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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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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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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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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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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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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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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