How to make Mead (honey wine) at home – Part 5
Types of Mead There are as many flavors of mead as there are drops of rain in a thunderstorm. Honey itself is a very unpredictable product, but even two batches of mead started from the same hive of honey can end up with different flavors and properties. However, there are some general classifications of mead that are detailed as follows:Mead: honey wine with only honey and no additional spicesSack Mead: sweet honey wine but the only sweetener used was honey. No additional spices.
Red Wine
Metheglin: honey wine that has been spiced for flavor. Examples of common spices are cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, rosemary & thyme. Sack Metheglin: sweet spiced honey wineHydromel: weak or watered meadSparkling Mead: mead made with the same carbonation technique as ChampaignCycer: Mead made with apple juiceRyzomel: Mead made with flowersMead, Wine, Beer & Ale making as a hobbyVarious spices and fruit juice combinations are used today to make meads and wines of all variety. Many people enjoy the hobby of home brewing to make their own beers, ales, wines and meads which is perfectly legal in the US as long as it’s not done for sale and the mixtures aren’t distilled into stronger spirits. Federal law provides that individuals may produce up to 200 gallons of wine per year per person per household. Wine making kits are readily available at local home brew shops or via the internet for $50 to $100. Internet and book resources are also readily available to today’s hobbyist to explain the process step-by-step. Many people today enjoy making their own meads, wines, beers and ales for the pure satisfaction and enjoyment of doing the job themselves. Once the basics of brewing are understood it’s very easy to make your own custom flavors or play with recipes from more traditional products like mead or grape wine. Wine can be made from just about every fruit and vegetable on the planet given proper understanding of fermentation. These beverages can often be made by the hobbyist MUCH cheaper than if the same products were bought commercially and often with the same quality as commercial brews. Custom brews make great gifts too! Home brewing has become so popular that hobby clubs have been in operation for years and often promote local competitions among fellow brewers.
Disney Prepares for 12th-annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
The 12th-annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will take place September 28 to November 11, 2007, with a “Tastefully Inspired” theme and events that include food and wine tastings, celebrity-chef cooking demonstrations, beer and wine seminars, nightly concerts, street performers and children’s activities. Admission to the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is included with regular Epcot park admission.
Food Festival
“With delicous cuisine, an extensive list of international wines, fascinating seminars and live entertainment through the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, the 12th-annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival promises something for everyone in the whole family,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp. com. “Make sure to plan your itinerary before arriving to Epcot so you can enjoy all that the 2007 International Food & Wine Festival has to offer. ”
INTERNATIONAL MARKETPLACE
The International Marketplace at the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival allows you to take a one-of-a-kind culinary tour around the world. Stop by each marketplace for eclectic appetizers that are in the $2-$4 range, along with recommended beer and wine pairings.
Africa: Morocco, South Africa
Asia: China, India, Japan
Caribbean: Dominican Republic
Continental Europe: Champagne, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain
Eastern Europe: Poland, Turkey
Latin America: Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru
North America: Canada, Great Beers of the World, Hops & Barley Market, Oklahoma, United States
Pacific Rim: Australia, New Zealand
SPECIAL EXHIBITS
The promenade at the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will feature a variety of interesting cultural exhibits and demonstrations:
American Wine Adventure: Take a regional tour of the New York and Napa Valley wine regions at the American Wine Adventure.
Andes Mountain Wine Bar: Enjoy great wines from Argentina and Chile at the Andes Mountain Wine Bar.
Australia: Discover Down Under: Take a tasting tour of Australia’s four major wine regions and pick out souvenirs at the Birdsville Provisions shop.
Dominican Republic: Daily culinary demonstrations, live entertainment crafts and more will take place at the Dominican Republic exhibit.
Festival Welcome Center: Conveniently located at the Wonders of Life Pavilion, the Festival Welcome Center will feature a Festival Wine Shop, wine and champagne bar and Festival Merchandise Shop. The Festival Welcome Center also will serve as the official celebrity book signing area.
The History of Beer in America: Learn the history of American beer with complimentary seminars that take place daily at 12:30 PM, 1:15 PM, 2:45 PM, 4:15 PM, 5:15 PM and 6:30 PM.
International Beers of the World: Enjoy complimentary seminars daily at the International Beers of the World exhibit.
Oklahoma 1907-2007: Cooking demonstrations, storytelling, exhibits and children’s activities will all make up this unique exhibit as Oklahoma celebrates 100 years of statehood.
Pearville Fear: A county fair-style exhibit that celebrates the “variety, flavor, diversity and nutritional importance” of this popular fruit.
Peru: Learn all about Inca culture and Peruvian cuisine at the Peru exhibit, which also features arts & crafts displays and Peruvian culinary demonstrations.
10-Day Regional Experiences: Michoacan, Mexico (October 5-14, 2007); Puglia, Italy (October 19-28, 2007); Greek Wine Bar Island (October 26-November 4, 2007).
Turkey Welcomes You: Enjoy Turkish cooking demonstrations, traditional Turkish art and crafts displays, exhibits and a Grand Bazaar.
Twinings Tea Bar: Explore the interesting history of Twinings tea as you stroll through the beautiful Twinings Garden.
EAT TO THE BEAT CONCERT SERIES
All Eat to the Beat Concert Series performances at the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will take place at the America Gardens Theatre in front of the U. S. A. Pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase. Show times are 5:45 PM, 7 PM and 8:15 PM.
