Author: Andy

  • Best Non-fermentable Sweeteners for Cider Brewing?

    Best Non-fermentable Sweeteners for Cider Brewing?

    Looking to add a touch of sweetness to your cider without worrying about over-fermentation? Non-fermentable sweeteners may be the perfect solution for you. We explore the benefits of using non-fermentable sweeteners in cider brewing, the best options available, and how to incorporate them into your brewing process. These sweeteners offer advantages for cider makers, from…

  • A Full Guide To Bottle Carbonation For Home Brewers!

    A Full Guide To Bottle Carbonation For Home Brewers!

    Welcome to our complete guide to bottle carbonation for home brewers! Whether you’re a seasoned brewing aficionado or just starting your journey into the world of fermented beverages, understanding the process and techniques behind bottle carbonation is key for delivering that perfect, fizzy sip every time. Bottle carbonation refers to the process of adding sugar…

  • Best Refractometers for Brewing: My Top Picks in 2025!

    Best Refractometers for Brewing: My Top Picks in 2025!

    Brewing is an art form that requires precision and attention to detail. One crucial aspect of the brewing process is measuring the specific gravity of the wort, which is the density of the liquid compared to water. This can be measured using a floating device, but that requires a fair amount of liquid and is…

  • What Were Some Popular Beers in the 70s?

    What Were Some Popular Beers in the 70s?

    The 1970s were a time of significant changes in the world of beer. With the rise of mass-produced, commercially available brews, the general public began to develop a taste for a wider variety of beer styles. In the 1970s, some popular beers included Schlitz, Miller High Life, Budweiser, Coors Banquet, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Falstaff.…

  • Adding Tannin to Cider – Full Guide!

    Adding Tannin to Cider – Full Guide!

    As a cider enthusiast, are you looking to enhance the flavor of your homemade brew? Adding tannin to cider can make a significant difference in the taste and mouthfeel of your final product. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what tannin is, the different types available, why it is important in cider making, and…

  • Best Cider Presses in 2025 (Beginners Guide!)

    Best Cider Presses in 2025 (Beginners Guide!)

    Whether you’re interested in learning about traditional manual presses or state-of-the-art super efficient hydraulic models, this guide has got you covered. We’ll explore some of the features of different types of presses and discuss what makes them suitable for certain uses. So read on to learn more about how to make sure you find the…

  • The Difference Between Distilling and Fermenting Alcohol Explained

    The Difference Between Distilling and Fermenting Alcohol Explained

    Alcohol is made by fermentation and can be further concentrated by distillation. They are two different processes that can be carried out sequentially, and there is no distillation without a previous fermentation! Some beverages, such as wine, cider, mead and beer are made exclusively through fermentation whereas spirits such as brandy, whiskey, vodka and tequila…

  • How to Make Hard Apple Cider at Home (Beginners Guide!)

    How to Make Hard Apple Cider at Home (Beginners Guide!)

    Brewing your own hard cider at home is a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to be creative, explore different flavors, save money on store-bought varieties, and gain an appreciation for the craft of brewing your own alcoholic beverage. Whether it’s something you’re just starting out with or have been doing for years –…

  • Sweet Hard Cider: Here’s How To Make It!

    Sweet Hard Cider: Here’s How To Make It!

    Brewing hard cider is an art form that takes patience, precision and creativity. Whether you are a novice or experienced brewer, it can be a challenge to retain some of that natural sweetness from the apples in your final brew. To achieve a sweet, and stable, hard cider requires understanding of fermentation techniques as well…

  • What Is “Dry Cider”? (Definition + Examples)

    What Is “Dry Cider”? (Definition + Examples)

    Do you know what makes a cider dry? Have you ever wondered why some ciders have a dry finish and others don’t? Essentially, a dry cider is a cider with low levels of residual sugars. Specifically a typical dry (Brut) cider has a sugar content of less than 1.5% or a final specific gravity of under…