As a seasoned homebrewer, one of my favorite things to do is experiment with different fruits and flavors to create unique, delicious wines. And when it comes to fruit wines, pear is at the top of my list. Not only does pear wine have a unique taste that sets it apart from its grape-based counterparts,…
Mead brewing is a centuries-old craft that has been enjoyed by many cultures around the world. From its ancient beginnings to modern day, mead continues to be popular among home brewers and enthusiasts alike. Making your own mead can be an incredibly rewarding experience as you get to experiment with different types of honey, create…
I sometimes hear people asking about the differences between ale and mead. As a brewer, this hurts my heart a little, but while writing this post I might have understood why people confuse them. Both are ancient drinks with rich histories, but they’re very different in flavor, ingredients and production. So what separates these two…
The world of wine and champagne is fascinating and complex, with various grape varieties and production methods contributing to the vast array of flavors and styles. One question that often arises is whether the grapes used to make champagne are seedless. In this blog post, we will delve into this topic, exploring the grape varieties…
Ah, Krausen, one of the most fascinating and dynamic stages in the brewing process! As an experienced brewer, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the beauty and complexity of Krausen many times. It’s a phase that occurs during fermentation and holds great significance in determining the quality and character of the final beer. Krausen is…
Can you use ale yeast for mead? The simple answer is yes, you can use ale yeast for mead. However, the process and results may vary compared to using traditional wine or mead yeast. As an experienced brewer, I have tried numerous yeast strains for making mead, and ale yeasts have consistently produced interesting and…
Are you a cider drinker looking to try something new? While cider may be your go-to beverage of choice, there are several beers out there that can offer a similar taste experience. From Belgian Witbiers to Saisons, we will guide you through the diverse range of beers that offer that familiar dryness and light spice…
Astringency is an undesirable quality in beer that can be described as a dry, puckering sensation on the palate, similar to the feeling you get when you drink over-steeped tea or bite into an underripe fruit. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as the presence of tannins, polyphenols, and other compounds…
Astringent cider can be a major disappointment for those who have put in the time and effort to craft their own homemade cider. Astringency is a sensation that can be described as a dry, puckering, or mouth-coating feeling, and it is typically not a desirable characteristic in cider. Luckily, there are several ways to fix…
What proof is moonshine usually? Moonshine, or “white lightning,” typically ranges between 120 and 190 proof. This translates to an alcohol content of 60% to 95% by volume. However, the proof of moonshine can vary depending on the distillation process, recipe, and ingredients used. In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors that determine the…