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…
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.…
The answer lies in the selection of yeast strains and beer styles that are tolerant to higher fermentation temperatures. From my personal experience, certain styles of beer, such as Saisons and Belgian Ales, along with specific yeast strains like, Norwegian Kveik, Brettanomyces and Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. diastaticus, are suitable for fermenting at higher temperatures. Ales…
If you’ve recently taken up homebrewing, one of the biggest questions you’ll likely have is, “how do I know if my homebrew is fermenting?” This is a critical question because fermentation is the process that turns your mixture of water, malt, hops, and yeast into a delightful beer. The main sign that a homebrew (whether…
Making mead is a grand and ancient tradition, a craft that involves a delicate balance of ingredients, temperatures, and time. But how can you tell if your mead has gone bad? In this post, we will discuss the signs that your mead may not be fit for consumption, focusing on the smell, looks, taste and…
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…
The world of brewing is indeed a vast one, with a myriad of beverages to explore and enjoy. Among the many fermented drinks you might come across, two that often cause confusion are cyser and cider. The main question is: What’s the difference between cyser and cider? In this blog post, we shall delve into…
As a passionate and experienced brewer, I often get asked the question, “How long does it take for fermentation to start?” This is a critical aspect of the brewing process and one that can significantly impact the quality of your final product. The fermentation process starts almost as soon as the yeasts is rehydrated and…
The proofing process is crucial in moonshine production as it determines the alcohol content and overall quality of the final product. Proper proofing ensures a consistent taste and potency. Traditional methods of proofing moonshine include using a hydrometer or a proofing parrot. These tools provide accurate measurements of the alcohol content, allowing the distiller to…
Apple juice and cider can be affected by a variety of microbes during different stages of their production. I am a microbiologist by education, so this topic is of particular interest to me! These microbes can originate from the apples themselves, the equipment used for processing, the water, or the environment in which the apples…