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	<title>TheAlcoholZone.com</title>
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	<link>http://www.thealcoholzone.com</link>
	<description>Alcohol articles, issues &#38; resources</description>
	<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:07:24 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>All You Need To Know About Wine Racks.</title>
		<link>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/wine/all-you-need-to-know-about-wine-racks/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/wine/all-you-need-to-know-about-wine-racks/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:07:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Al Coholic</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Wine]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thealcoholzone.com/?p=185</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you own many bottles of wine you may be looking for a wine rack to store all of them.  There are some different features to looking for before purchasing though. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Purchasing a great wine rack for a wine cellar or any other spot in your home, say the kitchen or living room can be a tough decision. Many times wine racks are wall mounted, although there is always the option of stacking them as well. They come in a range of sizes, from being able to hold anywhere from 10 bottles of wine, all the way up to holding 300 bottles. The size of course will depend on where you are putting it and how many bottles of wine you instead to keep on hand and store. Choosing accordingly will make storing and exhibiting your wine easier and more convenient.</p>
<p>A great thing about wine cellar racks and wine racks is that these are all very customizable to fit each person&#8217;s own needs. Being able to fit them to your liking or what will look best in your wine cellar or home make creating the perfect look so much easier. These wine cellar racks or wine racks will make more space in your home as you are able to convert wine bottles over to racks on walls. Also, making retrieving the wine you want simple and easy. Placing your wine on wine racks or in a wine cellar is actually very important, since storing wine properly is imperative to keeping the wine&#8217;s original flavor and taste. The best way to store your wine is by putting the bottles in their side, with the label up makes finding the one you want much easier and fast. Another feature of using wine cellar racks or a wine rack is that you can group your wine by brand or flavor or keep them individually. Placing wine bottles on a wine rack is ideal for storing your wine, especially when you already have a large amount.</p>
<p>There are a few reasons why storing wine on its side on a wine rack is essential to keeping the flavor and taste as it was when it was first produced. When the wine is stored on its side the sediments are going to eventually settle and with the bottle on its side the sediment will be more evenly distributed throughout the entire bottle. This is what helps keep the original flavor of the wine. Keeping the bottles in the sides also keeps the corks moist and stops them from drying out and preserves the labels too.</p>
<p>Also, unlike other forms of wine storage, wine cellar racks and wine racks will work in any home or cellar. Many are very affordable and come with instructions if you are installing them yourself. Easy to assemble and they will include everything you need to get your rack up and begin using it immediately. They come in many sizes, colors, styles, and materials. A nice thing about them also is that they do not take up a lot of space. They fit very nicely in corners or since they can be hung, you can put them up higher and use that space up by the ceiling.</p>
<p>Wine racks are no longer just for commercial use. Whether you have a lot or a little wine to store, investing in a wine rack will keep your wine fresh and tasting as if it just came off the vineyard.</p>
<p>Darren Williger is a tea drinking, guitar playing, meditating, wine making sales maker who writes for <a href="http://www.winesatori.com/" target="_new">WineSatori.com</a>, <a href="http://www.homemadewine.com/" target="_new">HomemadeWine.com</a>, and <a href="http://www.winecreator.com/" target="_new">WineCreator.com.</a></p>
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		<title>What Is French Wine?</title>
		<link>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/wine/what-is-french-wine/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/wine/what-is-french-wine/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:05:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Al Coholic</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Wine]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thealcoholzone.com/?p=183</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are many different wines in the world, French being one of them and also probably the most common.  Here is a brief overview of French wine and what it is all about. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Many times when wine comes up in a conversation, thought or even the question of where it is from is brought up also. Sometimes if you study the name of the wine, as in the case of Burgundy or Champagne, you may also then find the origins of where the wine came from and where it was made. We the case of Burgundy wine, we are able to surmise that Burgundy wine comes from Burgundy France and that is what the wine was named after. However, there are many other wines that come France also that may not be as easy to figure out.</p>
