As a brewer that likes to experiment a lot, I’ve spent countless hours brewing with interesting new ingredients to create unique flavors. One of my most rewarding experiments has been blending two of my favorite beverages, beer and coffee, into one. It’s a marriage of flavors that offers a delightful surprise to the palate. So,…
Mead, the age-old honey wine, is gaining increasing popularity among homebrew enthusiasts. The process of brewing mead is relatively simple, but it requires a keen understanding of the ingredients involved, particularly the yeast. The question I often get asked is, “how much yeast per gallon of mead?”. I use approximately 1 packet, or 5 grams,…
As a seasoned brewer, I have been asked countless questions about various types of drinks. One of the most frequently asked questions is, does Hennessy Cognac have sugar? To answer this question directly, Hennessy Cognac does not have any added sugar. However, there are certain natural sugars present in the drink due to the fermentation…
As a home brewer and frequent traveler, I have often wondered if carrying my prized bottles of champagne in my checked luggage would result in an explosive disaster. And even though I never experienced this myself (always drank my champagne before flying…), I have spent time researching, experimenting, and even consulting experts to answer this…
Yes, wine bottles can explode in the freezer. Most wines, both red and white, have a freezing point of around 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit, and most household freezers are set at 0 degrees. So, if you leave a bottle of wine in the freezer for long enough, it can freeze, causing the wine to expand, the…
In a typical sour beer, you can expect to find around 7-25 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving and somewhat higher for fruit sours (where fruit juice is added). However, this number can vary greatly depending on the specific style and brewing process. Introduction: The Rise of Sour Beers Sour beers have seen a significant…
Racking wine is an essential part of the winemaking process. It involves transferring the wine from one container to another, leaving the sediment behind. This process helps to clarify the wine, improve its flavor, and prevent off-odors and off-tastes. However, many home winemakers may wonder: how do you rack a wine without a siphon? The…
Yes, barleywines are carbonated but the level of carbonation may vary depending on the brewer’s preference, style, and methods. On average, Barleywines have carbonation levels ranging from 1.5 to 2.3 volumes of CO2. That is somewhat lower than the average beer especially lagers. In comparison, some popular beers like Budweiser or Heineken contain 2.7 and…
Having been in the world of brewing for several years, I have often been asked about the optimal storage methods for various types of beverages. One question that frequently comes up is: “How long can I put sparkling wine in the freezer (without damaging the bottle)?” The short answer: Ideally, no more than 1-2 hours.…
Hello fellow brewing enthusiasts! Today, I’ll be sharing my experience and knowledge on a topic that may seem a bit technical but is actually quite fundamental to the brewing process: amylase. The question that we’re addressing is: how much amylase to use in brewing? The general rule of thumb is to use 0.1 to 0.3…