Mead, the world’s oldest known alcoholic beverage, is made by fermenting honey with water and occasionally adding fruits, spices, grains, or hops. Despite its ancient roots, it can be a challenging drink to perfect, particularly when it comes to stabilization. What does it mean to stabilize mead? Mead stabilization is the process of halting fermentation…
Mead has been a cherished beverage for thousands of years, enjoyed by ancient civilizations and modern societies alike. As avid mead home brewer, I’ve been fascinated by the alchemy-like process of turning honey, water, and yeast into a delicious, intoxicating libation. One of the questions I often get from budding mead makers is: When do…
Brandy, a spirit traditionally made by distilling wine, is a beloved drink worldwide. But what if I told you that you could make brandy without the complex, expensive process of distillation? Yes, it is possible to make something close to brandy without heat distilling. You can approximate real brandy by adding neutral already distilled spirits…
As a seasoned brewer, I have had my fair share of challenges and triumphs when it comes to crafting the perfect cider. One of the most common problems I encountered when I started out, and a question that I often get from fellow brewers, is: Why did my cider fermentation suddenly stop? There are several…
As a brewer, I’ve been asked many times about the temperature needed to kill yeas in winemaking. Understanding the right temperature for yeast is critical because it’s the main driving force behind fermentation process. When the temperature is too high, you risk killing the yeast, and when it’s too low, the yeast may become inactive.…
Cider is a popular drink across the globe, but few places have as rich an association with the beverage as Ireland. So, what is Irish cider? Simply put, Irish cider, also known as hard cider, is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice after Irish traditions. It’s a drink steeped in history and tradition,…
Mead, also known as honey wine, is one of the oldest known fermented beverages, with a rich history dating back thousands of years. As a brewer, I’ve had the privilege of partaking in the creation of this ancient drink, and one of the most critical steps in the process is knowing when to bottle mead.…
When you’re making fruit mead, the details matter. The ingredients, the process, and even the tiny additions can all make a huge difference in the final product. One of those little details that can have a big impact is pectic enzyme. So, how do you use pectic enzyme in fruit mead brewing? Pectic enzyme is…
As an experienced brewer, I have spent years experimenting with various methods, ingredients, and techniques to create unique and flavorful spirits. One of my favorite homemade creations is Japanese moonshine, also known as “shōchū” (焼酎) or “doburoku” (どぶろく). This traditional Japanese distilled beverage, typically made from rice, barley, or sweet potatoes, has a rich history…
Shaoxing wine is a famous Chinese cooking wine that has been used for centuries in various dishes and sauces. It is made from fermented rice and has a unique, rich flavor that adds depth to many recipes. Many people wonder how long does Shaoxing wine last and how to store it properly. In this blog…