<p>In the past French wine was made by the pheasants of the villages of towns and they themselves were also the ones that were drinking it too. The history of wine is very old in France and they also have some of the best in the world. Newer wines usually are labeled with the ingredients that were used to make the wine, while French old world wine always states the location instead. By doing this the French wineries and vineyards have left a bit of the romantic past with the wine itself.</p>
<p>Also, French wine is usually considered some of the best in the world by many wine enthusiasts. People who love wine many times will look for and prefer French wine over all other wines available. France also offers such a wide variety of wines to choose from and while doing this allowing you to experience their full range of flavors and tastes available. Even the texture changes from wine to wine.</p>
<p>There are thirteen different regions in France that make wine, along with literally thousands of vineyards to choose from that make wine. The possibilities of which French wine to choose is endless. Now only that, but France is also known for being one the ideal places to grown grapes to make wine in the entire world. The locations are ideal, with the perfect soil conditions and all the vineyards being so close to the water. Also, the climate in France makes wine production one of the best and also explains the popularity of French wine.</p>
<p>Furthermore, French wine has so many variations, from the common that can be found in any wine or liqueur store to the rare and unique that will definitely cost more and can only be found at specialty stores or if you happen across it. Finding a rare French wine will be difficult and the best way is to do a search online and see which stores and resellers may have gotten their hands on a few cases or even bottles. You will be able to find some of the rarest French wines searching this way and may even come across some rare vintage brands too. Really when it comes down to it, French wine is still one of the best wines out there to get. When you taste a French wine compared to other wines you can definitely taste the difference.</p>
<p>Darren Williger is a tea drinking, guitar playing, meditating, wine making sales maker who writes for <a href="http://www.winesatori.com/" target="_new">WineSatori.com</a>, <a href="http://www.homemadewine.com/" target="_new">HomemadeWine.com</a>, and <a href="http://www.winecreator.com/" target="_new">WineCreator.com.</a></p>
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		<title>All About the Bubbly.</title>
		<link>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/spirits/all-about-the-bubbly/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/spirits/all-about-the-bubbly/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 28 May 2010 18:04:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Al Coholic</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Spirits]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thealcoholzone.com/?p=181</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Champagne has been around for awhile.  It is been used for many reasons, mainly celebrations and anniversaries.  Here is a little more information about the bubbly that many enjoy and love.
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Champagne actually has many uses and many people truly enjoy drinking champagne. However, it is typically known for its uses at celebrations, such as weddings, anniversaries, and other milestones. Toasting the guest of honor with is a common practice. This is a beverage that has always been considered a very flexible beverage to go along with a meal or to accompany dessert.</p>
<p>Champagne only comes from the vineyards of France. When champagne is printed on a label you will always know that is has come from the vineyards of France. Another way to tell that the Champagne is from France is that Champagne is always spelled with a capital C, French manufactures are the only ones authorized by the exclusive French vineyard to produce and bottle the Champagne. Any other brand that has the word champagne on it, but has a lower case C, is not really champagne at all and is a standard sparkling wine.</p>
<p>There are three different types of grapes that are used in champagne; they are Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. Both Noir Meunier are black grapes, while Chardonnay is a white grape. When purchasing Champagne the bottle will always specify what type of grape is being used, you will always know the flavor you are buying. There are some Champagnes that are a blend of grapes, creating a unique and very different taste and quality.</p>
