
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You've been there, haven't you? You're in the throes of your winemaking adventure, everything is going swimmingly, and then - bam! Your airlock decides it's had enough and makes a break for it. It's a common, yet hilarious, hiccup in the home winemak
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If you are making wine from fresh grapes, you might have the common concern that most winemakers have about too much exposure to the skins and seeds. You fear your wine becoming too tannic and might even press the wine before fermentation is even com
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You're here because you love beer. And not just any beer, but the good stuff. The kind that makes you sit back, take a sip, and think, "Wow, this is something special." But have you ever wondered what makes your favorite brew tick? Well, buckle up, b
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Ah, the humble wine cork. It's the gatekeeper of your precious grape juice, the final obstacle between you and a delightful evening. But did you know there's more to these little stoppers than meets the eye? Let's uncork the mystery and dive into the
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Recently, your newsletters started to feature yeast spotlight articles. They were so well received, they are now going to be a regular thing. Label Peelers offers many different yeast varieties and you don’t have time to just sit down and research th
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If you're a beer enthusiast, you've probably heard about Sabro Cryo Hop Pellets. These little gems are a game-changer in the brewing industry, and they're making waves for all the right reasons.Sabro Cryo Hop Pellets are derived from the Sabro hop va
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Spontaneous fermentation, a process that relies on the natural yeasts present on grapes, can yield uniquely complex flavors in winemaking. However, this method also exposes your wine to potential risks, especially when using pre-crushed grapes from e
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You make wine for a lot of reasons. It's fun, rewarding, and economical. As you calculate and contemplate your savings, it's important to count your time the same way you count money. Enter the variable stainless-steel tank. These tanks can be used t
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Hailing from the picturesque vineyards of Portugal's Serra Gaúcha region, QA23 Lalvin Wine Yeast is a silent game-changer in the winemaking industry. This yeast strain, with its distinctive attributes, has become a preferred choice for winemakers who
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Barley, the humble grain, has been the cornerstone of beer making for centuries. Its first documented use dates back to 5,000 BC in ancient Iran, making it one of the oldest cultivated grains in human history. But what is it about this particular gra
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You might have been making wine from grapes for years. You might even be a multigenerational winemaker. Maybe you have sworn off sulfiting your must before pitching your yeast under the assumption that if your dad didn’t do it, why should you? If thi
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While organizing your workshop, you find a bag of yeast nutrient you didn’t know you had. You might think that now you can wait to buy more because you have enough for the new batch you are planning. But then your excitement dwindles. It occurs to yo
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If you're a homebrewer or a winemaker, you've probably heard of the dreaded pellicle infection. It's the stuff of nightmares, right? Well, let's cut through the hype and get down to the nitty-gritty.A pellicle infection manifests as a thin, often pat
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You've just bottled your wine. You're excited about the prospect of savoring it in the future, but you're also aware that how you store it will significantly impact its taste. The key player in this game? Temperature. Let's dive into the chemistry of
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You're standing in your home brewery, staring at two seemingly identical products. One holds liquid malt extract (LME), the other dry malt extract (DME). You scratch your head, wondering if there is a reason why you should choose one over the other?
