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The Glass Fortress: Fermenting Your Beer in Carboys(Post)
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 ...
Protecting Wine During Extended Bulk Aging(Post)Advanced Airlock Management for Serious Home Winemakers Bulk Aging Demands a Stable Airlock When you decide to bulk age a wine for six, nine, or twelve months, you are choosing a chemical process tha ...
The Unvarnished Truth About Pellicle Infections in Beer and Wine(Post)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.
Don't Use Specialized Cleaners? It Might Explain the Off Flavors in Your Beer and Wine(Post)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.
Star San: An Effective and Safe Sanitizing Solution for Beer and Wine Makers (Post)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 com ...
The Ongoing Battle Against Bacteria In Beer Making(Post)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 ma ...
To Barrel or Not to Barrel? Alternatives for Oaking Your Wine(Post)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 ...
It's Not Magic: Find Out Why Your Beer Has No Head(Post)If your beer's foam is disappearing faster than a politician's promises after an election, you might be feeling a little flat. But don't worry, you'll perk you up again. Let's investigate the frothy ...
The Great Escape: Why Your Airlock Won't Stay Put in Your Carboy(Post)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 ...
What Else Can You Do with Citric Acid?(Post)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 preven ...
The Glass Carboy: A Beer and Winemaker's Best Friend That Has Trust Issues(Post)If you've found your way here, you're probably looking for some inside scoop on the enigmatic glass carboy, that bulbous, necked vessel that's as integral to the home beer and winemaking process as f ...
Stuck Fermentation or Infected Wine? Fortification Turns a Setback Into Art(Post)You open your fermenter and something feels wrong. The airlock has gone quiet too soon. Your gravity has stalled at 1.028 and refuses to move. Or worse, a thin pellicle has formed across the surface.
The Essential Brew Pot for Stove Top Homebrewing(Post)If you are brewing beer at home, this is the bare minimum you should have. A dedicated brew pot is not a luxury or an upgrade. It is foundational equipment. A 20 quart brew pot like this one is speci ...
Sulfites in Beer: A Flavor Fiasco You'll Want to Avoid(Post)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 frien ...
Wonderful Wine Geekery: Using Math to Fortify your Wine(Post)Ever wanted to fortify your wine but got intimidated by how to do it? If so, today is your lucky day. We are going to geek out with some math! Sounds thrilling right? Well, not to be sarcastic but, i ...
Why You Shouldn’t Stir After Adding Yeast to Your Wort or Must(Post)When making beer or wine, one of the most important moments is adding yeast to the wort or must. Many homebrewers and winemakers, eager to get things moving, cannot resist reaching for stirring spoon ...
Why Do Wine Bottles Have Punts?(Post)Ever found yourself staring at the bottom of your wine bottle, intrigued by that peculiar dimple? Before your thoughts start swirling like a nice Chianti, we’ll uncork this mystery faster than you ca ...
Can Dirty Airlocks Spoil My Wine and Beer?(Post)Professor Dumbledore taught Harry Potter that dark magic leaves traces. Don't let your previous batch haunt your new one with a dirty airlock. You might take many steps to ensure good resul ...
Scorch the Sour: The Essential Guide to Burning Your Brewing Equipment(Post)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 ...
Wine and Beer Bottles: Why So Many Different Styles?(Post)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 aest ...
The Best Adjunct Grains for Beer Head Retention(Post)When you pour a beer and see a thick, creamy head form at the top of the glass, you are looking at more than just foam. That head plays an important role in the overall drinking experience. It carrie ...
Bacteria in Hoses: the Importance of Cleaning and Regular Replacement(Post)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 ...
Oxygenating Your Wort Before Fermentation: Techniques for a Healthy Start(Post)Alright, brewers—let's talk oxygenation. Sure, you know yeast needs oxygen to thrive, but here’s the thing: oxygenating your wort at the right time is key to setting your beer up for succ ...
What Is the Difference Between Ale and Lager Yeast?(Post)When it comes to brewing beer, yeast plays a crucial role in determining your beer's flavor, aroma, and overall character. All beers fall into two umbrella categories: ales and lagers, and the t ...
Unraveling the Tannin Tapestry: A Colorful Guide to Grape Seeds, Stems, and Skins for Home Winemaking(Post)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 can be intrinsic to red wine. They add a lot of flavo ...
The Magic of the Oak Barrel: a Genie in a Bottle or a Witches Cauldron?(Post)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 ...
The Hydrometer: Your Wine and Beer’s Fragile Fortune Teller(Post)Greetings, you passionate purveyors of pints and pinots! Today, let’s take a dip into the realm of hydrometers, those delicate glass marvels that assist us in concocting our perfect brews and wines.