BAVARIAN PURITY LAW
Beer purists are thrilled with our Barons beer kits which adhere to the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516 - beer must only be made with barley, hops, water and yeast. Pure and simple! Now compare this to what could be in your commercially made beer:
To read the Chemical Additives used in Commercial Beer click here
I'm new to beer making, could you walk me step by step through the beer making process?
Our mission at The Home Vintner is to teach you how to make the best micro brewery style beer at home. The Barons beer instructions included with your kit will walk you through the beer making process. I will provide you with a few tips to make you successful your first time. Always take your time, if you try to shorten the process you will end with a poorer tasting beer along with lower Read more...
WYEAST CULTURE COLLECTION FOR BREWING $9.95
Wyeast Laboratories revolutionized home brewing in 1986 when they introduced 100% Pure Liquid Yeast Cultures. Hobby brewers worldwide count on the reliability, purity and extensive strain selection provided by Wyeast to produce beers of unequalled quality and diversity. Some liquid yeast is available at 14 St NW, NE and Airdrie. To see our current stock list click here.
HIGH QUALITY BEER STARTER KITS
Our high quality beer starter kits include everything that you need to start making beer at home. High quality 5 grade polypropylene primary with bung, air lock and stick on thermometer, 23 litre Italian glass carboy, sanitizing system with instructions, stir stick, syphon and hose with stop clamp and hydrometer complete for $84.95. Upgrade to an auto syphon for $10, also available is a beer thief for $9.95.
HEAT BELTS FOR BEER
Beer likes to ferment warmer than wine. At 23 C / 73 F the beer will be ready to rack out of the primary usually on the 3rd day. At 20 C / 68 F it will take almost a week before the specific gravity (SG) is low enough. At cooler temperatures it can take up to 6 or 7 weeks for the SG to reach its lowest level. At cooler temperatures the yeast can stall at 3 weeks and then kick in again at 4 weeks. When people call saying that the SG won't drop we suspect right away that the beer isn't warm enough. The answer is an electric heat belt which goes on the primary and then on an Italian carboy (if you have a Mexican or North American carboy do not use the heat belt on them). The heat belt maintains the temperature at exactly 23 C. Heat belts are sold in all our stores for $29.95.
IMPORTANCE OF THE HYDROMETER
Do not follow instructions according to the number of days. This is only an approximation for timing. Depending on the temperature of your beer the days become irrelevant. Only move onto the different steps in the instructions when your specific gravity hits the correct number indicated in the instructions. One of the most important tools in your beer making process is the hydrometer.
The principle of the hydrometer ($11.95) is to measure the density of your wine & beer. As the wine & beer ferments creating alcohol, the hydrometer will sink deeper into the wine & beer, giving you important readings as to the progress of your fermentation.
Over the years The Home Vintner has educated over 9,000 wine & beer makers through our classes, stressing the importance of taking readings. It is essential to take a reading BEFORE you pitch the yeast; BEFORE stabilizing; & BEFORE bottling. ...read more
HOW TO DETERMINE THE ALCOHOL LEVEL
Take your starting specific gravity, subtract your finished specific gravity and divide by 7.36. For example: Initial S.G. 1.050; Final S.G. .008; drop in gravity .042.
Next, the figure obtained in this way is divided by 7.36. The result obtained is the % of alcohol by volume in the wine, i.e. 42 / 7.36 = 5.7% alcohol.
P.E.T.BOTTLES poly(ethylene terephthalate)
P.E.T. Bottles are a cost effective alternative to glass for bottling homemade beer. These bottles and caps are reusable. The majority of PET bottles are porous (a beverage held in PET will eventually go flat). However, our PET bottles have a nylon barrier which helps to prevent both the ingress of oxygen and the loss of CO2 for up to 6 months. If you want to bottle your beer for longer you may choose to use good quality glass bottles.
500 ml PET brown - 24 for $19.95
500 ml PET clear - 24 for $19.95 (usually used for Mexican Cerveza)
1 litre PET - 12 for $17.95
GLASS BEER BOTTLES
Glass bottles have been the most popular form of storage container for home beer brewing. Glass beer bottles do not allow any oxygen or other gases to affect the beer and allow the beer to be stored for much longer than plastic beer bottles. If you are planning on sharing your beer with your friends and family, home brewed beer looks more appealing when it is presented in a traditional beer bottle than other forms of storage containers.
500 ml amber glass - 12 for $18.50
650 ml amber glass - 12 for $19.95
500 ml EZ Cap - 12 for $29.95 Grolsch retro style quality flip-top bottles
1 Litre EZ Cap - $3.95 each
Beer bottle caps are available at all our stores, 150 for $4.95. If you need to borrow a capper just talk to one of our staff. If you wish to purchase a hand capper they are $23.95, a table top capper is $44.95.
