About the Brand

Source: albanyadvertiser.com.au

This whisky is a product of the Great Southern Distilling Company. It started working in 2004 after extensive research and a lot of dedication. Over the years they’ve expanded their production and created a vast selection of award-winning Limeburners whisky. They’re focused on making the best spirits in the world and satisfying their customers’ needs.

The Great Southern region where they work has the perfect setting for world-class grain and Albany’s cool climate is perfect for aging the whisky. This distilling company uses 200l American oak casks. They improve the quality of the whisky and elevate its raw flavours. It’s the perfect combination to add richness, complexity and elegance to the drink.

They’re even lucky enough to source their peat locally, from a local farmer with a lot of land. This rarity makes the brand even better. The Limeburners single malt is fermented in a stainless fermenter between 4 and 7 days which brings out the floral flavour. They distil the wash twice. The first time they separate the water from the alcohol and the second time they get the final product.

The Great Southern Distilling Company has been learning, researching and experimenting for decades. With their 3 distilleries in 3 different locations, their mission is to stay at the top and continue to receive awards and be recognised for their hard work and exceptional products. The dedicated group of people that works within, finds ways to repurpose, use recycled materials and minimise waste. They’re also working on being carbon neutral by 2025.

Limestone Products

Source: busybluebus.rezdy.com

Limeburners Directors Cut

This single malt whisky is 61% abv. It’s a very popular product and one of the staples of the distillery. When they take it out of the barrel, they pack it as it comes. They don’t use any caramel colouring or even cold filtration to get the beautiful colour. All of the hues come from the barrels that it stays in. It’s hand-bottled and distilled in traditional small-batch copper pot stills.

This specific single malt is smoked with peat collected from the local farm. It’s matured in ex-Burbon barrels as a second fill and finished its distillation in an aged Port cask. When you drink it neat, the Director’s Cut has spicy and fruity aromas. When you add a splash of water, you get a stronger taste of malted barley and more complex smoky aromas. No matter how you drink it, you’ll always get a full-bodied taste with the smoothest finish. In other words, the Director’s Cut is a very distinct and unique drinking experience.

Limeburners Port Cask Single Malt

This is a single malt whisky that has a 43% abv. It’s something that the distillery has made ever since its beginnings. The owner’s research was extensive and within 14 years he finally gained enough knowledge and information to create something very special like the Port Cast single malt.

This Limeburners whisky is brought down from barrel strength by filtered rainwater. It’s also hand-bottled and matured in several casks giving it a unique and distinctive flavour. It’s a drink made to be savoured and enjoyed by whisky connoisseurs.

There’s a plethora of flavours and smells you can feel during consumption. Your nose will get raspberry jam and macerated strawberries. You’ll also get nice hints of vanilla ice cream, peppery spice and to balance it all out, some nutmeg, cinnamon and honey for sweetness. Your palate will enjoy red fruits, malted barley and honeycomb. The peppery spice will add a nice touch as a finish.

Limeburners Darkest Winter Single Malt

This Limeburners single malt whiskey uses hand-collected peat from the Vally of the Giants. To make it, the distillery smoked the barley for an extended period. This gives the drink a deep, heavy and more intense flavour. This is what makes it suitable for the winter periods, hence the name, Darkest Winter.

It has won several awards in 2017 and 2018 including the Best in Class, Best International Craft Whisky in the World and Best Whisky in the Southern Hemisphere. Your nose will get several different aromas including white pepper, ripe pears, peat smoke and of course, toasted malted barley. Your palate will taste apples, pears, dried apricots and earthy smoke and you’ll finish it all off with warming tropical fruit and white pepper.

Tiger Snake Whisky

This one is inspired by Tennessee whiskey and Kentucky bourbon. The Tiger Snake is the first Australian sour mash whisky. The “sour mash” refers to the type of grain mashing process that’s used to make it. Sourced from Western Australia, the classic grain bill of corn, rye and malted barley will give you a true burst of flavour in your mouth.

It has a very rich texture and the elegant spices and fruit add a smooth, creamy finish. With each sip, you’ll smell cooked hazelnut cake, vanilla buttercream and freshly ground rye. Your palate will get caramelised notes, honey and some toasted almonds. And to love it even more, you’ll get a finish featuring vanilla, cocoa and toffee sweetness. A true delight to the senses.

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What Is Grainfather?