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In a celestial twist of fate, NASA has swooped in to save the day for home winemakers, particularly those with a penchant for Cabernet Sauvignon. The space agency, known for its interstellar explorations, has turned its gaze earthward, using its adva
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As a seasoned brewer with a taste for the extraordinary, you've probably considered expanding your repertoire to include your own specialty beers. But how do you venture into this uncharted territory? The solution is surprisingly straightforward: bee
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Today, we're going to delve into a topic that's as vital as it is often neglected: burning your brewing equipment after crafting a sour beer. You might be wondering, "Why in the world would I need to do that?" Well, let's just say, if you skip this s
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The Red Star Premier Classique Wine Yeast, formerly known as Montrachet, is a proud creation of the esteemed Lesaffre Yeast Corporation. This yeast strain traces its roots back to the heart of France, a country that is as much a part of the wine worl
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Making wine at home has become increasingly popular and many have turned to wine kits to help in this endeavor; however, not all wine kits are created equal. Two years ago, Label Peelers became the exclusive retailer of Finer Wine Kits. It has since
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Have you ever wondered if you could tell the difference between a red and a white wine if they were served at the same temperature, and you were blindfolded? It's a question that has sparked many debates in the world of wine. So, let's uncork this my
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Zythos hops, a relatively fresh face in the world of brewing, first saw the light of day in the USA. This innovative hop variety didn't just sprout up from the ground; it was meticulously crafted and introduced to the world in 2011.The mastermind beh
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Home beer and winemakers typically reuse bottles. It is economical but, if you have the means, you might want to consider upping your variety. Bottle shapes, colors, and sizes are more than just aesthetic and stylistic choices. Though that is most of
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For today’s yeast spotlight, let’s dive into the world of Apex Cultures Dry Brewing Yeast German Kolsch. This little yeast strain is a nifty little game-changer, and we're here to spill the hops on what makes it unique and when it produces its best r
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You’ve got all the best ingredients to make your wine and beer, but there's one thing you might be overlooking - the cleaners specifically designed for your beer and winemaking equipment. Now, you might be thinking, "Cleaners? Why should I care about
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As a beer or winemaker, you are always fretting about the importance of sanitation, quality and safety. Star San is an ideal sanitizing solution for your beer and wine because it is composed of a safe blend of chemicals that effectiv
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Natural flavorings are the equivalent of the spice rack of the brewing and winemaking world. They are derived from plant sources, like fruits, herbs, spices, and even certain types of wood. They are extracted through various methods such as distillat
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As a winemaker, you are the alchemist of the vineyard, transforming humble grapes into liquid gold. Your magic wand? The alcohol content. Your canvas? The intricate balance of flavors and aromas that make up a bottle of wine. Today, we're going to ex
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You, my curious home winemaker, may have wondered why white wines are often fermented without their skins. It's a fascinating tale that takes us back through history, revealing the origins of this standard technique and the minds behind it. So, grab
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Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of mash temperatures, where the real magic of brewing comes alive. The key to this realm is a careful balance between your chosen malt and the precise temperature at which you mash it. So, grab your brew p
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Prepare to embark on an exciting journey into the dynamic universe of Cascade hops. Born from the innovative minds at the USDA in the golden era of the 1950s, Cascade hops are as authentically American as a crackling Fourth of July fireworks display.
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Hello, you budding Bacchus! Let's talk about crafting the perfect blackberry wine. It's a bit like conducting a symphony, where every note (or in this case, every berry) matters.Before we get into the specs, let’s discuss the fruit itself if you will
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Hey there, homebrew maestro! Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey into the heart of one of the most beloved yeast strains in the brewing universe - the WLP002 White Labs English Ale Liquid Yeast.This yeast strain, my friend, is like
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Alright, listen up, home winemakers. You know how it is, right? You're trying to make a decent bottle of wine, but it's like having a newborn baby. It's all "feed me, burp me, change me." It's enough to drive a person to drink... which, I suppose, is
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Alright, home brewers and winemakers, let's take a deeper dive into the world of vegetable glycerine. Now that you're acquainted with its role as a steadfast airlock filler, it's time to explore its other uses in your brewing process and understand w
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Hello, fellow brew enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the frothy world of beer making, specifically focusing on the unsung heroes of the process - yeasts. Yes, you heard it right! These microscopic fungi are the secret agents behind your favo
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As a home winemaker, you're always striving for the perfect balance of flavors. One of the most crucial elements in this quest is the oak flavor. But how do you know when your wine has absorbed just the right amount of oak? For starters, this is not
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Hello, fellow beer enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of flaked barley, a hidden gem in the beer-making process. If you're looking to add a unique twist to your home brew, flaked barley might just be the secret ingredient you've bee
