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Do It Yourself Home Bar Construction

A bar is a perfect spot for guests to gather around and get acquainted with each other. You can build your own bar in a room where you normally entertain guests or install one in your patio for summer pool parties.

You can actually build a portable bar that can be used indoors in many rooms and push it outdoors when the weather calls for it. Bars are usually made from wood or bamboo. The bamboo particularly lends itself to a tropical island bar style. Another good idea is to build a bar as a counter in the room used for entertaining and then use it for all sorts of things like a bar, a buffet table or just an extra table.

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Filed under Beer News, Wine-Spirts, beer, beer dispensers by Dave Rokiki

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Why Not Make Your Own Cider

The two main ingredients in cider are fresh fruit and yeast, and although you can choose any type of fruit you wish, the best cider is made from sweet apple cider right from the press. Cider containing any type of preservatives should be avoided completely, as these preservatives will kill the yeast and the cider will not ferment. If possible, try to buy fresh cider in season from a local orchard. To make fermentation of your cider possible, you will need to pick up some brewing yeast. Pour the cider into the bucket and allow it to cool to room temperature.

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All About German Beer and its History

Almost everywhere in Germany, beer is seriously popular with all the culture.  Germany is made up of efficiently throughout 1,000 breweries, that’s greater than every other location on the globe.  All beer that is definitely created in Germany will need to follow the purity law, which lets companies know what ingredients can and cannot be chosen.  Fundamentally, the sole constituents made possible to generate beer in Germany are water, hops, and barley malt.

Anticipated in the strict purity requirements, you’re able to without difficulty discover German beers by their general amount of good.  They employ a distinct try out, with little to no aftertaste.  Some styles of German ale consist of Koelsch, Weizen, and Altbier.  Some kinds of German lagers incorporate Bock, Pilsener, Dunkel, Helles, and Maerzen.  Consider how the try out, aroma, and colouring can fluctuate, although all is generally identified as staying a fact German beers.

The German beer Altbier is an incredibly prevalent dark ale, that is definitely major fermented during the reduce regions of Germany.  The beer proposes a yellow colouring, accompanied by a personal preference that is certainly full of hops.  An additional ale, Rauchbier, is known to possess a smoky flavor with a smoked coloration.  These beers sample fantastic, and come about to get well liked all the way through the regions of Germany.

German lagers are also very popular, and take place being well-known in other places of the globe likewise.  Pilsener has become the most well-known and most familiar of all German beers, delivering you with additional hops and a smaller amount malt.  Pilsener are usually uncovered for sale all through the earth, and happens that they are extremely popular all through North America likewise.  Several bars function it too, as it crops up that they are one of many most accepted dark lagers these days.

During Germany, there are many totally different agencies, produce around four,000 totally different manufacturers of beers.  A number of the extra renowned and more substantial businesses of north Germany are Beck, St. Pauli, Warsteiner, and Krombach.  Within the southern region of Germany, there tend to be breweries, whilst most of them are smaller, as they may be locally owned and operated.  Southern Germany also consists of the Benedictine Abbey, which is probably the oldest breweries on the planet.  This brewery began making beer in 1040 – rather impressive really!

Germany can be property to Oktoberfest, and that is held yearly in Munich.  Oktoberfest starts in late September and carries on for two weeks, ending in early October.  Through Oktoberfest, beer drinkers from all in excess of the earth will travel to Germany and celebrate German beers.  Each one and each year, around five million people today attend the function, producing it one of several largest beer celebrations across the country.

Through Oktoberfest, neighborhood breweries in Munich would be the only breweries allowed to function beer inside the even bigger tents.  You can get six breweries in total, creating a number of several beers.  By attending this yearly event, you can learn way more about German beer, sample the distinctive types, and enjoy the rich bold flavors that make German beer so well liked.

Because of into the achievements Oktoberfest will get each one and every year, other cities approximately the earth test and mimic this event.  Although they have achieving success, their amount of being successful isn’t close to as a great deal because the unique Oktoberfest – Germany.  German beers are popular approximately the world, with Oktoberfest supporting to prove that very claim. When you drink beer but have by no means experienced what beers from Germany need to offer you, you actually should certainly give them a have a go with.  The moment you do, you’ll promptly recognise why German beers are so popular – and why the try basically cannot be duplicated with some other beer.

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Tags: ale, beer, drink, German beer, lagers

Filed under Wine-Spirts by JamesJay

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Beer Brewing Traditional In Europe

Beer brewing in Europe continues to be a serious traditional business. For thousands of years, Europe has been a leader in brewing this popular beverage. Many countries have perfected distinctive beers; some are like mythological ambrosia. Maintaining the quality of centuries-old recipes, many brewers realise that their strength lies in maintaining tradition over promoting innovation. Not to say there aren’t several breweries experimenting with new flavours, but mostly they leave the newfangled risk-taking to the Americans. Why fix and change that which is not broken? Click here if you like to learn how to make your own beer.