<p>Champagne, similar to sparkling wine, is used at many celebrations and functions. It is considered a sparkling wine, however it is a specialized one that costs more and only uses certain grapes. If you have ever had sparkling wine before and champagne, you will definitely know the difference between the two. Many people, who drink both wine and champagne, swear by champagne&#8217;s taste and flavor.</p>
<p>One reason so many people prefer Champagne is because of the bubbles that come forth when the cork is popped from the bottle. These bubbles happen because in the wine there are tiny drops of carbonic acid gas. When the wine is disturbed, that is when the bubbles form and shoot out of the bubble. This reaction occurs because of the double fermentation process that Champagne goes through.</p>
<p>Maybe try a bottle of Champagne the next you have a gathering or celebration. There will not be many guests that would say no to it! Champagne is such a versatile and celebratory wine to buy and have at any party or gathering. The bubbles create such a festive and fun atmosphere as soon as the cork is popped and bubbles come spilling out. So, next time you are getting together with friends and family for a celebration or anniversary, bring a bottle of the bubbly and impress others with your knowledge of wines and the fore thought to purchase such a wonderful addition to any party.</p>
<p>Darren Williger is a tea drinking, guitar playing, meditating, wine making sales maker who writes for <a href="http://www.winesatori.com/" target="_new">WineSatori.com</a>, <a href="http://www.homemadewine.com/" target="_new">HomemadeWine.com</a>, and <a href="http://www.winecreator.com/" target="_new">WineCreator.com.</a></p>
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		<title>What You Don&#8217;t Know About Whiskey.</title>
		<link>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/spirits/what-you-dont-know-about-whiskey/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/spirits/what-you-dont-know-about-whiskey/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:02:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Al Coholic</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Spirits]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thealcoholzone.com/?p=179</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is more to whisky than it just being an alcoholic drink.  There is a history to its development and where it came from.  Below there is some information about where is whiskey came from and a few other tidbits of information.
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Whisky actually has a very colorful history. The word whisky actually means water of life which is interesting because of the potency of whisky as an alcohol. Whisky was first created in Scotland in the very early 1400&#8217;s and over time has become popular the world over. The flavor of whisky has not changed much from the 1400&#8217;s to now, it much the same flavor and coloring. The heritage of whisky is important to the manufacturers and they stick to the original recipe to capture the same flavors and essence that it has always been known for.</p>
<p>Whisky works for any occasion, a very common drink available at weddings and other formal ceremonies. At weddings many times a bride and groom will drink and a symbol that their relationship will stand the test of time, just as whisky has. Whisky can always be found at bars and restaurants and is a common drink among patrons of bars and as a way to signify friendship among people.</p>
<p>Whisky is one of those alcohols that are often given as gifts to friends, family, and co-workers. Having whisky around the office has become very popular, such as when someone has had a bad day at work, whisky many times will be offered to cheer them up and take the blues away. Some people like to drink it to relax, unwind, and make them feel at ease. Drinking too much may take its tole.</p>
<p>There are many uses for whisky; however one of the best is to have whisky on the rocks or ice cubes. This is usually how it is served in restaurants and bars. If you want no ice cubes, that it would be whisky straight up. Whisky on the rocks however is popular because the ice cubes help take the bite or sting out of the whisky a little, since it is such a strong and potent drink.</p>
<p>Whisky comes in many variations by different manufacturers. There is Scottish Whisky, Jack Daniels, and Wild Turkey is some of the most popular varieties available. Scottish Turkey is very popular all over the world; however Jack Daniels is one of the preferred brands in the United States. This is a very common brand to find in bars and restaurants and served with coke as Jack and coke or the other variation is Jack and Dr. Pepper, which is really good also.</p>
<p>Finding whisky in any country is not a problem. Most grocery stores and liquor stores sell it. The prices will vary depending on brand and location, but you can always find it when you want it. It is one of the most popular brands of alcohol available today. So try it for the next party or social gathering you attend. Or maybe keep a little around for a cold night. Either way, you will never be disappointed by whisky.</p>