In simple terms, it’s a name related to an all-grain beer brewing system that takes homebrewing to the next level of the one you get from home starter kits. It’s the kind of all-in-one design that allows you to experience the age-old tradition of brewing with an innovative design with advanced features that neither cost you a fortune nor take up too much of your garage space. No surprise that this brand has gained so much popularity, right?!

One of the most advanced designs of the Grainfather brewing system is the sleek G40 vessel but that’s not to say they’re only famous for the vessels that come in a range of sizes. Rather, the brand is a manufacturer of all sorts of equipment needed and used throughout the entire brewing process, from the basics of tools required for milling the grains and malts to the different accessories for the steps of sparging, straining and boiling.

Thanks to this, it won’t be long before you become a pro and excel in the hobby. Especially if you’re after getting professional craft beer results! Sure, it may cost more than a simple brewing kit, but it’s money well spent if you think of all the homebrewing you’d do in it. It’s a long-term investment that would highly benefit you. Just think about it, in a single batch you could produce litres and litres of beer.

Source: flickr.com

Why Invest in Grainfather?

Out of a world of kits and accessories, you may be wondering why exactly should you invest in Grainfather brewing systems and there are more reasons and benefits than you might think.

The Handy Features

The innovative features are certainly something the brand stands out from the rest of the competition. From the amazing choice of material for the vessels, which is 304-grade stainless steel known for extreme durability and strength, to the ease with which you can do the heating and the cooling thanks to the digital controller with a backlit display, and stainless steel immersion chiller – everything is created to be user-friendly for your utmost convenience. The controller is also made with wireless connectivity so you can do all the managing remotely if you wish to all through the Grainfather app that’s free.

Speaking of the app, it enables you to download and save recipes you’d like to keep at your fingertips, and along with all this, you can additionally make use of Bluetooth technology. To make matters even simpler, you can also count on the Grainfather add-on to make heat easier to operate. The design of the vessel itself is in a perfect size so you can find the perfect spot in the kitchen or the garage to store it.

The Ease of Cleanliness

Not to mention, it’s equipped with an internal pipe for draining and sparging, and you won’t have to waste precious time cleaning various vessels as you move the brew in different ones. Not surprisingly, the ease of cleanliness is another of the impressive benefits you’d get to reap.

All you could do is choose a high-performance clean-in-place solution for the system to simplify the process, focusing on the cleanliness of the boiler, chiller, and recirculation pipe of the recirculating infusion mash system. The step-by-step process can all be done in the same vessel so which further speeds up both the brewing and the cleaning which is where the beauty of the Grainfather brewing system lies.

The Neat Accessories

If all this wasn’t enough, there are the advanced accessories this brand can supply you with. Take the aeration and whirlpooling paddle as an example. It’s designed as an attachment for electric drills and is perfect for enhancing the yeast activity in a brew. It allows for the right amount of both solids and liquids to pass through and can place the protein and hops back into suspension right before the filtering.

The stainless steel paddle doesn’t do these things, but it’s still a reliable piece of accessory because it’s made to be durable, unlike the plastic alternatives, and can serve for stirring the grains, as well as patting down the foam. The micro pipework is created to adjust the size of the internals of the vessel to make it fit for brewing small batches. The conical fermenter can be of help with seamlessly transferring the beer without having to lift the fermenter. As simple and easy as this!

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The New Zealand beer industry may appear to have reached its market saturation, but with only 10% of brewed beer being exported, there is enormous room for expansion. Not only is there an abundance of craft brewers, but the big breweries are also pushing for innovation and new products.

An Overview of Beer in New Zealand

Source: nzherald.co.nz

The ancient people of New Zealand did not produce beer or any other alcoholic beverage, so the history of New Zealand beer is not very interesting. When Europeans settled on the land in the 18th century, they brought with them a tradition of brewing beer.

This practice began slowly and privately, but by 1835, the country had its first commercial brewery. The following year saw the introduction of English brewing techniques, which would have a lasting impact on the flavour and variety of beers consumed in New Zealand today.

As one might expect from a country with over 190 active breweries, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to delicious New Zealand beers. There will always be a handful of leaders among these brands. Lion Breweries’ flagship brand in the country has some of the most recognisable brews in the area. Another one of Lion Breweries’ heavy hitters, Steinlager is a fan-favourite among brewing enthusiasts.

