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IBU’s and you Craft beer has been making a huge splash in the last few years, giving rise to a new generation of beer geeks, also known as a beer sommelier or a Cicerone. The surging popularity of craft beers also means the increased use of beer specific descriptors being thrown around in casual conversation. For those of you interested in a more detailed list of beer terms, Beeradvocate.com has compiled an exhaustive list here. For now, I will address one of the most commonly asked q...
POSTED March 26th, 2014 | 0 COMMENTS 
Winemaking is an art, and many people who make their own wine at home, do so because they enjoy the process of it. Part of this process is modifying and tinkering with your work in progress. Don’t forget that the Home Vintner staff are experts in our field, and we are here to answer any and all questions that you might have. While we encourage customers to be creative and modify kits, more than anything we want our customers to get the highest quality possible in their finished...
POSTED February 25th, 2014 | 0 COMMENTS Prosecco…… Is the new Champagne? 
Prosecco…… Is the new Champagne? The word “Champagne” has often been used as if it was synonymous with anything bubbly. But recently Prosecco, the term and the wine, has taken off. A recent article by the Guardian claims that one in every two bottles of bubbles purchased in the UK are Prosecco, and it sure feels like Canada is headed in that direction. So what makes Prosecco so all of a sudden desirable? After all, Prosecco has been produced in Northwest Ital...
POSTED February 19th, 2014 | 0 COMMENTS 
We have a large group who just love their Cab Sauvs. From the Vintners Reserve right up to the intense Lodi Ranch 11 CS with grape skins. We have a new Cab Sauv offering in the World Vineyard kits which includes grapeskins! This promises to be an excellent addition to your cellar.
POSTED February 6th, 2014 | 0 COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT 
Immediate results are a by-product of today’s fast paced world. Most people seem to expect it all to happen NOW, and become annoyed if they have to wait for anything. Even when it comes to wine, I’ve had inquiries about additives and procedures that supposedly speed up the process of home brewing.Well, I say, if you are in that much of a hurry, just go to the liquor store. But, to make your own wine or beer requires an investment, not just in a little space in...
POSTED November 28th, 2013 | 0 COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT 
Sprinkle or rehydrate? We strongly recommend simply sprinkling dry yeast on top of your must. In order to rehydrate your yeast properly, you need to have precisely 10 to 1 water / yeast. If not enough water is used, the yeast will grow sluggishly. If too much water is used the yeast cells will burst.Temperature range is inflexible. If the water isn’t warm enough, the yeast cells won’t soften. If too warm, the yeast cells will cook and die.Then, before add...
POSTED November 27th, 2013 | 0 COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT 
We are pleased to announce the addition of Barossa Valley Australian Shiraz to the Eclipse line-up which will be available mid November.Aromas of blackberry, peppercorns and smoked meat. Full-bodied yet smooth with big, dark, peppery fruit and plush texture on the palate.
POSTED November 12th, 2013 | 0 COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT HOME BREWED CRAFT BEER & WINE SOARING IN POPULARITY 
Now that the weather is cooling off, it might be time to consider an indoor hobby. There is nothing better on a cool fall day than curling up near the fire with a glass of your favourite wine or craft beer. Why not get away from the commercial, mass-produced products and make your own creation to share with friends. Click here to view the Fall 2013 Airdrie House and Home article with Pat manager Airdrie store
POSTED November 6th, 2013 | 0 COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT Water Pure and Simple in Drumheller 
Nina Burfield and her son Mike purchased Water Pure and Simple in June of 2001. As a family owned and operated business they serve the needs of Drumheller and surrounding areas with reverse osmosis, spring and distilled water. They offer home & office delivery in Drumheller, Rosedale, East Coulee, Three Hills and Carbon. There are also outlets in Carbon, Hussar, Morrin, Delia and Drumheller for bottle pickup or just stop by their store at 97 Bridge Street in Drumheller. In...
POSTED October 30th, 2013 | 0 COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT North West Calgary store Class - week of the Great Flood 
This last class at the Northwest Calgary store was originally sold out, however, due to the flooding of our city, approximately 1/2 of our registrants had to cancel. We hope that clean-up for these people is going well. Horrific does not even adequately describe what Calgary and other areas in Alberta have gone through.We want these people to also know that they can re-book at a later date - their coupons do not have an expiry date.Those that were able to make...
POSTED June 29th, 2013 | 0 COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT Village Blacksmith India Black Ale 
Terry, from our Northwest Calgary store, gave us a bottle of beer to try from Calgary Village Brewery -which is located on 12A Street SE. It is the Village Blacksmith India Black Ale. This is what they have to say about it - " An alloy of premium two-row Alberta barley, roasted to a black malt and infused with bitter hops. Stalwart and bold, it will douse the coal-fired thirst, slake the spirit and clear the soot from the teeth!" &nb...
POSTED June 29th, 2013 | 0 COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT 
Paul and the many staff that participated were very excited to be included in Calgary International Beerfest 2013! We enjoyed seeing and catching up with many of our customers during this two day event. I can't think of a better place to be to see what is hot on trend and up and coming in the world of craft beer. We had the opportunity to try craft beer equivalents of some of our most popular add-pack recipes - such as Black Pilsners and Belgian Wits - confirming that what we can make at home is...
POSTED June 3rd, 2013 | 0 COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT 
There has been a lot of buzz about the LE2012 Washington Riesling Chenin Blanc. Many of our staff and customers have just been bottling this March release, and the feedback has been tremendous. It's crisp with light acidity, soft fruits and just a hint of sweetness. This is such a crisp, pleasing and enjoyable sipping wine that you are sure to go back for another glass. Some of the feedback we have been hearing is:I was sampling when I was bottling, and had to have another glass, it's just so fa...
POSTED June 3rd, 2013 | 0 COMMENTS 
Another successful class last night at the North West Calgary store. Everyone enjoyed themselves while learning the process of making award winning wine and beer from our kits.We decided to brew one of our newest beer recipes, the Roggenbier add pack. This is one of my favourite new beers that we have brewed. On the wine side, we started up a Limited Ed Argentine Torrontes -- a trendy new wine !Check out our calendar for a listing of all upcoming c...
POSTED May 23rd, 2013 | 0 COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT Winexpert Kits Clean Up @ International Competition ! 
This just in from Winexpert > "Congrats to our 300+ medal winners at the WineMaker International Amateur Wine Competition last weekend.More amateur winemakers won GOLD medals with Winexpert kits, than any other brand!Our Limited Edition Pacifica White also won Best of Show White!"
POSTED May 23rd, 2013 | 0 COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT |
