A lot of people are intimidated by wine, thinking it’s too snooty or complicated. But it doesn’t have to be! Choosing a good sweet white wine is not always trivial, as these are often associated with the cheaper, less acidic and full-bodied wines or those exclusively used for desserts. As a general rule, wines grown…
Sour beers are becoming increasingly popular in the craft beer world as brewers experiment with different techniques to create unique flavor profiles. While the tart, acidic flavors may not be for everyone, those who enjoy sour beers often find them to be refreshing and complex. As part of my research to write this post, I…
For brewers around the world, the summer season means sour beers. The rise of craft breweries in the United States is partially responsible for keeping the brewing traditions behind these sour ales and lagers alive. Sour beers are somewhat in between a cider and a regular beer when it comes to taste, but they are…
If you are making cider at home, you may be wondering if you should stir it while fermenting. The answer is: it depends! Generally, for small portions of pure apple cider (below 10 gallons), there is no need for stirring. However, for very large fermentation tanks where natural diffusion of nutrients may be limited or…
Making your own cider is a simple process. It only requires some simple equipment and a few steps. For small batches, the best way to grind apples for cidermaking is using a cider mill, but you can even use an electric kitchen blender or juicer. For larger commercial-sized batches, you will need to use a…
Many people enjoy making apple cider and hard cider at home which is easier than you might think. In recent years, there has been growing concern that making anything harder than hard cider is considered illegal. If you’re curious about how the law applies to naturally making cider drinks at home, you’ll want to find…
There are numerous ways to store hard cider once fermented, and the best method depends on your specific needs. Once your cider has been bottled, it needs to be stored in a cool, dark place and in proper airtight containers. Cider stored properly will last everything between 1 to 10 years depending on the alcohol…
Fermented cider, hard cider, or just “cider”, is a spectacular drink made from the juice of apples or pears that have been processed by microorganisms in a container without oxygen. This process of cider fermentation involves the breakdown of nutrients in the juice, which leads to the release of somewhat smelly chemicals. These aromatic compounds…
Fermentation typically occurs in an anaerobic environment, meaning without air. This makes the formation of ethanol much more efficient. However, some forms of brewing, such as those that occur in open crocks or barrels, can allow for limited exposure to air. This is because, as explained in a previous article, that during active fermentation, the…
American Brown Ale is a classic craft beer style that has gained popularity in recent years. This beer style originated in the United States in the late 20th century as a variation on the English Brown Ale. The American version is known for its rich maltiness, moderate hop bitterness, and a subtle nutty or caramel…