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You, the home beer maker, are about to embark on a fascinating journey. A journey that will take you back to the origins of one of the world's most beloved beer styles - the Weizenbier. As you delve into the history, the recipe, and the special techn
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Let's dive into the frosty world of white wine fermentation. The temperature at which you ferment your white wine is not just a minor detail; it's the maestro that conducts the symphony of flavors and aromas in your final product. In this article, we
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Originating from the beer-loving city of Berlin, this yeast strain carries a rich history within its microscopic walls. It's a direct descendant of the yeast used in traditional German lagers, bringing a touch of authenticity to your brew. It's like
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Have you ever wondered what specifically makes the Zinfandel grape so unique and enchanting? As you embark on your winemaking journey, let us delve into the captivating world of Zinfandel, exploring the chemical compounds that contribute to its disti
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One of the most important aspects of winemaking is achieving a clear, sediment-free wine that not only looks great but also tastes amazing. That's where Keiselsol and Chitosan come in! These two fining agents can work wonders in your winemaking proce
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Imagine this: you're standing in the vineyards of your dreams, surrounded by lush grapevines, the sun casting a warm glow on your face, and the sweet aroma of fermenting grapes filling your nostrils. Now, snap back to reality. You're in your kitchen
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In a perfect world, additional sugar is not necessary and, if you are working from high quality grapes, you won't need to add it. But if you are working with lower quality grapes or other fruits, upping the OSG (original specific gravity) is inevitab
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As a homebrew enthusiast, you're always looking for ways to enhance the complexity of your beers. Variety is the spice of life and one ingredient that can significantly impact your beer's taste is lactic acid. In this article, we'll discuss what lact
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The secret to crafting a truly unique and enjoyable wine often lies in the heart of the fermentation process - the yeast. Today, let's take a closer look at RC-212 Lalvin Wine Yeast, a reliable and versatile option that can enhance your winemaking ex
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The art of winemaking is a delicate dance between science and creativity, and the use of oak is no exception. As a home winemaker, you have the power to shape your wine's character, and understanding the nuances and flavor profiles of various types o
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You take great care to assemble the right ingredients for your beers, but have you ever considered your water profile? Today, we're diving into the world of ACCUmash SRM >26, Malty, 1.075-1.090 OG Water Treatment. This innovative product
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Have you ever wondered how to unlock the fullest potential of the sugars in your malted barley? Glucoamylase enzyme may be the secret ingredient your home brewing process has been missing if you like drier, crisper, and higher ABV beers. In certain b
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Are you ready to elevate your winemaking game? Let's talk about a little secret weapon that you’ve probably never investigated and can make a big difference in preserving your wine: ascorbic acid. You might know it as vitamin C, but in the world of w
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You have a lot of passion and dedication in pursuit of brewing the perfect beer. You not only want your beer to taste great but also look the part. Since presentation matters as much as substance, meet your new BFF: Kick Carrageenan Tablets, a fining
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You often read about the dangers and pitfalls of not enough acidity in your wine but what about when you have too much? A pH that is too low comes with its own set of problems and remedies. One of the essential tools in your palette is potassium bica
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If you use either fresh fruit or fruit bases to make your fruit wines, you might want to consider combining both in your next batch. Fresh fruit that has not undergone any processing will add crisp notes to your wine while the bases will give you a g
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You face the ongoing and invisible battle against bacteria that can grow in your clear hoses. In this article, we will explore the various types of bacteria that can infiltrate your hoses, techniques to clean them and the importance of regular replac
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When budgets get tight, it is normal to wonder if you are being self-indulgent. You worry if your hobbies need to take a back seat to dropping money on stuff for your kids or whatever expenses might come around. If you are having these thoughts, not
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Hey there, hoppy friend!Has the recent boom of microbreweries and DIY beer-making got you dreaming of crafting your own sudsy masterpiece? Well, hold on to your fermenters, because Labelpeelers.com is about to make your brew dreams come true! In
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The art of brewing beer is a delicate dance, with each step in the process contributing to the final symphony of flavors and aromas that delight the senses. One of the lead dancers in this performance is temperature, which influences the extraction,
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In previous discussions, we've delved into the potential downsides of using sulfites during the beer-making process. However, upon further examination, we've discovered that using sulfites as a sanitizing solution can be both safe and effective. If u
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Every family has the politician and the stoic. Wine is no different. More well-known varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir tend to hog the conversation. But like the old saying goes, some people who talk less actually have more to say. As
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Fortified wines have long captivated the palates of wine enthusiasts, weaving a tapestry of rich and robust flavors that set them apart from other varieties. This article aims to paint a vivid picture of the production process of fortified wines, as
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Ah, sulfites! Those little chemical wonders that have been saving wines from spoilage for ages. But what happens when these tiny preservative powerhouses make their way into your beer? Well, my friend, that's when things start to get a bit... funky.
