Author: Bill Johnson

  • Is Wine Distilled? (Answered!)

    Is Wine Distilled? (Answered!)

    Wine is a popular alcoholic beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries around the world. It is made from grapes and other fruits, but how wine is actually produced may not be widely understood. The process of producing wine can involve fermentation, distillation or both, depending on the type of beverage you are making. So…

  • How much priming sugar per gallon of sparkling wine?

    How much priming sugar per gallon of sparkling wine?

    As a home brewer, you may be wondering how much priming sugar you need to carbonate 1 gallons (3.8 liters) of your sparkling wine. So, how much priming sugar per gallon do you need exactly? For 1 gallons or 3.8 liters of brew, you will want to add 16 grams of sugar to get a…

  • Can You Ferment Cranberry Juice Into Alcohol?

    Can You Ferment Cranberry Juice Into Alcohol?

    Have you ever wanted to turn cranberry juice into your own homemade alcohol? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Average cranberry juice can be fermented into a wine or cider with about 5% alcohol. Like other fruit juices, it will ferment when you add yeast to it. If you want higher alcohol percentages…

  • Pectic Enzyme in Cider Brewing: Uses and Alternatives!

    Pectic Enzyme in Cider Brewing: Uses and Alternatives!

    As a brewer, you may have come across the term “pectic enzyme” and wondered what it is and what it does. Pectic enzyme (also called pectinase) is an important ingredient in the brewing of cider and wine. Pectic enzyme is a type of enzyme that breaks down pectins. Pectins are found in the cell walls…

  • What Is A Good Sweet White Wine? (Best ones listed!)

    What Is A Good Sweet White Wine? (Best ones listed!)

    A lot of people are intimidated by wine, thinking it’s too snooty or complicated. But it doesn’t have to be! Choosing a good sweet white wine is not always trivial, as these are often associated with the cheaper, less acidic and full-bodied wines or those exclusively used for desserts. As a general rule, wines grown…

  • Tawny vs Ruby Port: Which Is Best? For Cocktails?

    Tawny vs Ruby Port: Which Is Best? For Cocktails?

    As a professional brewer and microbiologist, I’ve spent years studying and savoring various wines. My passion doesn’t just stop at understanding the microscopic intricacies of fermentation; it delves deep into the sensory experiences that each wine brings. Today, we’re journeying into the world of port wines, specifically examining the differences between Tawny and Ruby ports.…

  • How Long Does Homemade Wine Last?

    How Long Does Homemade Wine Last?

    As a seasoned home brewer, one question that I often get asked is “how long does homemade wine last?” The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it might seem. The longevity of homemade wine greatly depends on a variety of factors including the type of wine, the quality of the ingredients used,…

  • Does Wine Go Bad If Left In A Hot Car? Here’s Why!

    Does Wine Go Bad If Left In A Hot Car? Here’s Why!

    Yes, wine does go bad if left in a hot car. The main reason is that heat can cause the wine to age prematurely, which negatively affects its taste and quality. In this blog post, I will delve into the specifics of why this happens, how you can prevent it, and what you can do…

  • What Happens If You Put Too Much Yeast in Wine?

    What Happens If You Put Too Much Yeast in Wine?

    Making wine, a delightful and time-honored alcoholic beverage crafted from fermented grapes, has been cherished for centuries. Crafting wine is a straightforward process, but it necessitates the introduction of yeast to initiate the fermentation journey. While adding an ample amount of yeast to your grape juice when commencing the winemaking process can kickstart fermentation and…

  • 9 Wines With Cats on their Label (Top Wines For Cat Lovers!)

    9 Wines With Cats on their Label (Top Wines For Cat Lovers!)

    The fascination and love for feline companions extend beyond mere pet ownership, evidenced by the growing phenomenon of cat wine obsession. With a delightful range of wines adorned with charming cat labels, cat lovers can indulge in not only their passion for wine but also their adoration for these enchanting creatures. Maybe you are trying…