As a seasoned brewer, I’ve often puzzled over the role of yeast in brewing. This seemingly insignificant ingredient plays an enormous role in the final taste, aroma, and overall character of your brew. There’s a multitude of yeast strains available, each with its own specific qualities. So how do you pick the right one for…
If you’re an avid homebrewer or just a fan of mead, you might have heard of hydromel. But what is it exactly and more importantly, how long should you age hydromel? This post will delve into the world of hydromel, including its origins, making process, and the ideal aging time. The ideal aging time for…
A refreshing beer with a slice of orange is a sight that instantly screams summer. But not all beers are suited to this citrusy garnish. So, what beers do you drink with an orange slice? Wheat beers, namely Belgian Witbiers and German Hefeweizens, are the perfect candidates for an orange slice. In the US, Blue…
As an experienced home brewer, I understand the concerns that most new brewers have when it comes to figuring out if their fermentation is complete without using a hydrometer. While a hydrometer is a very useful tool for measuring the specific gravity of your brew, it’s not the only method available. You can tell when…
When it comes to brewing with honey, two names that commonly pop up are Hydromel and Melomel. Both are beverages created from the fermentation of honey, but they fall into different categories based on the additional ingredients (fruit) used and their alcohol content. So, let’s dive into the sweet world of honey brews and discuss…
As an experienced brewer, I have had the opportunity to explore and understand a wide range of meads. Two such that have always intrigued me are Melomel and Metheglin. These are not your typical beers or wines; they are unique, rich, and full of history. But what sets them apart from each other? What is…
Mead is a delightful alcoholic drink that can be brewed at home using honey, water, and yeast, but did you know you can infuse it with fruit for added flavor? Let me introduce you to a Mango Mead recipe that will transform your homebrewing experience. Introduction to Mead and Fruit Mead Mead, known as the…
Have you ever wondered if you can make cider from quince, either on its own or with an apple or pear base? The simple answer is yes, you can indeed create a refreshing, unique cider from this often-overlooked fruit. In this post, I will guide you through the process, share some tips from my personal…
As a seasoned brewer who has made countless batches of mead, I cannot stress enough the importance of pH in the process of mead making. pH is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution, and in mead making, it plays a crucial role in determining the health of the yeast, the taste of…
As a seasoned brewer and a lover of all things alcohol, I’ve found myself involved in various discussions and debates about the storage and care of liquor bottles. A common question I often encounter is, “Will a liquor bottle explode in a hot car?”. The short answer is, generally no, most liquor bottles will not…