<p>Darren Williger is a tea drinking, guitar playing, meditating, wine making sales maker who writes for <a href="http://www.winesatori.com/" target="_new">WineSatori.com</a>, <a href="http://www.homemadewine.com/" target="_new">HomemadeWine.com</a>, and <a href="http://www.winecreator.com/" target="_new">WineCreator.com.</a></p>
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		<item>
		<title>Nothing But Scotch</title>
		<link>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/spirits/nothing-but-scotch/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/spirits/nothing-but-scotch/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Al Coholic</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Spirits]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thealcoholzone.com/?p=177</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When it comes to Scotch, it is undoubtedly tops. The very spirit of Scotch is derived from its native land, which has undeniably made it what it is today. So, raise a toast to this finest of spirits. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Without an iota of doubt, Scotch has simply zoomed up the popularity charts and is now sitting pretty, right at the very top of the spirit world. Nevertheless, it is often quoted that if this brew was not produced in Scotland, it would never have the privilege of being there, except for its name. It is the very land that bestows on the spirit and that which is acquired from it is naturally refilled.</p>
<p>Scotch whisky is stated to be an aristocrat among spirits, a robed sovereign with others being mere subjects. This eminence is drawn chiefly from what nature has to endow. This sure comes as a much welcome and inviting drink, more so for ardent lovers of nature. There is a rich and copious supply of natural resources in Scotland, right from the desolate moors of peat through to the ever-continuous, gently moving fields of wheat and barley. This is precisely the reason why, Scotland is the ideal location, for producing this delightful and spirited drink.</p>
<p>The delicate craft of distilling has journeyed through different time periods, every period marked with a different and enriching learning experience; every step of the path acquiring wisdom and sophistication while distilling as well as maturing the great malt transformed into what it is today. At present, there are two types of whiskies being produced in Scotland, for the most part, due to the setting up, in 1831, of the still. Single grain variety makes up one type and blended malt variety makes up the other.</p>
<p>At one time, just single malt whisky was available. These days, you have malt whisky created from various grains that are blended to make the finished product. Now, this malt is filled into bottles in restricted amounts that are known as single malt. Quite a few of the renowned blends are today combined with what is called as grain whisky.</p>
<p>As a rule, distilleries are cited in the center of the countryside, using the ingredients acquired from the land. A few distilleries prefer to raise their very own barley and wheat to carefully regulate what they make use of in the production process. Others tap respectable and dependable farmers, to whom they make available excellent service for a noble intention, producing arguably premium spirits all over the world.</p>
<p>Drawing on rivers and natural springs is also a widely prevalent routine. As it happens, the River Skye flows directly through this area, which possesses the popular title, “malt capital of Scotland”. The moment the process of mashing is finished, the drying process begins.</p>
<p>There have been instances of bottles of wonderful scotch originating from Islay, situated in the southernmost part of the Scottish shoreline, selling for around seven thousand dollars. An exclusive Rhode Island liquor store, deposited these products on its shelves, and within a matter of twenty-four hours, twenty bottles were taken away. This is a clear testimony of the exceptional quality, which the company purchases and advertises with a sense of pleasure.</p>
<p>Darren Williger is a tea drinking, guitar playing, meditating, wine making sales maker who writes for <a href="http://www.winesatori.com/" target="_new">WineSatori.com</a>, <a href="http://www.homemadewine.com/" target="_new">HomemadeWine.com</a>, and <a href="http://www.winecreator.com/" target="_new">WineCreator.com.</a></p>
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		<title>Flavoring of Wine with Oak Chips</title>
		<link>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/winemaking/flavoring-of-wine-with-oak-chips/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/winemaking/flavoring-of-wine-with-oak-chips/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:39:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Al Coholic</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Winemaking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thealcoholzone.com/?p=213</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Oaking is a means of affecting the flavor of wine positively and it is usually used by the more experienced winemakers. However certain techniques which are presented here allow the first time winemaker to take advantage of this unique process.