Al Stewart: September 28-29, 2007
Otis Day and the Knights: September 30 – October 1, 2007
The Beach Boys: October 2-3, 2007
The Original Family Stone: October 4-6, 2007
Sheena Easton: October 7-9, 2007
Starship starring Mickey Thomas: October 10-13, 2007
David Cassidy: October 14-16, 2007
Little Richard: October 17-18, 2007
Juice Newton: October 19-21, 2007
The Four Tops: October 22-25, 2007
Village People: October 26-27, 2007
Expose: October 28-30, 2007
Jon Secada: October 31 – November 3, 2007
Chubby Checker and the Wildcats: November 4-6, 2007
The Contours featuring Sylvester Potts – November 7-8, 2007
David Sanborn – November 9-11, 2007
SPECIAL WINE & CULINARY PROGRAMS
A wide range of wine and culinary programs are scheduled for the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (additional costs apply):
A South African Wine Adventure: Friday, October 12, 2007, World Showplace
Chefs A’ Field – Kids on the Farm: Wednesdays, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Odyssey – The Chef’s Showplace
The Cook, The Book and The Bottle: Fridays, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Odyssey – The Chef’s Showplace
Discovering Wine: A Sensory Adventure: Various dates, Citricos, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Food & Wine Pairings: Various locales and dates
Odyssey Kitchen Conversations: Select Thursdays, 3-4:30 PM, Odyssey – The Chef’s Showplace
Sweet Sundays: Sundays, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Odyssey – The Chef’s Showplace
Vertical Wine Tastings: Saturdays, 1:30 PM-3 PM, California Grill, Disney’s Contemporary Resort
FESTIVAL DINING OPPORTUNITIES
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience incredible cuisine and an extensive wine selection during the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (additional costs apply):
Exquisite Evenings at Epcot: Enjoy a five-course meal prepared by the Festival’s team of celebrity chefs.
Party for the Senses – Eat, Drink and Celebrate: Enjoy a reserved seat at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series and then sit down to a delicious meal, along with entertaining acts from Cirque du Soleil La Nouba.
Regional Feasts: Celebrate cuisine from the diverse regions of the world during Regional Feasts, which includes a welcome reception, four-course meal and live entertainment.
Signature Dining: Celebrity chefs are invited to prepare a five-course meal at select Walt Disney World Resort restaurants.
FAMILY EVENTS
The 2007 Epcot Food & Wine Festival offers something for the entire family such as the Junior Chef Program, Behind the Seeds Greenhouse Tour, Kidcot Fun Stops, Pearville Fair and Oklahoma 1907-2007.
Like Wine the Right Beer Can Complement Any Meal
Perfect Pairings
March 7, 2007 ? as published in the Beacon News and Naperville Sun
By Bill Garlough
This month, my wine column switches gears from wine to beer. With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, many of us become a wee bit Irish and celebrate the occasion with a pint or two.
Wine Reviews
Beer and wine share many similarities. Both were made and refined by monks. Also, both are influenced by the fermentation process.
wine prices
Wine can be broadly segregated by white and red; beer is divided between ales and lagers.
The type of yeast selected and the temperature of the brewing process determine if the brew will become an ale or a lager.
Ales are brewed with top fermenting yeast (yeast remains at the top of the barrel during fermentation) at approximately 70 degrees, resulting in a more fruity taste. Examples of ales include porters, stouts, wheat beers and pale ales. These are best served at 45 to 50 degrees.
Wine Vs. Beer: The Debate
Every once in a while, every one likes to take a little time out from their busy chaotic lives and relax. For some individuals, this may be taking a small vacation or participating in a hobby, or just relaxing at home with no worries.
Red Wine
However, other people do not have the means to take these types of breaks because duty calls. In this case, relaxing and taking a break may just simply mean enjoying an evening with friends by having a drink at home or at a restaurant. Some people prefer wine to help them relax, but other people choose to drink a few beers. Which of the two is better? Is wine better or is beer? There are many different reasons why it has been argued that drinking wine is better than drinking beer. These reasons range from health factors, to popularity, to the gift giving. It’s more likely that you will show up to a party with a nice bottle of wine for the host instead of a six-pack As far as health risks are concerned regarding wine drinking and beer drinking, recent studies have revealed that wine is much better to drink than beer when you are taking your time out to have a drink. This is because beer has been shown to increase the risks of health issues, especially heart disease. The death rate of wine drinkers is shown to be much less than individuals who prefer to drink beer over wine. Wine is made up of ingredients that are healthy; such as grapes, water, and yeast. Drinking small amounts and avoiding abuse of drinking is proven to keep arteries youthful. Drinking wine in small doses can provide beneficial factors. Many people prefer wine as opposed to beer because of the novelty. Drinking wine is more versatile. For instance, drinking wine is more acceptable. You are able to drink a glass of wine at dinner parties, family gatherings, or work dinners. Drinking wine provides a way to relax without seeming out of line. Many corporate events offer wine to drink at parties to go along with cheese trays. This is because wine is great to drink with some types of cheeses. Drinking wine is much more accepted in numerous different situations and seems to be classier when you are in the company of work peers but is also fine to drink when you are with friends or simply relaxing with a quiet night in at home. In fact, a lot of companies will give their employees a bottle of wine around holidays for gifts. Wine gifts are popular to give around holidays in the corporate setting or among friends. Wine gifts are also great gifts and you can make them more personal by having them personalized. This is great when giving gifts to peers or to friends. Wine gifts can also be recycled which is great for the economy, such as a cheese board that is made up of wine bottles that have been melted down under hot temperatures and formed into a cheese board. A recent study that was conducted showed that in America, more people drank wine over beer. Many people who were surveyed in the study stated that they preferred drinking wine over beer because they felt it was healthier. Numerous other participants stated in the survey that they preferred drinking wine because the taste was much better than the taste of beer. Other individuals said that wine was more accepted and had a larger audience of drinkers which allowed them to drink in different social settings. Drinking wine offers more pros than cons ranging from health risks to gift giving.