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Understanding the true impact of alcohol by volume (ABV) can be a challenge. This article aims to help you better comprehend the implications of ABV and understand how it might be misleading. It is easy to give little or no credence to a mere 1% incr
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When the time comes to choose your yeast, you have lots of choices. Ask what’s the best on social media and you’ll get a lot of different answers. So how do you know what to do? In the end, your selection comes down to preference however, there are l
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If you are still using plastic fermenters and carboys for making beer, let’s talk about the sanctity of glass and why you might want to upgrade. In the realm of homebrewing, the quest for the perfect fermentation vessel is a tale as old as time. Let'
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There is a lot of debate and mystique surrounding Malolactic Fermentation, AKA MLF. The allure of creamier mouthfeel and more rounded acidity are almost irresistible intrigues. However, if you have tried this, you may have made subsequent wines that
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Imagine yourself as a tightrope walker, teetering high above the ground, balancing the fine line between alcohol levels and flavor in your homemade beer or wine. As you craft your libations, it's important to understand the delicate dance between the
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Tannins can be scary. When overpowering, they can leave you feeling like Wiley Coyote after a dose of Acme alum. But when they are right, tannins really are the unsung heroes of wine. They weave a complex tapestry of flavor, mouthfeel, and overall qu
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Imagine yeast starters as the fairy godmothers of the fermentation world, sprinkling their magic dust to transform ordinary homebrews and wines into extraordinary elixirs. In this enchanting guide, we'll delve into the mystical realm of yeast st
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As a passionate homebrewer, you're like an alchemist, transforming humble ingredients into liquid gold. You know that the quality of your ingredients is the magic key to unlocking the perfect brew. Grains are the bedrock of beer production, providing
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Welcome to your new blog about home beer and winemaking! We are excited for you to embark on this journey and explore the world of brewing and winemaking together. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned home brewer, this blog is here to help you disco
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If you are making wine from kits, picture yourself as an alchemist, transforming simple ingredients into a divine elixir that tantalizes the taste buds. Though you pay attention to even the smallest details, like carefully sanitizing your equipment a
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As a budding home beer maker, you're eager to dive into the world of brewing and concoct your own delightful libations. But before you transform your kitchen into a mini brewery, it's important to understand why using your everyday kitchen pots for b
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You just bought your fresh Cabernet grapes home, took an OSG reading and your hydrometer is having palpitations. Your brix are 27! It’s going to be a “hot” red wine. That much alcohol will be unruly on your palette if you don’t plan to accommodate it
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As a home-brew aficionado, you've conquered the realm of crafting tantalizing beers and exquisite wines. But have you ever contemplated venturing into the effervescent world of kombucha? This fermented tea elixir has been sweeping the nation in recen
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Welcome to the twilight zone of "free shipping," where nothing is truly free and you're left wondering if you've been bamboozled. Fear not, Label Peelers has your back with our guaranteed lowest price shipped. Find a better deal? Send us a screenshot
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If you’ve ever started a batch and found the airlock filled with wine the next day, you know how much of a mess it can cause. The use of airlocks during primary fermentation for wine is a common practice among home winemakers but there are a few
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It is said that the most important innovations happen with things no one thinks to change. Like all home beer and winemakers, you have been using the same style airlocks for years. It's probably never occurred to you that there was a better way to ma
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The American Pale Wheat Ale is relatively new, yet this unique style of beer that has become increasingly popular in the United States in recent years. Let’s explore the flavor profile, brewing techniques, and history of this now American classic.Ame
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Sangiovese is named for the top god in Roman mythology. It means blood of Jupiter. If you’ve made Sangiovese and not been happy with the outcome, you may be wondering why? You’ve successfully made other reds but this one does not seem to want to coop
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Ever have a cork blow out of a bottle or wine that was carbonated? If you have, you were not happy about it and either scenario can and should be avoided. The solution is an inexpensive and simple fix that will ensure it never happens again, or at al
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Alpha and beta acids are the two main types of hop acids that contribute to the flavor and aroma of beer. Alpha acids are responsible for the bitterness, while beta acids provide the floral and fruity aromas. The ratio of alpha to beta acids in beer
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What would you think if a Yale scientist said that tasting wine engages your brain more than math or listing to music?Professor Gordon Shepherd from Yale School of Medicine is saying just that! He has conducted research that suggests drinking wine st
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The use of synthetic corks for wine bottles has been steadily increasing over the years. It can be argued that aesthetics and nostalgia are mostly why they have not largely replaced natural corks entirely. They don’t make that bright poppin