COBALT BLUE 500 ML & 1 L BOTTLES
We are Western Canada's exclusive provider of 500 ml brown beer bottles. Now we are introducing our new 500 ml & 1 Litre Cobalt Blue EZ Cap beer bottles. (Limited quantities at this time)
BEER BOTTLE LABELS
Removable White I.D. Labels - Avery 06498 Laser / Ink Jet available in our stores for $13.74. These are excellent beer labels because they stick,stay and remove cleanly.
Click here to see image examples and learn how to download the label program.
BARON'S PREMIUM BEER KITS
Barons is defined by superior ingredients, state-of-the art processing and unique user-friendly packaging which preserves product freshness. Brew King's rigorous quality control procedures are employed throughout the process to ensure a perfect product. We use only the finest 100% barley malt available from around the world, superior in freshness and fermentability.
By utilizing only the finest varieties of hops, we maximize this key component of the brewing process. Bitterness, aroma and flavour characteristics are all masterfully preserved, and no chemicals are added. A special pack of finishing hop pellets are included in each kit allowing dry-hopping for extra aroma and a further hint of flavour.
Premium brewing yeast also plays an important role in the quality of your finished beer. Winexpert continually tests its packaged yeasts to ensure full vitality for fermentation.
Every wine maker can make award winning beer at home. Featuring 7.5 litres of premium concentrated wort to create a natural beer of outstanding flavour. By applying modern brewing and packaging technology Baron’s not only gives you the convenience of
no-mash, prepared beer wort, it also gives you the following advantages:
No boil just add water and go
No sugar to add
Fully mashed malted grain, for high attenuation
Your beer will ferment dry with no extract taste
More than a dozen syles, all true to specification, all delicious
Barons Beer Brochure click here
BARONS SECRETS FOR MAKING YOUR BEST BEER EVER
There are hundreds of styles of beer, and sometimes you want ot make a beer truly your own, with different hops, added grains and specialty yeast. This is where Barons really shines, as a blank canvas for your beer ideas. For our advanced beer makers we are happy to provide this 4 page handout covering: a listing of the specifications for each beer kit, some changes you can make to modify the kit and some additions you make to the kit.
HOW TO CORRECTLY BOTTLE BEER AND THEN HOW TO POUR A HOMECRAFTED BEER
The natural carbonation of our beer is done just before bottling by racking the beer back into the primary and then adding 220 grams of dextrose. Dissolving the dextrose in a little bit of hot water helps to evenly dissolve it throughout the 23 litres. Once bottled the yeast ferments the sugar thus producing additional alcohol and CO2 which is trapped in the bottle. This further fermentation in the bottle produces a new yeast bed in the bottle. To avoid stirring up this sediment always leave your beer bottles upright. Do not drink from the bottle...If you have a surface scum on the beer, continue reading this article...
BREWERY IN THE BASEMENT
In September I moved into a house with two roommates and a lot of extra space. The carboys, empty bottles, wine rack, corks, and the "art of wine and beer making" certificate of attendance moved in soon after. My roommate Scott always wanted to make his own beer, and our house and its big basement provided the perfect opportunity. Scott loves beer and he loves saving money, so homebrew made sense. I was in complete support of Scott’s new hobby. Who doesn’t love cheap beer?
My previous experience with homebrew involved a friend’s very sketchy moonshine and my frugal grandfather’s basement brew. Scott originally started making beer to save money but his intentions shifted after attending a three hour wine and beer making course at the Home Vintner (that resulted in the aforementioned official certificate of attendance that remains on our fridge). Posted by Annalise Klingbeil from Open File Community Powered News Calgary.
read entire Open File article...
HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEER, WHO KNEW?
Health benefits of beer include anticancer property, reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, increased bone density, prevention of dementia and coronary disease, aiding digestive system, anti-aging properties, countering diabetes, gallstones, kidney stones and osteoporosis, hypertension, apart from acting as a stress buster and diuretic.
Beer is a beverage which people usually prefer to take along with meals in North America and Europe. Beer has greater protein and vitamin B content than wine. Its antioxidant content is equivalent to that of wine. Hops, major component for brewing beer, are rich source of flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants. It is a very good source of some minerals which play roles in various metabolic processes. If taken in moderate quantities, beer will surely benefit one’s health.
Amber Ale - 39.95
Malty rich flavour and body. This reddish ale has slightly more bitterness than typical ales but its maltiness gives a nice balance between sweet
and bitter. Our unique blend of 2-row pilsen, crystal and chocolate malts gives this ale its incredible character. Comparable to a Sleeman's Amber Ale.