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>During aging certain things are done to wine in order to promote its flavor. There is a need to affect the flavor of the wine in a way that will be pleasing to most. Expert wine makers have been doing all this for a very long time and you can do this too. One means that professionals and experts make use of is oak barrels and not just any oak barrels. It is what they do to the barrel which makes the difference. The interior of the barrel is usually toasted but lightly so. Despite this fact, this simple act goes a long way in adding to the flavor of the aging wine, giving it a taste that most people refer to as velvety.</p>
<p>Red wines are usually the ones reserved for this process. Regardless of this fact, not everyone has the ability to make use of oak barrels to age their wine. At least the average person doesn’t have the ability to make use of oak barrels. The point is that they do not make so much wine that they need a barrel to store it and with the limited availability of urban space, we’re least likely to use barrels.</p>
<p>Despite all these things, other ways exist through which we can get the necessary flavoring in wine such as you would get with a toasted oak barrel. This is usually done by using oak chips in order to give your wine some flavor. They are called toasted oak chips because thy have been toasted somewhat like the oak barrels and they render the same flavor that the aging of wine in barrels does. These oak chips have also been dried for a huge number of years in order to ensure that no moisture remains in the chips. Two main types of oak chips exist and these are the French and the American versions.</p>
<p>Before using oak chips, you need to boil them for a ten minute period first. They shouldn’t be placed in wine until the wine is ready for aging. As soon as the wine has been placed in bottles and is ready to be racked, some oak chips should be added. Three ounces of oak chips should be placed per five gallons of wine. The wine should be aged for three to nine months depending on the flavor that is sought. Oak chips tend to add to the flavor and they lend it a much heartier taste. Winemakers also tend to recommend that a bottle should be sampled each month to determine how well the process is going.</p>
<p>If toasted American oak chips are being bought, you should expect to pay as much as sixty dollars for ten pounds worth. French chips cost somewhere above fifty dollars and they all come with instructions on how they can be properly used. Care should be taken with the use of oak chips because while some affect your wine positively others give your wine a rather bitter taste due to the presence of tannic acid.</p>
<p>Darren Williger is a tea drinking, guitar playing, meditating, wine making sales maker who writes for <a href="http://www.winesatori.com/" target="_new">WineSatori.com</a>, <a href="http://www.homemadewine.com/" target="_new">HomemadeWine.com</a>, and <a href="http://www.winecreator.com/" target="_new">WineCreator.com.</a></p>
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		<title>The Classic Art of Distilling</title>
		<link>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/winemaking/the-classic-art-of-distilling/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/winemaking/the-classic-art-of-distilling/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:59:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Al Coholic</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Winemaking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thealcoholzone.com/?p=175</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The fine art of distilling has journeyed through some remarkable terrains to get where it is today. Travel back in time to unravel the fascinating history of this classic craft.  ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Around 800 B.C., somewhere in the Asian continent, it is assumed that the craft of distilling was first discovered. According to conjecture, this process was just employed in the perfume industry. However, this claim has been proven false.</p>
<p>Now, the manner in which the distilling process wound up in the British Isles just seems unbelievable; however, what is certain is that the Moors were credited with bringing the craft of distilling to the European Continent. It is held that this art was further developed in the monasteries all across central Europe. It appears that in 432 A.D., St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, while traveling on an important Christian assignment, brought this craft into the austere monastic environment. Nonetheless, in due course, the Celts got their hands on this classic secret and created their very own water of life, which is pronounced in Gaelic as “Uisge Beatha”. The year 1494, when Sir Friar John Cor, hailing from Scotland, placed an order for 8 bolls of malt, is believed to be whiskey’s millstone year in the annals of history. It was supposedly to be made use of for the manufacture of aqua vitae, and is the first ever-recorded evidence of whiskey production in Scotland.</p>