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It is a common notion that Shiraz and Syrah are just different names for the same grape, but it might not be that simple. There is debate about whether the distinction is warranted, and there are naysayers. Let’s delve into the details and you decide
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If you’re interested in making beer and wine, but you’re worried about how to start, you’re not alone. From the outside, it can seem very daunting. You might follow social media pages or forums and find nothing an endless stream of contrary informati
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The British Navy began using lemons on ships in the 1700s to prevent scurvy, a condition caused by a lack of vitamin C. At that time, it was believed that the acidic properties of lemons could prevent the disease, and they were right. A whole host of
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You might be thinking about mixing things up for your next batch. Here’s a quick overview of how different grains will affect the body, flavors and colors of your beers. With the growing craft beer industry, brewers are now experimenting with differe
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In an earlier post, you got a brief history of how hops came to be an essential component in beer making. But it is known that beer making goes much farther back than 8th century Germany, so what was used in their place?Prior to the 8th century, anci
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The Continental Pilsner is a style of beer that has been around since the mid-19th century. It is a light-bodied, golden-colored lager that is characterized by its crisp, dry finish and a moderate hop bitterness. The style originated in the Czech Rep
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Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris, is a white wine grape variety that is widely grown in various regions of the world. It is a member of the Pinot family, which includes Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Meunier. Italian Pinot Grigio has its ow
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Hops have been used in beer-making since the Middle Ages. The first evidence of hop cultivation dates back to the 8th century, when Charlemagne ordered that hops be planted in Bavaria. The first record of using hops is dated to the year 736 but they
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If you like sweet wine but want to venture into the world of traditional reds, try the Diablo Rojo! It is a semi-sweet red wine kit that makes your journey to the dry side easy.The Diablo Rojo blend is a mystery and Winexpert considers this info
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If you want to explore dark beers but stouts are a bit bitter and too alcoholic for your pallet, try making a porter. Porters are sweeter with a lower ABV. They characteristically have chocolate flavors from the use of roasted malts as opposed to the
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Adjuncts are a type of cereal grains or other fermentable ingredients you can use in your beer. They are typically added to alter the flavor, aroma, and body that come from the base grains and malts. In addition, adjuncts can also be used to alter th
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Viognier, pronounced Vee-oh-nyay, is a lesser-known white grape that deserves more of your attention. If you have never made it, you might want to do something about that. Viognier is a full-bodied white wine with aromas of apricot, peach, and honeys
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Weizenbier, or wheat beer, is the original, and traditional German beer brewed with a high proportion of wheat malt. Weizenbiers are characterized by their hazy appearance and unique flavor and aroma. They are very distinct from other types of beer a
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You often read about temperature ranges for fermenting your wines. You probably think this just has to do with yeast activity. Yes, yeast prefers the Caribbean to the mountains however, there is another reason, and it is a much bigger deal than you m
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Pectic enzymes are an essential component in the winemaking process if you are working with fresh grapes and other fruits. They provide you with many advantages that contribute to the quality of your wine. Pectic enzymes are proteins that break down
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You know the phrase, “little things mean a lot.” When you are preparing a batch of wort or must, small details can matter most for your yeast to transform them into exceptional wines and beers. This is clearly the case with yeast energizer. Fermentin
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Ceveza is more than just beer in Spanish. The Mexican Cerveza is not just any light beer made in Mexico, it is a unique variety that has developed over hundreds of years. This beer is brewed in a variety of styles and flavors and is a pop
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Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular wine grapes in the world. Its flavor and complexity have made it a favorite among winemakers and consumers alike. The origins of Cabernet Sauvignon are not as well-known but what is known might come as a
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Is there really a difference between Sodium and Potassium Metabisulfite? The short answer is yes. You have probably encountered numerous social media debates comparing them. Unfortunately, they are often littered with contrary and baseless comme
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Oak has been an important part of winemaking for centuries, and its influence can be felt in many of the world's most beloved wines. Oak aging, or barrel aging, gives wines complex flavors and aromas that can enhance the fruit and spice characters of
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Preparing your bottles is not on the list of fun tasks for the wine and beer maker. You do it because you must, but it’s not exactly as gratifying as punching down your must cap or watching your wort boil. Not only is it not a day at the beach, it ca
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Fruit purees are an increasingly popular ingredient for both beer and winemaking. By adding pureed fruit, you can make your batches stand out. In this article, we will explore how they are made, and how your batches will benefit from their
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If you love the IPA, you are not alone. The India Pale Ale (IPA) is a popular style of beer that originated in England in the late 18th century. It has since gone on to become one of the most popular and widely consumed beer styles in the world. The
