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If You Love IPA's?(Post)
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 ...
Weizenbier: An Overview of the German Wheat Beer(Post)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 ...
Care about Grain Freshness? The Many Advantages of Crushed-To-Order Beer Kits(Post)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. G ...
What Makes Italian Pinot Grigio Unique?(Post)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, ...
The Genetic Link Between Hops and Cannabis and Their Use in Beer Making(Post)Hops (Humulus lupulus) and cannabis (Cannabis sativa) may seem like very different plants, but they share a surprising genetic connection. Both belong to the same botanical family, Cannabaceae, and t ...
Love Pinot Noir But Struggle Making It?(Post)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, Pin ...
Sweetening the Deal: Mastering the Art of Sugar Measurement and Liquification for Home Winemaking(Post)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, upp ...
Yeast Spotlight: Apex Cultures Dry Brewing Yeast German Kolsch(Post)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 w ...
Apex Cultures Dry Brewing Yeast Berlin Lager(Post)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, bringi ...
The First "Wine Kits" Were Covert!(Post)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 t ...
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 ...
Yeast Spotlight: WLP002 White Labs English Ale Liquid Yeast(Post)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 ...
The World Renouned Continental Pilsner(Post)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 ho ...
What is Bentonite and How Is It Used in Winemaking?(Post)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 ...
Cabernet Sauvignon: The King of Reds Is a Half Breed?(Post)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 n ...
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 Zinfandel Grape: Unraveling the Secrets of an Enigmatic Ancient Treasure(Post)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 ...
Struggling with Malty and High Gravity Beers? It Might Be Your Water.(Post)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, 1.075-1.0 ...
Like Drier and Crisper Beers? Glucoamylase Enzyme Might Be your New BFF(Post)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 ...
The Weizenbier: A Taste of Nobility(Post)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 ...
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 ...
Why White Wines Ditch the Skins(Post)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 st ...
Why Do Red and White Wines Have Different Bottles?(Post)You've probably pondered over the question: why are white wines stored in clear bottles and reds in tinted ones? Is it just a matter of aesthetics, or is there a functional reason behind it? Let's un ...
Is Australian Shiraz just Syrah? No and Yes.(Post)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 nay ...
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.
Home Brewing and Winemaking: Do What You Love and Save Big(Post)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 ...
Beer Kits: Your Gateway to Specialty Brewing, Even if You’re a Pro(Post)As a seasoned brewer with a taste for the extraordinary, you've probably considered expanding your repertoire to include more specialty beers. But how do you venture into this uncharted territory? Th ...
There Really Are Only Two Types of Beer(Post)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 wha ...
Time Is Money: The Value of Variable Stainless-Steel Tanks(Post)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 varia ...
What's the Difference Between Alpha and Beta Acids in Beer?(Post)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 fruit ...
Unleashing the Magic of Yeast Starters(Post)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 gui ...
Prodigy - A New Standard for Wine Kits Without Skins(Post)If you make wine kits without skins, you already know why they are so popular. They are cheaper, cleaner, faster, and more predictable. But what is less obvious is that this simplicity shifts all of ...
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 ...
You, Mead, and a Journey Through Time(Post)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 ...
Hops Spotlight: Zythos Hops, a Newcomer with a Big Entrance(Post)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 ...
Making Dry Reds? You Want RC-212 Lalvin Wine Yeast on your Team(Post)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 v ...
Understanding Adjuncts(Post)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 m ...
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.
Hops: A Brief Overview and History(Post)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 reco ...
Does Ambient Temperature Change How Wine Ages? (Post)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 ...
The Yeast Chronicles: A Deep Dive into Top and Bottom Fermenting Yeasts in Home Brewing(Post)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 micro ...
Yeast Spotlight: Red Star Premier Classique Wine Yeast(Post)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 ...
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 ...
The Art of the Boil: How Timing Can Make or Break Your Brew(Post)So, you've done your homework. You have the right grains, hops, and yeast all lined up, ready to create your next award-winning homebrew. But wait! Before you dive into the boiling pot, let's talk ab ...
Ascorbic Acid: The Unsung Hero of Wine Preservation(Post)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. Yo ...
Extended Maceration: A Deep Dive into the Art of Longer Skin Exposure(Post)If you are making wine from fresh grapes or kits that come with skins, you might have the common concern that most winemakers have about too much exposure to the skins and seeds. You fear your w ...
IBU vs ABV: How Bitterness and Alcohol Are Engineered for Synergy(Post)When you look at a beer label, it is tempting to treat ABV and IBU as separate statistics. Alcohol by Volume tells you how strong the beer is. International Bitterness Units tell you how bitter it wi ...
The Art of Blackberry Wine: A Symphony of Science and Senses(Post)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 th ...
The Realities of Aging Wine: Is Older Always Better?(Post)Comparisons to fine wine abound when it comes to aging gracefully, but is the analogy justified? Do all wines age well? Does aging potential come from the wine, the storage or both? In this article, ...
Store Info(Page)About Us Label Peelers started as a humble Ohio brick-and-mortar beer and winemaking supply store run by a sixth-generation winemaker. He believed that with enough passion (and maybe a lit ...