<p>The craft of distilling before long made its way from the monasteries to the farmlands, where almost everybody was into whiskey making until around 1820 when the government made a decision to close down the private and personal distilleries thus branding them as unlawful. The unrefined and at times the crude taste were vastly different from that of the present times.</p>
<p>Somewhere around the 18th century, it was found out that a more pleasant, smooth brew could come about with aging. The conclusions drawn with regard to the aging techniques were literally stumbled upon with the startling recovery of an old barrel that was all but forgotten, filled with this fine substance.</p>
<p>In 1707, when the two parliaments of England and Scotland came together, the Union Act was passed. Recognizing the fact that both sides could profit from the deal, they thought of a remarkable scheme for malt making.</p>
<p>The English malt tax came into being in the year 1725, though not without considerable mayhem. During this period, every alternate bottle of malt that was distilled in Scotland fell into strictly illegal category because of the roaming excise personnel, illegal distilleries, and smuggling activities.</p>
<p>The 1820’s was a crisis year due to the climbing crime rate and stringent tax measures, which in the end, went totally out of control. To resolve the issue, the government ratified the Excise Act that armed the government with the power to pin down the distilleries that were above board and those that were illegal by introducing labels.</p>
<p>Around the 1829’s, whisky was introduced as a product catering exclusively to the British populace, but currently, it has grown into a popular drink, which has garnered widespread appreciation from all corners of the globe. A great deal of this astounding progress was due to the launching of the blended whisky. Even in the current times, something like ninety percent of all the whisky made in Scotland is made use of in the production of blended whisky. On the other hand, in recent times, single malt whisky is gaining increasing popularity and this trend is expected to persist.</p>
<p>Darren Williger is a tea drinking, guitar playing, meditating, wine making sales maker who writes for <a href="http://www.winesatori.com/" target="_new">WineSatori.com</a>, <a href="http://www.homemadewine.com/" target="_new">HomemadeWine.com</a>, and <a href="http://www.winecreator.com/" target="_new">WineCreator.com.</a></p>
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		<title>Learn to Clear Your Homebrewed Beer</title>
		<link>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/beer/learn-to-clear-your-homebrewed-beer/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/beer/learn-to-clear-your-homebrewed-beer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Feb 2010 03:51:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Al Coholic</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Beer]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thealcoholzone.com/?p=104</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You have been home brewing your beer, but it comes out hazy and does not look very appealing.  Here is a way to clear your beer up.   ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Now that you have learned to brew your own beer and have been waiting for about a month for your beer to be done brewing, you may be thinking that you would like your beer to be a little clearer. Your beer being hazy will not actually change the taste of the beer, however it will not look that appealing and if you offer it to friends or family, you know there is a high probability that they will turn it down. No need to worry there is actually a few different ways to clarify your beer that work well and will not change the flavor.</p>
<p>The reason your beer becomes hazy is due to infection, the introduction of foreign particles into the bottles, and mainly yeast cells and non-microbiological particles. Many times the yeast does not settle out of the beer, depending on the yeast strain, there will be fluctuation that produces problems when settling. The bigger problem of the two is the non-microbiological particles because they are harder to remove from the beer. Also, non-microbiological particles are proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and/or metal ions that are produced and should be removed in each stage of the brewing process.</p>
<p>Also, when brewing all-grain beer the clarity does get affected by the fine dusty starch and husk particles. These are created during the milling process. However, you can remove these particles through sparging and recirculating the wort through a mash bed prior to run off. During the wort boil, proteins coagulate. When a successful boil takes places there is a more efficient coagulation of proteins that occurs and these then create large flocs. These larger floc are easily removed and the removal of poly phenolic material, this reduces the haze that occurs during chilling. The most successful boil begins with a high wort pH and enough proteins present. Boil around 215 degrees F for an hour. Also, you can try using clarifying agents near the end of the boil to help remove additional particles for a clearer beer.</p>
<p>Next, the cooling of the wort can cause the proteins to interact with poly phenols. There is a cold break that occurs and during this cold break it is very important that there is enough precipitation as possible. This can be done through rapid wort cooling. You will force cool the wort at 50 degrees F; this will create the break you are looking for, with a precipitation of 32 to 41 degrees F. Cooling the wort until it is slushy is best, this will reduce the need for clarifying agents.</p>
<p>Then, when fermentation takes places there are a few different physical changes that happen and this can produce particles. First the yeast reproduction creates more yeast cells and a lower pH that facilitates the interaction of protein and poly phenols. When the alcohol level is increased the viscosity is decreased. The longer you wait to drink the beer the clearer the beer will be.</p>
<p>The best clarifying agent to use is Irish moss; it is seaweed that is gathered along the North Atlantic. Sometimes it is also called carrageen because this is the active ingredient. Use 1 teaspoon per 5 gallons of wort, added during the last 15 minutes of the boiling process. There is also a similar product called Whirlfloc that comes in a tablet and you use 1 per 5 gallons.</p>
<p>Using any of these methods will help to produce a clearer beer that also has more appeal.</p>
<p>Darren Williger is a tea drinking, guitar playing, meditating, wine making sales maker who writes for <a href="http://www.beermaven.com/" target="_new">BeerMaven.com</a>, <a href="http://www.homemadewine.com/" target="_new">HomemadeWine.com</a>, and <a href="http://www.winecreator.com/" target="_new">WineCreator.com.</a></p>
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		<title>Equipment for Making Wine</title>
		<link>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/winemaking/equipment-for-making-wine/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/winemaking/equipment-for-making-wine/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:34:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Al Coholic</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Winemaking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thealcoholzone.com/?p=211</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Winemaking involves the use of different tools as part of the process. This article covers some of the simple winemaking tools as well as some advanced tools which may be used by more experienced hobbyists.
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A way to start off your winemaking experience is through the purchase of winemaking kits. By doing this at a reasonable price, you’ll have everything that is required for you to get started in your winemaking efforts. An average kit has items such as a plastic fermenter with an airlock lid, a glass carboy with stopper, an auto-siphoning system, automatic bottle filler, hydrometer, corker, corks and a stirring spoon. These kits also tend to come with an instruction manual which will aid you in your efforts. These are all the items which are needed in order to create good wine. Certain kits also come with supplies for cleaning such as a bottle brush and a sanitizer. The things that you have to add to the mix are the fruits that you need and the bottles that are required to make wine that you can seal with a cork. These kits will cost between one hundred to one hundred and fifty dollars on the average.</p>
<p>With all these and your grapes, berries or any other winemaking fruit along with bottles, you will be prepared to make some great wine. This will usually be all that is required for your first winemaking efforts. On the other hand if you have some experience with the process or you came up with wine that tastes a whole lot better than you hoped for and you wish to continue making your own wine, you need some additional pieces of equipment in order to ensure that your winemaking process is a whole lot simpler. This means investing some more money in certain gadgets.</p>
<p>It really depends on the type of wine which you are trying to make but you may want to use a fruit crusher instead. These fruit crushers range from anything such as hundred and seventy to about fifteen hundred dollars depending on what you’re rooting for. You have models which are completely manual and those which are electric models. You have those which are made for grapes and those which can crush fruits which are as hard as apples. Certain models will go further by helping you get rid of the stem and leaves easily.</p>
<p>One piece of gear most experienced wine makers would love to have is a press. Different kinds of pressers exist and they range from ratchet presses to bladder presses. The ratchet press allows the juice to run out of the basket into a container beneath the contraption. It works by using a ratchet to press the fruit and get out the fluid. The bladder press on the other hand uses water pressure. Winemakers tend to prefer this device because it is a gentler way that grapes can be pressed. Both devices work excellently though and it’s all about your personal choice and your budget. Some of these devices cost as little as two hundred dollars to six hundred dollars, the bladder presses are the most expensive and they go for as much as seven to thirteen hundred dollars.</p>
<p>Darren Williger is a tea drinking, guitar playing, meditating, wine making sales maker who writes for <a href="http://www.winesatori.com/" target="_new">WineSatori.com</a>, <a href="http://www.homemadewine.com/" target="_new">HomemadeWine.com</a>, and <a href="http://www.winecreator.com/" target="_new">WineCreator.com.</a></p>
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		<title>Wine, What&#8217;s your story?</title>
		<link>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/wine/wine-whats-your-story/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thealcoholzone.com/wine/wine-whats-your-story/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:57:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Al Coholic</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Wine]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thealcoholzone.com/?p=173</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Brush up on your wine tasting skills; we're off to a tasting event! ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Attending wine tasting events can be a great experience and a lot of fun, although a lot of people choose not to attend out of fear, as well as not knowing how to act, or what to do or what to expect. Even though there are many mysteries to wine tasting, this may help unravel some of them for you.</p>
<p>During a wine tasting event, women are always served before the men. Some tastings will serve you bottled water between tastings, so you can clean your mouth out and be ready to taste the next wine that is served.</p>
<p>When you take the wine, you should always handle the glass by the stem, to avoid heating it with your hands.</p>
<p>There will also be crackers and other goodies on hand as well, to help you cleanse your mouth between wine tastings. But remember not to fill up too much on cheese and crackers, because you will feel bloated, and the crackers expand in your stomach when combined with the wine.</p>
<p>As you may already know, there are two main types of wine; red and white. When you attend a wine tasting for the first time, you’ll notice that the glasses are clear. This helps you to examine the wine better and identify what subclass of wine it falls into.</p>
<p>There should also be white tablecloth on the table as well, to help you see the color the wine more clearly.<br />
You should never go by the name of the wine alone, as it can easily fool you. Instead, use all your senses to identify the beverage.</p>
<p>You’ll also notice the more experienced wine tasters swirl their wine around in the glass before they taste it. Although it may look weird, slightly swirling the wine actually helps to bring out the flavor and smell. Many wines age in bottles for long periods of time, sometimes even years. When the wine is swirled around in the glass, the swirling will release the flavors in the wine and bring them out when the wine is tasted.</p>
<p>At wine tastings, you’ll need to look at the wine, smell it, then after swirling it around in the glass, taste it, while retaining it in the mouth. Smell plays an integral part of the process, as you get a lot more of a story from the wine by smelling it first. Wine has quite an intriguing aroma, which helps to bring out the taste that wine is so well known for.</p>
<p>The smell of a wine tells a tale of its lifetime. Everything from the corns on the 18th century French peasants feet which first stomped on the grapes in the old authentic crushing style, to the type of barrel it was stored in. Once you have smelled the wine, you should allow a few moments to take in the smell and think about the wine that you are smelling.</p>
<p>Last but not least, know how to properly taste the wine.</p>
<p>Your tongue has taste buds in the front and the back, which helps to detect flavors. Wine is full of flavors, and how you taste it will make the biggest impact.</p>
<p>Put the wine in your mouth, swish it around in your mouth for a few seconds, and allow the flavors plenty of time to dance on your palate. Once your taste buds have started to discover the wine, you must analyze what you taste.</p>
<p>Interrogate the wine. Find out its life story.</p>
<p>After swallowing the wine, the aftertaste that remains in your mouth should give you even more of an idea as to the type and flavor of the wine.</p>
<p>Before you attend a wine tasting, you should always learn as much as you can about the many different flavors and varieties of wine. This way, you’ll have a better understanding of what you should look for in both taste and flavor. Even though you may be new to wine tasting, you should never pass up an opportunity to go. You’ll get a great experience in the world of wine tasting and get to experience wines that you may have never heard of before.</p>
<p>Darren Williger is a tea drinking, guitar playing, meditating, wine making sales maker who writes for <a href="http://www.winesatori.com/" target="_new">WineSatori.com</a>, <a href="http://www.homemadewine.com/" target="_new">HomemadeWine.com</a>, and <a href="http://www.winecreator.com/" target="_new">WineCreator.com.</a></p>
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