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As the craft beer industry has grown, so too has the need for advanced brewing equipment. One such piece of equipment is the wort chiller, which is used in the cooling process after your boil. This article will explain how wort chillers work, th
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As you make more wine and wait for gravity to clear it, carboys are probably encroaching on your living space. The faster you get your wine in the bottle, the sooner you can drink it. The Buon Vino Mini Jet Filter Pump System can shorten your wait t
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Liquid malts are created by a process called mashing. This process involves soaking grains (usually barley) in hot water for an extended period of time to convert their starches into sugars. The resulting liquid is then separated from the grains and
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If you are making fruit wines from fresh fruit, hats off to you! They are more difficult than wines made from grapes with a much larger margin of error. Grapes are the closest thing to being readymade from nature for winemaking. High quality gra
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Modern civilization is never short of things to admire. Before mechanized corkers, corks were inserted into wine bottles using a wooden mallet or hammer to drive the cork into the bottle. This was a time-consuming and labor-intensive process you can&
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If you have compared your fruit wines to commercial bottles and felt like yours didn’t measure up, there’s a reason. It is probably because they use flavorings, and you don’t. The use of natural wine flavorings has been an integral part of the c
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If you think you’ve taken every precaution, yet you are still getting stuck fermentation and/or spoilage, your problem is probably low acidity. Unlike sugar measurement, acidity is often overlooked. Most home winemakers get introduced to testing for
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If you get that signature throbbing in your head when you drink alcohol, and it is not from sulfites or amines, there might just be an even simpler explanation: you’re dehydrated! Of course, it is common knowledge that alcohol consumption can cause d
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The original predecessor of the modern wine kit did not come with juice or any of the additives available today. The instructions also had to be disguised as a warning. If you’re not familiar, meet the stealthy Must Brick! Must Bricks were a t
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Part two of our article on Sulfites will discuss the history of its use in winemaking, its benefits and the pitfalls of omitting them. Part one was premised by a notion of purism in winemaking as a reason to avoid them. Some say that their grandparen
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How do you bring out the best in your Sauvignon Blanc? Some of the most common commercial fermentationtechniques include stainless steel fermentation, barrelfermentation, and wild fermentation. Sauvignon Blanc isknown for its crisp, refreshing f
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If you are looking to venture into craft beers, try making a red ale. Red ale is a great transition to craft beers because it has a full-bodied flavor, but it is not too strong and doesn’t have an overly hoppy taste. It has a malty, caramel-like swee
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All natural beer flavorings can be used as a substitute for actual spices by adding them to your brew during the fermentation process. The flavorings can give your beer a variety of different flavors, such as citrus, hops, and other spices. Thes
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The use of sulfites is one of the hottest debates in winemaking. It is such an important topic, it will be addressed in two separate blog posts. Part two will be in your next newsletter. First let’s deal with what sulfites are, where they are found,
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Deep in the heart of every wine lover, there is a hidden desire to make your own vintage entirely from scratch. For many, making wine means more than just getting drunk. It’s a labor of love that requires patience, skill and proper technique. And whe
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When you make your next batch, you might want to spend a little extra time to make your yeast selection. You have hundreds of engineered beer yeast choices at your disposal, and all of them will leave their unique stamp on your beer! Prior to th
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You may not know it, but the temperature at which your wine is fermented can have a profound impact on your results. Here are four ways that different fermentation temperatures can affect your wine:1. Yeast ActivityYeast is responsible for converting
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There's a reason Pinot Noir is known as the heartbreak grape. This finicky grape is notoriously difficult to grow and even more difficult to produce into a high-quality wine. But when done right, Pinot Noir can be absolutely stunning. What are some t
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When it comes to beer, there are a variety of different ways you can give your brews citrus flavors. Some of the most common methods include using citrus fruits or citrus zest in the brewing process, as well as adding citrus-based hops to the recipe.
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If you feel like you're fighting a losing battle to avoid bacterial contamination in your beer making process, you're not alone. Bacteria can thwart your beer at any stage of brewing, from the raw materials to the finished product. Even after your be
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If you're looking to add a touch of luxury to your home-made liquor without spending a fortune, then liquor essences are the way to go. By simply adding these essences to your liquor, you can instantly transform it into something that tastes far more
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If you love Moscato, you’re not alone. It is a white wine variety that has been enjoyed for centuries. If you still aren't satisfied with your results, there are easy changes you can make to your process that can help. How, and in what you ferment yo
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