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Label Peelers Blog

Red Wine Headaches: Not Sulfites but Quercetin?

Red Wine Headaches: Not Sulfites but Quercetin?

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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A Little Headspace: Understanding Your Wine's Needs

A Little Headspace: Understanding Your Wine's Needs

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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You, Mead, and a Journey Through Time

You, Mead, and a Journey Through Time

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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There Really Are Only Two Types of Beer

There Really Are Only Two Types of Beer

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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The Great Cork Debate: A Guide to Wine Stoppers

The Great Cork Debate: A Guide to Wine Stoppers

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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​Hops Spotlight: Sabro Cryo Hop Pellets

​Hops Spotlight: Sabro Cryo Hop Pellets

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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​Yeast Spotlight: QA23 Lalvin Wine Yeast

​Yeast Spotlight: QA23 Lalvin Wine Yeast

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 Muscle Man of Beer Making

​Barley: The Muscle Man of Beer Making

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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Finer Wine Kits Takes Kit Winemaking to Another Level

Finer Wine Kits Takes Kit Winemaking to Another Level

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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Wine and Beer Bottles: Why So Many Different Styles?

Wine and Beer Bottles: Why So Many Different Styles?

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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​Why White Wines Ditch the Skins

​Why White Wines Ditch the Skins

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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​Hops Spotlight: Cascade Hops, an American Classic

​Hops Spotlight: Cascade Hops, an American Classic

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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​Flaked Barley: A Grain of Thought for a Heady Beer

​Flaked Barley: A Grain of Thought for a Heady Beer

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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​The Weizenbier: A Taste of Nobility

​The Weizenbier: A Taste of Nobility

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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​Apex Cultures Dry Brewing Yeast Berlin Lager

​Apex Cultures Dry Brewing Yeast Berlin Lager

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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Ascorbic Acid: The Unsung Hero of Wine Preservation

Ascorbic Acid: The Unsung Hero of Wine Preservation

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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Petite Sirah: The Quiet Man with Quite the Punch

Petite Sirah: The Quiet Man with Quite the Punch

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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The Art of Fortified Wines: A Quick Guide

The Art of Fortified Wines: A Quick Guide

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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Can ABV Be Misleading?

Can ABV Be Misleading?

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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The Glass Fortress: Fermenting Your Beer in Carboys

The Glass Fortress: Fermenting Your Beer in Carboys

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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Unleashing the Magic of Yeast Starters

Unleashing the Magic of Yeast Starters

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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Welcome to the Label Peelers Blog!

Welcome to the Label Peelers Blog!

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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You Should Always Use Distilled Water with Wine Kits

You Should Always Use Distilled Water with Wine Kits

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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Don't Use your Pasta Pot to Boil your Wort

Don't Use your Pasta Pot to Boil your Wort

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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Balancing High Alcohol Levels in Winemaking

Balancing High Alcohol Levels in Winemaking

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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The ​American Pale Wheat Ale: Already a Classic

The ​American Pale Wheat Ale: Already a Classic

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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The Trick to Making Good Sangiovese

The Trick to Making Good Sangiovese

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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Wine Does Really Amazing things in Your Brain!

Wine Does Really Amazing things in Your Brain!

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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What Are the Advantages of Synthetic Corks?

What Are the Advantages of Synthetic Corks?

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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Is Australian Shiraz just Syrah? No and Yes.

Is Australian Shiraz just Syrah? No and Yes.

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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New to Wine and Beer Making? Try Kits.

New to Wine and Beer Making? Try Kits.

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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What Else Can You Do with Citric Acid?

What Else Can You Do with Citric Acid?

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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Beer Grains: A Quick Overview

Beer Grains: A Quick Overview

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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Beer Before Hops: An Ancient Roman Recipe!

Beer Before Hops: An Ancient Roman Recipe!

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 World Renouned Continental Pilsner

The World Renouned Continental Pilsner

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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What Makes Italian Pinot Grigio Unique?

What Makes Italian Pinot Grigio Unique?

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: A Brief Overview and History

Hops: A Brief Overview and History

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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The Diablo Rojo: Your Bridge to Dry Reds

The Diablo Rojo: Your Bridge to Dry Reds

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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The Porter: Not All Dark Beers Are Bitter

The Porter: Not All Dark Beers Are Bitter

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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Understanding Adjuncts

Understanding Adjuncts

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 Grapes and the Unique Wines They Create

​Viognier Grapes and the Unique Wines They Create

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: An Overview of the German Wheat Beer

​Weizenbier: An Overview of the German Wheat Beer

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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If You're Not Using Yeast Energizer?

If You're Not Using Yeast Energizer?

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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The Mighty Mexican Cerveza

The Mighty Mexican Cerveza

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: The King of Reds Is a Half Breed?

Cabernet Sauvignon: The King of Reds Is a Half Breed?

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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Sodium or Potassium Metabisulfite?

Sodium or Potassium Metabisulfite?

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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Tired of Scrubbing Tough Bottle Stains?

Tired of Scrubbing Tough Bottle Stains?

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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If You Love IPA's?

If You Love IPA's?

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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Why You Want a Wort Chiller!

Why You Want a Wort Chiller!

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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The Advantages of Malt Extracts!

The Advantages of Malt Extracts!

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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Struggling with Fruit Wines from Fresh Fruit?

Struggling with Fruit Wines from Fresh Fruit?

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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Checking your PH before Fermenting?  You Should!

Checking your PH before Fermenting? You Should!

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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Headache? Hydrate!

Headache? Hydrate!

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 First "Wine Kits" Were Covert!

The First "Wine Kits" Were Covert!

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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Sulfites: Fact Vs. Fiction Part 2

Sulfites: Fact Vs. Fiction Part 2

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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Sauvignon Blanc Hacks for the Home Winemaker

Sauvignon Blanc Hacks for the Home Winemaker

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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Want to Try Craft Beer? Try Making a Red Ale First.

Want to Try Craft Beer? Try Making a Red Ale First.

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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What Can Beer Flavorings Do for Your Beer? A Lot!

What Can Beer Flavorings Do for Your Beer? A Lot!

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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Sulfites: Fact Vs. Fiction Part 1

Sulfites: Fact Vs. Fiction Part 1

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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How You Should, and Should Not Clean Your Wine Press.

How You Should, and Should Not Clean Your Wine Press.

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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The Miracle of Modern Beer Yeasts!

The Miracle of Modern Beer Yeasts!

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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Love Pinot Noir But Struggle Making It?

Love Pinot Noir But Struggle Making It?

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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Like Citrusy Beers?

Like Citrusy Beers?

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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The Ongoing Battle Against Bacteria In Beer Making

The Ongoing Battle Against Bacteria In Beer Making

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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Transform Your Liquor Cabinet!

Transform Your Liquor Cabinet!

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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​Can’t Get Your Moscato Just Right?

​Can’t Get Your Moscato Just Right?

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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