It’s that time of year: It’s hot. Summer is a time for crisp, fruity, refreshing beers that complement the warm weather. Brew fans are looking to kick back with something refreshing, light, and less-filling. Darker brews are a great addition to winter meals, sweaters, and frosty windows, but don’t fit well in the warm weather.… Read more »
All About Hops: History, Fun Facts, Brewing with Hops
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When it comes to brewing the best beers, there is one ingredient that can make or break a brew. Although some people may not like hoppy beers, a beer without hops would taste sickly sweet. Different varieties of beer use various amounts of hops to achieve a sweeter or more bitter flavor. Let’s dive into… Read more »
Home Brewing Supplies: The Basics of Beer Making
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Homebrewing is more than just a hobby. Local breweries have been popping up all over the place in the last few years, and it’s a trend that many want to try at home. If you have thought about making your own brews at home, you’ve likely thought about the basic supplies you will need to… Read more »
Winemaking Tips for the First-Time Wine Enthusiast
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Winemaking has seen a boost in popularity since the pandemic. Many are searching for new ideas online or attempting classic recipes from their grandparents. Even so, some of the most common winemaking issues translate from year to year. Discover some tips and advice for making batches of wine at home. Know Your Grapes The most… Read more »
Sparkling Wine, Champagne, and Prosecco: What’s the Difference?
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Have you ever sipped on a delicious glass of champagne and wondered, how is this different from a sparkling wine? Is it in how they are made, the type of grape used, or where they are made? Similar to how all Kleenexes are tissues but not all tissues are Kleenexes, champagne and prosecco are both… Read more »
How Does ABV Effect the Flavor and Body of Wine?
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Have you ever looked at your wine bottle and noticed the term ABV on it? You may already know that ABV stands for alcohol by volume, and it is the amount of ethanol or alcohol in a volume of liquid. Unfortified wines have an ABV at or below 16%, while fortified wine ranges from 15.5%… Read more »
What Makes a Good Wine and Cheese Pairing?
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When choosing a wine and cheese pairing, many people have a few go-to staples–usually a classic red wine with a simple cheese. When making a good wine and cheese pairing, both flavor profiles must balance one another out well. As a rule of thumb, sweet wines call for funkier cheeses, while fatty, creamy cheeses taste best when… Read more »
Wine Storage 101: How to Properly Store Your Best Vintages
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It’s common knowledge that many varieties of wine improve with age. Many vintages are stored for years before they even grace the shelves or are available for sale, though others aren’t cellared or aged. Fine wines, on the other hand, can come with specific storage instructions. For even casual wine drinkers, the way wines are… Read more »
Choosing the Perfect Holiday Wine: A Comprehensive Guide
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The holiday season has returned. Many have begun planning meals, gifts, and safely navigating visiting friends and family this year. Aside from making the perfect dishes to don your holiday table, some are still not sure about the wine that should be served with dinner. Often, the wine chosen at holiday mealtimes is more of… Read more »
Stouts, Porters, and Brown Ales: The Dark (and Delicious) Sides of Fall
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The days are getting shorter, the leaves are missing from the trees, and the cozy, sun-lit days of fall are ushering in the colder temps. Even if you’re a boardshorts-wearing tan line sporting summer fan, you can stop mourning the end of the sunny season and welcome back the delicious dark beers of the fall.… Read more »