Our HV Tartan Ale recipe starts with a Barons Amber Ale - 500 grams of smoked malt and dry malt rather than dextrose ($10). Try Wyeast 1728 Scottish Ale yeast. We were pleasantly surprised with this Scottish style ale with warm amber hues and complex aromas, giving it a full-bodied taste with a slightly smoky finish.
Click here to read our blog on Alexander Keith's Limited Release Tartan Ale.
Our new Winter Spice Amber Ale recipe is now available. Nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, orange peel and coriander...mmmm! Just need to find a fireplace.
American Lite - 34.95
Low alcohol beer with a golden straw colour and a smooth, mellow flavour. Light & refreshing – a joy to savour on a hot summer's day! Recipes available to make a natural Lime Lite.
For those that like a lighter beer how about a Belgin Wit, recipe is now available.
Brown Ale - 39.95
Deep chestnut coloured ale with a full-bodied, roasted malt flavour. Precisely balanced with hop flavour, aroma, and maltiness to bring out this beer's true character!
This brown ale is more full bodied and flavorful than lagers in general, thereby providing a nice autumn or winter drink as well as many food pairing possibilities. With its smooth mouth feel, lightly roasted sweet malt taste, and subtle nutty butteryness Baron's Brown Ale makes for a very pleasant drink similar to our English neighbors Newcastle.
Try this Ale with 1056 American Ale yeast.
Add 2 cups honey to carboy and make a Honey Brown or purchase our Stout additive pack at $12.95 and produce our Award winning Stout! With roasted milled barley, oatmeal and Cascade Hops you will enjoy the adventure of simmering these grains and adding them to your Brown Ale Kit. Try Wyeast 1084 Irish Ale yeast. If stored in a glass bottle try aging your stout - had a bottle that was 4 years old, it was amazing!
Pat's Cherry Porter recipe is now available. Each glass of Cherry Porter is lush and creamy with a fruity aroma. Rich and sensual, the flavour is reminiscent of Black Forest cake, with sweet chocolate notes and a slightly smoky character from the roasted malts- add on packs includes Black Patent Malt, Chocolate Malt and Roasted Barley. Try Wyeast 1084 Irish Ale. 3 lbs of cherries for each 5 litres of wart. read more...
Step by step with Ron as he made a Cherry Porter with daily pictures and updating read more...
Canadian Draught - 34.95
Enjoy the smooth refreshing draught experience in your backyard this summer. Creamy beer with a sparkling golden colour. Lightly hopped to bring out the true, just-tapped flavour of pub-style draughts. Notes of a citrus background.
Liquid yeast option - either 1098 British Ale or 2565 Kolsch
read more - wikipedia
Canadian Golden Ale - 34.95
A bold hoppy blond ale, it has slightly more hop flavour than typical Canadian beers. True to its style, this ale is malty but well-balanced, very crisp and refreshing, an exceptional beer for the North American ale enthusiast.
Visit us in store to find out more about our recipes to try with this kit, varieties include a raspberry or blueberry golden ale.
Try this Ale with 1098 Wyeast British Ale yeast.
To make a wonderful wheat beer we sell bags of wheat along with a recipe, try Wyeast 1010 American Wheat yeast at $9.95 (picuture on the right)
The Obamas Make History With Homebrewed White House Honey Ale - try brewing your own Honey Golden Ale - recipe in our
stores.
White House beermaking is a milestone in American culinary history that the Chefs will continue; there might even be Hops planted in the Kitchen Garden...
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama made culinary history when they served homebrewed White House Honey Ale, made with a pound of honey from the White House Beehive, to guests at last month's Super Bowl party. They are the first presidential couple to ever charge their chefs with the ancient--and now wildly popular--art of homebrewing, according to White House Curator Bill Allman. read more...
Canadian High Test - 34.95
Higher alcohol content of a heavy tasting strong beer with all the rough edges. A honey color, starts full bodied with lots of malty - veggie tastes then sits on the tongue more balanced as the hops kick in and you get a delightful nutty yeast taste then finishes fairly heavy with a lingering malty warmth. Smooth and flavourful, robust and bold. For the brave at heart, not the weak-kneed. Best when aged for at least 6 months.
Canadian Lager - 34.95
A bright golden, smooth, easy drinking lager - with a true Canadian taste that delivers the perfect balance of sweetness with a slightly hoppy bitterness and medium body with a refreshing finish. Clean and clear - crisp and cool.
To make a wonderful wheat beer we sell bags of wheat along with a recipe, try Wyeast 1010 American Wheat yeast at $9.95.
Try Wyeast 2565 Kolsch yeast with all our Lager styles.