To promote the preservation of European beer culture, several countries have banded together to create organizations such as the European Beer Consumers’ Union (EBCU). This union was founded in Bruges in 1990 with three founding members: Campaign for Real Ale of Great Britain, Objectieve Bierproevers of Belgium and PINT of the Netherlands. It sounds like a Monty Pythonesque union with contrived names, but it is a legitimate one with twelve countries as members: the above three, plus Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and France.

Their aims are simple: preserve European beer culture, its traditions, beer brewing and breweries; promote traditional beers; support the consumption of traditional beers; and represent European drinkers in a campaign for choice, quality and value. This is not the only pro-quality beer organization in Europe. Others include the Guinness 1759 Society, the British Guild of Beer Writers, and the Brothers of Beer.

The continued production of traditional beers has added one innovation to its traditional facade: beer tours. Beertrips.com, founded in 1998, promotes many beer-tasting experiences in countries like Belgium, France, England, Germany and Austria. If you are interested in experiencing Germany’s beers, for example, there is a 10-day tour of Munich’s Fruhlingsfest and Bavarian Country Breweries. A personal favourite is the Brewers and Distilleries of Scotland tour. Check the website for details.

Each country in Europe seems to have a beer type focus. In Ireland, they continue to promote their stout beers. Stout is thick and heavy, with an earthy, full-bodied taste. They sell lagers and ales, but the focus and specialty is on beers like Guinness. The Guinness brewery was bought and opened in 1759 in Dublin, Ireland by Arthur Guinness. The original stout is strong and bitter-tasting.

In Spain, lager is the most popular. Spanish lagers are a touch stronger than other countries’ lager offerings. Two of their most popular beers are Especial and Extra. Especial is a pilsner beer, quite light in colour and taste while Extra is a pale lager.

Alas, until recently, Sweden had been a beer desert for decades. Their people have choked and sputtered for more to slake their thirst, all to no avail. Histrionics aside, it was the rigidly-controlled regulations for beer brewing that depleted this country’s brewers. Since Sweden joined the European Union in 1995, its regulations have grown more lax and the country has transformed itself from a desert to a vibrant and diverse beer culture. The industry in Sweden imports from many other countries; this has inspired a search for their own beer identity. How better to discover a beer identity than to try many things to see what works for the people of the country?

In Holland, the industry continues to produce their own phylum of beer: Bierbok. A good version of this type of beer is difficult to produce. Bokbier is a 16th century beer from Bavaria that has endured and been perfected. It is dark in colour (red-brown to black), sweet on the tongue with a mixture of bittersweet flavours, such as toffee, raisins, licorice, coffee, and chocolate. These are not ingredients, but flavours. It is a beer strong in alcohol with an alcohol percentage of 6.5% to 8%.

When applied to beer brewing, history and tradition are not necessarily dusty, boring or dry like old history books or documents. Thousands of years ago, beer was a product in development; it was new and ever-changing. Beer brewing traditions live on and interest drinkers because of the exceptional tastes developed over centuries, not in spite of history and tradition. Click here if you like to learn how to make your own beer.

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Home beer brewing guide from America

Breweries in America

Breweries in America are growing at an exponential rate. Beer brewing is becoming big business with a resurgence of traditional types of ales and lagers combining with more exotic offerings. With a colourful history, beer carries on its controversial way to regain the traditional role it’s always played as an every-day beverage, while taking on a more creative flavour to please every palate. Click here if you like to learn how to make your own beer like Breweries in America.

Back in 1620, when the Mayflower came to America’s shores, the boat fell a bit short of its destination due to a shortage of beer, according to a passenger’s journal. One doesn’t think Puritans would have drunk beer – they were Puritans, after all – however this was the every-day drink of choice. People drank beer as we drink pop, juice, milk and water today. Each tavern and inn brewed its own beer.

It is only in modern society that we see beer as having a perilous quality. There were no laws governing beer brewing and drinking. There were no police roadblocks to catch drunk drivers. How much damage could a horse and cart inflict? Certainly there were no scantily-clad women prancing about at parties, drinking beer and impressing men with their sudsy sexiness. Beer was an every-day beverage drunk by everyone in the household from adult to child. When the Mayflower arrived, the people discovered that the Natives made their beer from maize. Wonder which beer was drunk at the first Thanksgiving? This may have been the first ever “Bring Your Own Beer (BYOB).”

The United States has become an international contender in beer brewing and the country can hold its own when in competition with other countries that are notorious for making amazing beer. The U.S. prohibition slowed things down a little, but in the 21st century, things seem to be heating up for American breweries. According to the Brewer’s Association, nearly 7 million barrels of beer will be made and drunk by Americans in 2006. That’s a lot of kegs, bottles, pints and glasses!

Online there are multitudes of sites about beer: beer brewing magazines to read like “Yankee Brew News” and “Brewery News;” breweries to visit; associations for beer-makers to join like the Brewer’s Association; festivals to attend like the Barleywine Festival in Buffalo, New York; and competitions to enter like the World Beer Cup held in Seattle, Washington. Of these sites, about 85% are based in the U.S. so the Americans seem to be leading the pack!