How Many Varieties of New Zealand Beer Are There?

The beer style with the most success in New Zealand is New Zealand Draught. There is also a wide selection of ales and lagers available in bulk. The sheer size of New Zealand’s craft brewing industry makes it possible to produce nearly every variety of beer imaginable. Their craft beer scene is so diverse that it would be difficult to not find a beverage that tickles your taste buds.

Which New Zealand Beers Are a Must-Try?

You can find some award-winning New Zealand beers not just in bars or restaurants but online too, as they hold their own against the best in the world. And here are some must-try examples for you to consider:

Speight’s Summit Ultra

Source: toastmag.co.nz

New Zealanders are becoming increasingly health-conscious and may not appreciate the extra carbohydrates typically found in beer. Speight’s Summit Ultra is a low-carb lager that has 75% fewer carbohydrates than the typical New Zealand beer. This beer is light, crisp and easy to drink with a slightly hoppy finish.

Speight’s Gold Medal Ale

This is a malty and hoppy ale that has won numerous awards. If you enjoy non-sweet beers with robust flavours, you should give Speight’s Gold Medal Ale a try. The lightly bitter taste of this ale is complemented by a smooth, buttery finish that lingers in the mouth.

Steingraber Classic

Source: philcook.net

Anyone can appreciate the well-rounded flavour of Steinlager Classic. Light and zesty, like the citrous at the end of lemonade, this beverage is a welcome refreshment. There are thousands of excellent beers available in New Zealand, but they all start to shine in the craft and microbrew categories.

The Garage Project Chocolate

This is the beer with the deepest chocolate flavour without any sugar. You won’t find a stout with more mellowness or more enticing flavour anywhere else. Its creamy texture and roasted chocolate notes create a unique tasting experience that leaves you wanting more.

Wired Gypsy Funk

Extremely sour and one-of-a-kind beer is 8 Wired Gypsy Funk, aged for up to two years in wine barrels before being dry hopped. If you enjoy sour flavours, you absolutely must try this. The subtle hints of oak, spice and fruit add complexity to the beer’s tartness. With its intense flavour, this beer is certain to be a hit.

New Zealand Beer and Local Cuisine

When in New Zealand, don’t leave without trying one of the country’s world-famous seafood dishes. If you’re looking for a good beer to go with a meal, the local craft beer scene has you covered. It’s true that some seafood, like oysters, goes better with a sour beer like 8 Wired Gypsy Funk, but there are also great “do it all” beers that go with just about any seafood. It goes without saying that the finest cuisine New Zealand has to offer pairs splendidly with any lighter pilsner.

New Zealand Beer Etiquette

Whether you like to occasionally enjoy a beer at the local bar or you are a fanatic up-and-coming beer-brewer in search of homebrewing supplies and ingredients, the rules in New Zealand are the same as those in any other western nation. As per usual, one is to ask for a beer politely.

The only slang term for beer is “piss,” which is best avoided because it is considered rude in some circles. Local areas may use their own slang terms for things like beer, but you won’t notice any significant differences when you go to order one. When visiting a bar or restaurant in New Zealand, the only thing to remember is that tipping is not expected, but always appreciated.

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Beer recipes often take four weeks to complete, as opposed to food recipes, for which you only need a few hours at most. However, making your own beer from malt extract doesn’t require much labour, despite the lengthy wait. The necessary beer ingredients and pieces of equipment can easily be acquired online or obtained from a nearby homebrew shop.

You must first comprehend and purchase the main beer ingredients to produce a batch of this drink: water, grains, hops, and yeast, before starting the brewing procedure. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the recipe and needs to be prepared a certain way in order to produce a successful batch of brew.

Grains

The grains, which include barley, wheat, rice, corn, oats, rye, and others, are very similar to those that are used to manufacture numerous morning cereals. Before they can be used to make beer, the wheat and barley must be malted (the others do not).

The germination of grains, which is simulated by the malting process, results in the metabolisation of the natural grain sugars (known as maltose), which the yeast consumes during fermentation. The seed is immersed in water until the plant emerges to accomplish this. It is dried in a kiln just before it breaks through the seed. The drying process can produce malt with a variety of hues and flavours.

The choice of grains can give the drink the following properties:

• Flavour and aroma: There are numerous different malt flavours and aromas, ranging from somewhat corn-like to burnt and mocha-like.