Canadian Pilsner - 34.95
Light in colour - slightly more hop flavour than typical domestic lagers with a smooth finish. This Pilsner is for those who want more flavour than found in a Canadian style beer. The flavour is balanced between sweet and bitter with a hint of buttery flavor. Comparable to a Czechoslovakian Pilsner. Try using 2278 Czech Pils liquid yeast - a classic pilsner strain from the home of pilsners for a dry but malty finish.
Dutch Lager - 39.95
This globally popular beer reflects the styles of Grolsch and Heineken, with a crisp golden lager character and smooth spicy hoppiness, 
rounding out to a gentle, grassy finish. Crisp, distinct and delicious.
Try Wyeast 2565 Kolsch yeast with all our Lager styles. Picture on the right is our Kolsch style in Kolsch glasses.
Try Wyeast 3822 Dutch Castle yeast.
Mexican Cerveza - 34.95
A personal favorite, and recommendation for those who want a great summer beer is the Mexican Cerveza - nothing quenches better than this – light and easygoing. Fresh, bright, light bodied, clean flavour - great on the patio and beach. Comparable to a Pacifico.
How about a lime, raspberry, blueberry or mango Cerveza? Recipes are in our stores now.
You can creat a wonderful Belgian Wit using Mexican Cerveza as the background. A light, 
refreshing beer with a clean crisp profile. As with most wheat beers, the relatively high protein content leads to haze, giving the beer a light golden colour . With light body, slight sweetness and a zesty orange-fruity finish. Coriander, orange peel and our special Wyeast Belgian Wit yeast produces the complexity and depth of fruity flavours contained within the glass.
Use Belgin Wit - 3944 Wyeast Belgin Witbier yeast, and our add on pack of coriander and orange peel. read more - wikipedia
Ron will be making another Belgin Wit, click here to watch the process...
Ronnie's Roasted Pumpkin Cerveza - Les calls this new beer, "Thanksgiving in a glass!" Our pumpkin beer is mild, with no bitterness, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Pumpkin Cerveza will add seasonal cheer to your beer collection. The Barons Mexican Cerveza allows the pumpkin pie flavours to come through beautifully.
Pale Ale - 39.95
One of our most popular beers, Pale Ale is a delightful interpretation of a classic English pale ale. It has a rich, chestnut color and an exceptionally full-bodied, complex character. Goldings hops give the Pale Ale its fragrant bouquet and spicy flavor. It is a flawless beer that opens with bright, perky high notes of maltiness and orange blossom and segues into a delectable hoppiness.
For IPA lovers we have the ingredients and recipe for our award winning India Pale Ale ($9.90). Try it with 1098 Wyeast British Ale yeast. You can change your IPA into an Innis & Gunn style beer - ask for the recipe the next time you are in.
Try this Ale with 1056 American Ale yeast. Ron will daily update you on his progress of making a Pale Ale with American Ale yeast, click here to see...
Redwood Ale - 39.95
Deep copper with hints of garnet and amber. Big, round, rich, full-bodied brown ale in the English style - our Redwood has a complex taste
with perfect balance. It is full of flavour, with notes of toast, fruit and nuts. The superior maltiness and body in this flavoursome ale are derived from a special blend of blonde and crystal malt. Full and refreshing.
Redwood Chocolate Ale is made with 500 gm of chocolate malt available with our recipe. The final product is an extremely dark, rich ale. Redwood has become my favorite because it's snappy and robust. The chocolate creates a great background flavour that, in it's own way is a bit mellow. I may be biased here because I am a chocoholic but this ale tends to leave a very characteristic taste that lingers on long after the last mouthful - from Rob the creator of this great beer! Click here to read our blog on this beer...
Try Wyeast 1728 Scottish Ale yeast.
Click here to follow Ron as he takes you step by step in making the Redwood Chocolate Ale.
The state of the suds industry in Alberta
The pros and cons of beer privatization June 16 – June 22, 2011 Fast Forward Weekly Published June 16, 2011 by Kevin McLean in Booze
It was late Saturday afternoon and we were in a rush because government offices aren't open on Sundays. We pushed our way inside the overcrowded, stuffy, grey room and grabbed a number. Standing on my tiptoes I could just barely see over the counter as I watched my dad grab a form and fill it out. While we sat waiting, I was fidgeting with my hands and peering around the stark room, watching others solemnly wait their turn. Finally, a man behind the shrouded glass counter called our number; we approached the window and my dad slipped his form under the glass. The man looked down his nose at the form, reviewing it carefully, then without a word he disappeared into the back, returning a short time later and sliding a warm case of Labatt Blue under the glass. read more...
