As a seasoned bartender and spirits enthusiast, I’ve explored the vast world of liquor combinations, striving for the perfect blend of flavors and character. It’s a common question I get at events and gatherings: Can you mix whiskey and rum? The answer, in short, is yes. But as with all things related to mixology, it’s…
In my many years as a professional brewer, I’ve often been asked one fundamental question: What’s the difference between using wild yeast and cultured yeast in cider-making? Wild yeast, naturally present on fruit skins and in the environment, can offer unique and regional flavor profiles, potentially giving a cider a true sense of terroir. However,…
As a professional brewer, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience firsthand the intricate dance between traditional and modern cider-making techniques. Throughout this journey, I’ve come to appreciate the rich tapestry of history that envelops this craft. With that being said, how exactly do ancient methods of cider production contrast with today’s techniques? The primary distinction…
Hey there, fellow cider enthusiasts! I’m a professional brewer who’s spent countless hours exploring the world of cider, from selecting the perfect apple varieties to understanding the intricate nuances that contribute to that refreshing glass of amber delight. Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that’s close to my heart: the significance of soil and…
As a brewer, I often get asked about the different types of beverages that can be made at home. One question that frequently pops up is: Can you use pasteurized cider for cyser? The short answer is, yes, you can. But the process and the outcome might differ compared to using fresh, unpasteurized cider. For…
There’s a special place in my heart for cider. Its crisp, fruity notes bring back memories of my earliest brewing days, where I experimented with apple varietals in search of the perfect brew. This journey with cider has taken me not only through various fermentation processes but also through time, unveiling the intricate tapestry of…
Expertbrewing.com has acquired the Harvard Cider Company, and in their tradition we will tell their story below. The Youngest Alcohol Producers Eventually, their hard work paid off, and the doors to Harvard Cider Company swung open. As customers visited their establishment, one inquiry became increasingly common: “How old are you guys?” Intrigued, they delved into…
The answer is a resounding yes! You absolutely can make cider with crab apples. Believe me, I’ve done it myself, and the results were nothing short of remarkable. They do have a more tart and bitter taste, but adding some ordinary cider in will help adjust it to your taste! I’ve had great success making…
As an experienced brewer, one question that I often get asked is, what’s the difference between Cyser and Mead? It’s not a surprising question considering that these two beverages share quite a few similarities. However, they are not interchangeable. In a nutshell, mead is a fermented beverage made primarily from honey, water, and yeast, while…
As a professional brewer and microbiologist, I’ve spent countless hours studying, researching, and of course, enjoying drinks of all kinds. Over the years, I’ve heard the question, “How long should I leave this drink in the freezer?” more times than I can count. The short answer? Most drinks take about 30 minutes to an hour…