• Hue – The type of malt used determines the colour. All beers have a significant amount of light-coloured malts because these malts contain enzymes, which are specialised molecules that turn malt starch into sugar.

• Fermentable Material – Also known as “yeast food.” All of the food that yeast will eat and break down into alcohol and carbon dioxide comes from the sugars found in malt.

Hops

Hops provide beer a strong scent, a diversity of aromas, and a mild to strong bitterness that counteracts the malt’s sweetness. They are the perennial vine’s blossoms, which resemble soft, green pine cones, and they contain lupulin, a yellow powder. This powder’s resins and oils are essential for brewing beer.

Beer’s bitterness is caused by a hop compound known as alpha acid. Certain beer styles, including pale ales, get their flowery, citrusy, and hoppy flavours from the oils.

The alpha acid in hops changes chemically during the boiling process, which makes it possible for it to bitter the beer. The bitterness of the beer decreases with the length of time the hops are boiled. Similar to how there are various tomato types, there are numerous distinct hop varieties. Every type has a distinct taste and aroma.

Yeast

The third most important component in beer is yeast. As a result of the malted grain’s sugars being consumed by the yeast during fermentation, ethanol and carbon dioxide are released.

Ale yeast and lager yeast are the two main subcategories of brewing yeast. Within these groups, there are hundreds of distinct yeast strains. Specific beer styles work best with particular strains. Some brewers think that the most crucial factor in determining the flavour of their beer is the type of yeast they employ.

Most yeasts, including other ale yeasts, have a more neutral flavour than yeast strains used to produce wheat beers in the Bavarian style. Lager yeasts are the most neutral of all the types, producing fewer by-products of fermentation that let the beer’s grain and hop flavours take centre stage.

Water

The quality of the water is crucial because beer can contain up to 95% water. Water’s mineral composition might vary depending on where it comes from, and this can have a big impact on how the beer tastes.

The mineral concentration of a region’s water used to be impossible to change, which had a significant impact on the types of beer that could be effectively brewed there. Regional beer styles have evolved in response to this.

For instance, stouts are linked to Dublin, Ireland, because when water wasn’t treated back then, it was only good for making black beer. The high sulphate level of the water in the area is what gives English-style pale ales, which were first famous in Burton-on-Trent, England, their distinctive hop bite. In contrast, the high carbonate concentration of the water in southern Germany (Bavaria) dictated that beers be dark and relatively low in hop bitterness.

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These are the best people to have around because they’ll always be ready for parties, and even if you don’t have this fizzy drink in your fridge at all times, they’d always bring some along with them. Want to go off to some faraway places but don’t have the company? They’ll join you on the quest for new and exciting craft beers. Whatever it is, they’re your buddies!

Now, if you happen to have one in your life, it may be both easy and difficult at the same time to come up with a meaningful gift for them. Easy because you know the gift should be beer-related, and difficult because they may already have it. If you’re all out of ideas, here are some popular gifts you can choose to surprise them with next time the occasion calls for it:

Craft Beer Hamper

There’s always something new in the world of craft beer – and that’s a great thing both for your giftee and you as a gifter. If you can’t surprise them with a trip somewhere, then why not treat them to a special IPA beer hamper that could allow them to travel taste-wise.

No matter what the occasion may be, whether it’s Father’s Day or their birthday, Christmas or Easter, Valentine’s Day or a wedding, or just about any regular day, there are various options of packs you can pick from with the certainty they would amaze the beer buddy. There are different selections, like packs of 6, 12 and 24 craft beers, as well as limited editions of Australia’s finest, so there’s plenty to pick from to treat your bud’s taste buds with something special! In case you’re also dealing with a foodie, there are some additional hampers with tasty snacks like crackers and cheeses to accompany the drink.

There’s something in it for the fans of acidic flavours, there are options for the lovers of fruity notes too, and there are even choices of beer hampers that are alcohol free for guilt-free enjoyment. Top them off with cards filled with lovely messages for a nice finishing touch and you’re done. If this isn’t special enough for you, you could also subscribe them to an incredible monthly or yearly craft beer journey so they could keep receiving different choices of this amazing ale. Now that’s a gift that keeps on giving they’re not likely to forget any time soon!

Craft Beer Kit

Just because they’re crazy about beer doesn’t mean they’re necessarily crazy about making it themselves and that’s when the carefully chosen IPA beer hamper would do. Be sure to find out if they’re into brewing before deciding to buy a kit that’s got all the recipes, cookbooks and equipment they need to start this new hobby. If you get the green light on this kind of present, then the next step would be to learn how to choose a kit he or she would like.

There are basic kits made for beginners that include all the essential pieces they require in terms of ingredients and equipment to get them prepared. Most basic kits consist of a fermenter, CO2 venting system, gauge, bottles and caps, labels, spigot, thermometer and hydrometer, cleaner and sanitiser, hops, yeast, grains or pale ale recipes. Not only are they varied, but they’re affordable too, and they don’t take up much space, so even if they decide homebrewing isn’t their thing it’s still worth every penny.

Beer Cooler Table

If you always spend time in the beer buff’s backyard, and want to contribute to all the hospitality, then this might be the perfect present you can surprise them with. A cooler that doubles as a cool outdoor table is a welcome addition because it’s compact yet useful and comes in handy with keeping the beer fresh and cold, and most importantly at hand for the beer lover to enjoy.

With a design that could fit a great deal of ice, it’s perfect for backyard parties over BBQ. Some designs are so advanced they give you the chance to control the temperature and keep the drink chilled when you need it. Choose the colour so it would match the rest of the surroundings and blend in nicely with the other furnishings, fill it up with ice, throw in the cans of the IPA beer hamper and wait to see the huge smile on the recipient’s face.

Best of all, this kind of furniture can serve its purpose even indoors when the backyard season is closed for the winter. Seriously, what more could a beer lover want?!

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Many believe gin to be the quintessential cocktail spirit as so many cocktails call for gin. In fact, gin is for cocktails; it is meant to be mixed, not on its own. This iconic spirit comes in endless varieties and provides a plethora of options. You can easily find your favourite one to mix with other ingredients and create amazing cocktails beyond the usual G&T.

Believe it or not, you can even make and distil gin at home without having to fork out loads of money. Gin is one of the easiest spirits to make. The standard production method for gin is to use neutral grain alcohol and combine it with a range of botanicals such as juniper, coriander, citrus peel, cinnamon, almond or liquorice. Basically, gin is flavoured vodka except that botanicals are always natural.

Before we jump into the world of homemade gin, let’s get an insight into the art of gin distillation.

The Art of Distillation

Choosing the right botanicals, with the right flavour molecules, in the right ratios as well as how the ethanol extracts their oils is so important for determining the final flavour of a gin. Every drinks company has its own preferred method for gin distillation and each of them creates a batch of different aromatic flavours and varieties of gin.

Basically, there are two types of gin – distilled and redistilled. The difference between these two relates to the base alcohol. A distilled gin is made by distilling a mash or at least 40% ABV fermented alcohol base which can be derived from grains, sugar beets, potatoes, sugar cane or grapes. Redistilled gin is made from the second distillation of the spirit and usually, neutral grain is used as the base.

As we mentioned before, gin is typically flavoured vodka. But to be called a gin, it must go through the re-distillation process to infuse it with its botanical flavors such as fresh or dried juniper berries and other botanical ingredients. Actually, the juniper should be the dominant botanical for it to be called gin. These botanicals are infused into the spirit using one of two methods: by steeping or via vapour infusion.

Steeping is one of the most traditional methods of gin distillation. It is a very simple process in which the aromatic botanicals are steeped directly in the base alcohol, i.e. almost pure ethanol, and left to soak up for 48 hours. When the raw spirit is then infused with flavours i.e. distilled, the aromatic compounds are carried by the vapour that condenses at the top. When the vapour is condensed back into the liquid, it is infused with the flavours and aromas that make the fragrant spirit we all know and love.

Vapour infusion is a less intense form of gin distillation since the botanicals are not being directly soaked in the raw spirit. They are suspended above the liquor instead. In fact, the botanicals impart their flavor and aromas to the vapour rather than the liquid itself. They will stay locked into the vapour as it is condensed and transformed into gin.

In addition to distilled and redistilled, there is also a third, less common type of gin i.e. compound gin. All it takes to make a compound gin is to simply mix botanical flavours and essences with alcohol, and that’s it. And this is by far the cheapest way to make a gin.

