Holiday creep—don't you just hate it? You go into the grocery store for that last minute bag of Halloween candy and bam, 75% of the row is already devoted to candy canes and other holiday paraphernalia. It's pretty annoying. But when you are a beer and wine hobbiest you get a free pass on holiday creep. You have to think ahead to make sure your masterpiece will be ready in time to share and give away during the holiday season.
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Brew On!
Derek & Mary Terrell, Owners, myLocal HomeBrew Shop
The myLHBS staff came over recently for a group brew on the GrainFather. They started with a Gingerbread Abbey Ale recipe and then everyone tweaked their portion with a different yeast and other additions. Derek says it’s too early to tell if his variation is a keeper, but it did get us thinking about Holiday beers.
There are so many directions to go in because “holiday” means something different to each of us. When I was little I had a scratch-and-sniff book called “The Sweet Smells of Christmas”. I loved that book and to this day the six aromas from it define Christmas for me. There was apple pie, hot cocoa, pine trees, peppermint, oranges and gingerbread. Any of these scents could inspire a great holiday beer recipe.
It's time to start thinking about what holiday inspired flavor you would you like to share with your friends and family this year. To help you add a little something special to your recipe, we have a great selection of herbs and spices and other flavorings. Before you start your brew read the BYO article, “Spicy Ideas to Add Zest to Your Brew”. The author explains the how and when to add spices and flavoring during the brewing process. Another idea: modify your recipe using a different fermentable.
Or you could simplify the process and swing by and pick up theBrewers Best Holiday Ale kit. It’s a full-bodied amber beer with a rich, malty character that is flavored with orange peel, cinnamon and other spices.
It's time to start thinking about what holiday inspired flavor you would you like to share with your friends and family this year. To help you add a little something special to your recipe, we have a great selection of herbs and spices and other flavorings. Before you start your brew read the BYO article, “Spicy Ideas to Add Zest to Your Brew”. The author explains the how and when to add spices and flavoring during the brewing process. Another idea: modify your recipe using a different fermentable.
Or you could simplify the process and swing by and pick up theBrewers Best Holiday Ale kit. It’s a full-bodied amber beer with a rich, malty character that is flavored with orange peel, cinnamon and other spices.
Making wine is a hobby filled with trial and error. Enjoying the taste of your own masterpiece is one of the high points, dumping a batch that went wrong is one of the low points. So how do you avoid those off flavors while it’s still early enough to fix it? Use chemistry to control your fermentation.
We just brought in a line of tools to help our winemakers maintain proper sulfur dioxide (SO2), pH and titratable acidity levels in order to prevent the discoloration, off-flavors and unpleasant aromas resulting from oxidation and microbial contamination. From what we have seen and heard, these Vinmetrica Analyzers are simple to use and remarkably accurate—all at an affordable price.We have three models to choose from:
Vinmetrica SC-200 PH/TA Analyzer - The SC-200 analyzer gives accurate pH and TA values. Kit includes everything to perform ~30 pH & TA tests: SC-200 meter, electrode, reagents, pipettes, syringe and beaker. $188.99
Vinmetrica SC-100A SO2 Analyzer - The SC-100A analyzer gives you confidence to run your sulfite assays accurately and quickly. Kit includes everything to perform ~50 tests: SC-100A meter, electrode, reagents, pipettes, syringe and beaker. $261.99
Vinmetrica SC-300 SO2 & PH/TA Analyzer - The SC-300 analyzer gives accurate SO2, pH and TA values. Kit includes everything to perform ~50 sulfite tests & 30 TA tests: SC-300 meter, both electrodes, all reagents, pipettes, syringe and beaker. $395.99
And this upgrade kit can be added to any of the above:
Vinmetrica SC-50 MLF Analyzer Kit - The SC-50 analyzer is an add-on for the SC-100, SC-100A or SC-300. Kit includes everything to perform 5 Malic Acid tests: the reagent set, 5 reaction vials, check solution, beaker, pipettes and conical tube. Note: this unit cannot be used independently. $128.99
We hope these new analyzers help you make your best wine ever. Let us know how it works out for you.
Learn To Homebrew Day- November 7
If you know someone who would like to start brewing, bring them in to the store on November 7th for Learn to Homebrew Day. Mention this post when your friend buys a 5-gallon equipment kit and an ingredient kit and you will both be rewarded with a $10 coupon off of a future purchase.
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| Beer Equipment Kits |
After you are finished shopping you can go celebrate your new shared hobby with lunch or dinner at Dogfish Head Alehouse—your myLHBS receipt will get you 15% off your meal.
