Beer is made with four main ingredients: barley, hops, yeast and water. And yet, all the conversation lately is centered on the hops. The hop plant is a vine that produces a flower (called a hop cone) that is prized for the oils inside. It provides beer with aromas, flavor and bitterness. It also acts as a preservative, which was its original use in beer.
As we discussed in Hops 101, hops are one of the four main ingredients used to make beer. But it is also important to note that the point at which hops are added to the beer during the brewing process has a profound effect on the final flavor and aroma of the brew.
Make the most of your Halloween celebration with wicked wine, spooky brews and other freaky favorites from our adult beverage department. Even ghouls and goblins need a drink once in a while, so serve up some of these spine-chilling sips!
Halloween’s almost here, and it’s time to break out the boos! Mix your own perfect potions with these creepy cocktail recipes.
Pumpkin spice lattes aren’t the only way to sip your favorite seasonal squash. Drop by our adult beverage department to discover a plethora of pumpkin beers ripe for the picking!
With their sandy soil and cool temperatures, the rugged hills of west Marin County are definitely not the typical example of California wine country. But out of these scruffy conditions comes a handful of acres planted with vines that produce a classic dry Riesling, one that’s good enough to make even Napa fans stand up and take notice.
It took just over 80 years, but Sacramento finally has its own local maker of fine spirits. Gold River Distillery, founded by CEO Greg Baughman, is the first distiller to open in the capital city since the end of prohibition. Greg even crafted his own still as well as the unique and tasty spirits that come from it.
Originally from the Burgundy region of France, pinot noir is becoming ever more popular all around the world. Whether your palate prefers domestic or international styles, you can take your pick of pinot noir!
The Oktoberfest tradition started in 1810 in Munich, Germany when the town celebrated the Crown Prince’s wedding with a special beer and a 2-week party. Some 200 years later, the tradition of celebration continues in Germany and around the world. Bring the fest to your home with some of these Oktoberfest brews!
The summer games are in full swing, but there’s still plenty of time to cheer on all your favorite athletes from around the world. The next time you kick back to watch the games, get in the spirit with a classic caipirinha cocktail—a traditional Brazilian drink made with cachaça, the country’s most common distilled beverage!