Gin Distilling at Home

It is very possible for you to try gin distilling at home and add a bottle of homemade gin to your drinks cabinet. There are so many ways to make a bespoke aromatic gin at home. You can use a home gin distillery kit such as an Alembic condenser, pot condenser or a reflux condenser with a basket. Or, you can also use a reflux still.

In addition, you can make your own gin simply by ‘steeping’ juniper berries and other botanicals in a neutral grain spirit. A good quality vodka makes the perfect base for personalising gin with fun flavours. Once you have mixed up the magic formula, learn to make insanely creative and refreshing cocktails that will amaze your friends.

The making of gin is an art and you can create masterpieces with this versatile spirit. Beyond vodka and juniper berries, you can add different spices, fruits and floral elements to create your own bespoke blend. Some of the most commonly used gin essences are coriander seed, angelica root, citrus peel and cinnamon but feel free to experiment with whatever botanicals you like. You could even check out the botanicals that are included in your favourite commercial gins and use those for inspiration.

To make a homemade compound gin, take the following steps:

• Sterilise a clean mason jar or glass bottle with boiling water;
• Add your interesting botanical flavours to the jar, minus any fresh peel;
• Top up with vodka of choice;
• Leave to infuse in a cool dark place for 24 hours;
• Taste the infusion – it should have taken on some lovely juniper flavour already;
• Add your fresh peel of choice (lemon or orange), along with any extra botanicals whose flavour you want to boost;
• Leave for up to another 24 hours, giving the bottle a gentle shake at least once;
• Beware of leaving it too long and over-infusing the mixture;
• Taste the gin again and if you’re satisfied, filter out all the botanicals using a sieve. If there’s still some sediment left, use some muslin or a coffee filter to strain again;
• Leave the liquid to sit for a couple of days and then filter out any remaining sediment. You can put it through a water filter jug if you want to make it even clearer. Keep in mind that this doesn’t affect the taste.
• Bottle your gin!

Now you are ready to try your homemade product with your friends by making cocktails to enjoy at leisure.

The post How to Make a Batch of Bespoke Aromatic Gin At Home appeared first on The Most Popular.

Source: ginandtonicly.com

Distilling alcohol for making spirits is similar to homebrewing beer or fermenting wine. If you follow the instructions properly, you’ll get pure alcohol that contains smaller amounts of by-products and impurities than alcohol produced from commercial sources. For best results, you should not make spirits at more than 40% alcohol by volume. And for the sake of your health, it’s recommendable not to drink spirits at more than 40% ABV.

Making your own spirits and liqueurs is fun and easy and with the use of flavouring essences, you can simply create your favourite drinks. You can follow the distillation process from scratch or distil a simple, neutral spirit, something like vodka, for instance. Then you can add Top Shelf essences to get a spirit that tastes like your favourite beverage.

We all like a good drink and there are many reasons why gin is so popular as well as whiskey, rum, bourbon and more. But nothing’s better than enjoying a spirit that you produced just the way you like it.

What You Need to Know About Top Shelf Essences

The basic ingredient of a drink is the essence. It determines the flavour, quality and character of the beverage. You can choose from a wide range of Top Shelf essences and find your favourite flavours and finishes. With their help, you can create the popular style spirits that can be found in the commercial bar products, like Single Whiskey, Aussie Gold Rum, Kentucky Bourbon, Jamaican Dark Rum and many others.

The range is split into spirits, schnapps, liqueurs and cream liqueurs and cocktails. You can easily get your favourite one, whether it’s absinthe, gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, tequila or else. Each flavouring is beautifully presented in 50 ml bottles and simple to make, so you can create something new or replicate one of your favourites.

Source: pinterest.com

Using spirit flavours is easier and faster than distilling from scratch and it’s much cheaper than buying your alcohol at a retail store. The process is easy and simple, all you need to do is follow the instructions on the label of your flavouring. Each flavouring is exclusively bottled with ultimate care, so it blends in perfectly with the concentration of beverage.

Make sure you shake the bottle well before use and follow the instructions on its back when mixing with a neutral homemade distilled spirit. Rinse out the remaining flavouring from the 50 ml bottle with some of the alcohol and shake the finished product bottle well. Then leave it for 24 to 48 hours and decide if you want to taste it by yourself, enjoy it with family and friends, store it for later or give it away and make someone’s day with a unique gift.

Whether you’re new to the distilling game or an experienced distiller, the Top Shelf spirits can make a big difference in your hobby. While some of them can help you introduce entirely new flavours to your spirits, others replicate or modify conventional classics, so it’s up to you to decide which route you want to take. However, the most important thing is to have fun trying spirit flavours and creating perfect spirits at home.

Essence is the soul of the beverage, and the more you use the essence the more you’ll understand the tastes and many different ways in which you can blend them to create some extra special flavours. Moreover, it’s a great way to enjoy your favourite drink without waiting for the spirit to age.

In the past, aging the spirits was a common thing to do as excess raw materials were inexpensive or in the case of rum, they were a waste product and costly to dispose of. Cheap raw materials were converted into potable alcohol and aged to improve their smoothness. As you may know, oak barrels were used to remove unwanted alcohols and flavours. Since raw spirit from some of these products can be dangerous to drink, aging was a very important part of the process.

Source: homestratosphere.com

Most Popular Spirit Flavouring Essences

Rum Flavourings

Today, it’s much easier to distil at home, so if you like rum, for instance, you’ll most likely enjoy the rum flavouring essences. Whether you want to make a light brew to be used in cocktails or a dark one to be enjoyed neat, you can choose from different rum flavoured essences that can introduce new and amazing ideas to some old recipes.

Whiskey Flavourings

These are some of the most common choices and for a good reason. As we all know, whiskey is a bold drink and not every person can enjoy it. If you’re a whiskey lover and would like to customise your whiskey, then whiskey flavourings are a great opportunity to do so. There are many flavour combinations and the use of spirit essences can help you fine-tune your whiskey to accommodate any flavour palette.

Brandy Flavourings

Brandy lovers can be quite picky about their drink, so if you’re one of them, looking for a specific brandy taste, then you may give brandy flavourings a chance. If you don’t want to change your brandy, you can simply enhance its quality and create a whole new experience with your favourite drink.

The post Top Shelf: The Most Popular Essences for Flavouring Your Spirits appeared first on The Most Popular.

Downing a classic gin and tonic on a hot sunny afternoon sounds like a great plan to spend your day, but there is a myriad of other delicious gin cocktail recipes that are perfect for gin lovers and curious imbibers. Since there’s a gin out there to suit all tastes, you can easily find a favourite to mix with other ingredients and create amazing cocktails. Whether you want your drink to be the sole star of your party or you want to pair it with some delicious food, this versatile spirit provides you with a plethora of options. And if you drink it in moderation, it might benefit your health in many ways. 

Surprising Health Benefits of Drinking Gin

Gin can be helpful for several aspects of your health. Whether consumed neat or used in gin cocktail recipes, it has a significantly lower calorie count when compared to other alcohols. If you mix it with a light beverage such as tonic water or diet lemonade, it contains only 96 calories per shot. If you are watching your weight, gin is a good choice as it is low in sugar content. The juniper berries and herbs used in gin helps relieve bloating, and they act as natural diuretics.

Although it can’t be a replacement for medications, studies show that juniper berries have long been used to treat conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis. Raisins steeped in gin have been used as a treatment for joint pain. According to different studies, drinking gin might make you live longer. The juniper berries in gin contain flavonoids, which can clean clogged arteries. One small glass of gin every day can also lower the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular diseases. There’re many homemade flavoured gin recipes you can make to enjoy a refreshing drink that is also good for your health. 

What Is the Best Thing to Mix with Gin?

There’s probably no gin lover on Earth who hasn’t tried a gin and tonic recipe. This obvious, two-ingredient drink can also be a foundation for many other aromatic and easy to make gin recipes. If you are having a home party with friends and want to make things a little bit festive, you can make a festive G&T. You can start by filling a glass with ice and pouring over your favourite gin. A London dry gin, Plymouth or Bombay might work very well in simple gin cocktail recipes. You also need a whole pomegranate, lime and some tonic, preferably dry. Cut the pomegranate in half and beat the back of the fruit with a wooden spoon over the glasses to remove the seeds. Add tonic and garnish with fresh lime wheels. Delicious, healthy and pink, this cocktail might be your new favourite drink. 

Dozens of fruits go well with gin from lime, grapefruit and citrus to olives, cucumber and cherry tomato. Gin and strawberries are also a good combination and everyone who tries it falls in love with it. To make a delicious cocktail, you can start by mixing up three strawberries and two basil leaves in a shaker. Add 50 ml of pink gin, 30 ml sugar syrup, half lemon juice and top with club soda. You can garnish with a sliced strawberry and a basil leaf. These and other easy to make gin cocktail recipes are specially created to balance the slightly bitter taste of gin and make you stop right there and have a wonderful drink. You can use a lot of herbs and spices as garnishes, including rosemary, lavender, cinnamon sticks, lemongrass, vanilla pods and many others. 

What to Eat During Gin O’Clock

The pairing of food with gin is gaining popularity, but deciding what food to have with your drink can be an overwhelming task. Next time when you are caught up in a situation when you don’t know what to have with your gin cocktail, you can always choose seafood as a pretty safe alternative. Its flavour perfectly compliments the brightness of the gin and tonic cocktail and is all you need if you are a seafood lover. Smoke salmon or fish and chips can also be great choices. Your classy G&T goes very well with cucumber finger sandwiches, pate, lamb curry and strong cheese. Popcorn and fudge are great snacks to enjoy with your gin recipes. If you have a sweet tooth, feel free to combine your gin drinks with chocolate and enjoy the gentle tickle on your palate. 

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I was surprised to find out how little people know about this white wine, considering the amazing taste it has. I come to think that out of all white wines, Riesling variety is probably one of the most misunderstood grapes, mainly because Germans have done so little to promote it. It was not until recently that the Riesling variety has become most wanted among sommeliers and connoisseurs.

So, what is it about Riesling that makes it so mysteriously famous?

The first thing to know about Riesling is that it is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a very wide choice of foods. The German chef at the restaurant I ate, paired their Donnhoff variety with a wide palette of sweet and savory foods. The combination that blew my mind was grilled sirloin (a dish that instantly asks for red wine) and white Riesling wine. Noticing the surprise in my eyes, the chef kindly elaborated on the capability of Riesling’s acidity to pair with the grilled protein and reduce the wine’s sweetness. “It’s like that, Riesling knows how to flirt with the food, and that’s why we chefs, love it so much.” A match made in Heaven, if I may add.

The variety we tasted was the Donnhoff Estate Riesling Dry 2011. When the wild perfume made of apple, pear, melon and stone fruit backed by leesy and funky nuances reaches your smelling senses, you will find yourself on a journey to a confusing, magical place that screams minerality and terroir. And once you take the first sip and sense the luscious presence of peach leaning towards a citrusy finish, you know you are about to witness that sweetness being trimmed by the wave of acidity and texture. Sounds quite like a fairytale doesn’t it? Well, it sure tastes like one.

The Donnhoff variety is just one example of the luxurious taste Riesling wines offer. Having in mind the influence terroir and manner of producing have over the quality of the wine, you can surely expect to try some amazing samples. So, is your next popped cork going to be from a Riesling bottle? Mine sure will.

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One of the initial wine shows in Australia took place in the Hunter Valley in 1848 and the Hunter Valley Wine Show has been going on regularly ever since 1974. The Hunter Valley Wine Show intrigues and captivates the most eminent caliber of Australian and International judges and remains an inventive and forward-looking show. The addition of Riedel glasses and a harsh auditing system are some of the many perks that establish the show’s preeminent position to be unanimously considered as the country’s most dominant regional show. It maintains a disciplinary regional focus and is solely for wines made with grapes grown in the Hunter Valley. The demonstration of a solid, trustworthy, annual regional wine show determines the quality and boosts the stature of Hunter Valley wines.

The Hunter Valley wine region is drenched in the past. It is Australia’s earliest regular grape growing sector. In 1848 one of Australia’s pioneer wine shows took place at the Hunter Valley. The Hunter Valley Wine Show has been thriving tirelessly since 1974 and is viewed as the prime regional wine show of Australia. This is due in great measure to the excellence of the judging panels it never ceases to intrigue and engage. The wines that are to be judged have to be Hunter Valley Wines and in accordance with all of the necessary requirements.

This year, the Hunter Valley Wine Show will be giving the award named Provenance, from the French word “provenir” which means “to come from”, and it invokes the chronology of the holding or location of a historical object. This award represents recognition and celebration of wines of remarkable origin, echoing continuous firmness of style and quality over time. The Hunter Valley Wine Show has also established itself as a powerful element in the local economy in the tourism industry. The most commonly planted grapes in the Hunter Valley are: Whites – Chardonnay, Semillon and Verdelho; Reds – Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

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