Beer in America

During the 1960s, 70s and 80s, beer in America was primarily made and distributed by large beer brewing companies. In the early 1980s, many of the states passed legislation that allowed the smaller microbreweries to get in on the action. The large companies still do big business, but many patrons are fussy and want high-quality, exclusive beers; they are the “yuppies” of beer drinkers. In and around any city in America, there are anywhere from 2 to 20 breweries within a 15-mile radius of that city and the numbers are growing. Some states have more breweries than others. Each microbrewery has a family tradition they want to maintain and each beer is different; a return to the old days when two taverns a mile apart had two different-tasting beers.

The breweries have gone back to creating beers that are made from all-natural ingredients like malt, hops and yeast. They produce traditional lagers and ales together with exotic beers that have a hint of spices, vanilla, caramel, coriander and anise. One brewery, found online, uses rose hips in their beer. Usually used for tea, rose hips must provide an interesting taste to beer. Lemon coriander beer may be quite refreshing on a hot day.

Soon we will be having discussions about what type of beer goes best with chicken or beef. We’ll hear opinions like: “The caramel-flavoured beer would go great with that cheesecake; a sweet beer just made for dessert.” Is that beer good for pasta? Would it be better with a roast beef dinner? Already there are countless beer-tasting functions. Is beer the new wine? Is there a “twirl-glass-sniff-liquid-swish-in-mouth” process for beer? Like martinis, there are excessive amounts of beer types. Perhaps the process should be expedited; Beertinis for everyone!

The beer brewing companies in America, found online, emphasize the importance of quality. They discuss the importance of tradition. They discuss the importance of bringing beer back to its every-day role played for thousands of years. This time, breweries also seem to feel beer can be creative-tasting and still be in demand. Click here if you like to learn how to make your own beer like Breweries in America.

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BYO Deluxe Wine Cellar

There comes a time in your life as a wine enthusiast when you take a leap and decide that you are ready to buy more than just one bottle of a wine you have taken a liking to. It strikes each of us – we get bitten by the wine bug and we want to store a few extra bottles for another occasion.

And there is good reason for this point of view. We discover a wine we enjoy, and when we go back to purchase another bottle we are advised that it is sold out and the winery no longer has any stock .

Good wine, unlike many other consumer products, is a finite commodity for each particular vintage. It is a great idea that when you discover wines that you are passionate about that you locate a suitable wine cellar in which to cellar them for future consumption – one that keeps the wine in excellent condition while the wines mature under controlled conditions.

Storing wine correctly in a temperature and humidity controlled environment is essential in order to assist the managed aging process of the wines being stored and one of the top cellars I have come across in the past few weeks is a BYO (Build your Own) Wine Cellar – either a single cabinet version that can hold 160 bottles, or a double cabinet version that is capable of holding 320 bottles of wine.

Is capacity for 320 bottles enough storage capacity for your needs?
Cellaring capacity of up to 320 bottles is definitely enough cellar space, unless you are throwing dinner parties with huge numbers of guests every other weekend.

A few years back I built a wine cellar in my house that could hold up to 3000 bottles of wine. I began to fill up the wine cellar as my passion for wine grew however it reached a point where it was not possible that I could consume all the wine I had acquired and unfortunately some of my wines spoilt before I could drink them. After selling my house a new owner proceeded to do the exact same thing! You don’t require wine storage capacity for 3000 bottles of wine is the point that I am making! A BYO deluxe wine cellar is an inexpensive option to purchase and assemble in your own home, providing you with a temperature and humidity controlled wine cellar with adequate capacity for all your wine cellaring requirements.

First things are to consider the amount of wine you are realistically going to cellar, then check your living space for a suitable location probably in your living room, dining room, or your den – and no renovations are required.

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Tags: aging wine, build your own wine cellar, BYO wine cellar, cellaring wine, wine storage

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How to Become a Bartender

David Artsmith  -  Bartending is a fun and challenging career, that allows you to work in an exciting atmosphere, making friends and acquaintances, and joining people during their most celebrated and joyous occasions. However the path to becoming a bartender can be daunting, with hidden challenges lurking in the shadows, and difficulties arising at every turn. However all you need is diligence, skill, and perseverance, and you can attain a profitable and enlightening career serving drinks to appreciative patrons.

It is a common misconception that you have to go to Bartending School and get certified to become a bartender. This is a common misconception. Most bartenders have no formal training at all, and many were simply promoted from lower level jobs such as waiter or bus boy.

However Bartending School and certification can help you on this career path in a variety of ways. First, it will give you some training in mixed drinks, and will help to familiarize yourself with the working of a bar. Second, the certification that you receive, while not worth that much on the job market, will at least show a potential employer that you are knowledgeable and have some basic knowledge of how the profession works, and the various recipes that are requested.

The most important thing that Bartending School can afford you is if they offer some sort of job placement. Many bartending schools will work with restaurants and bars, to help place successful students in entry level positions upon successful completion of the course. This can be a major boost, helping you to break the ice and get that all important first job.

However as stated earlier, it is not at all necessary to get training to become a bartender. The most common path to this goal is to get promoted. That means that you have to get a job working in a restaurant, or a bar. Preferably this job should be somehow related to the bar, or serving beverages. This can include being a bar back, or a bartenders assistant.

Once you have a position that is somehow related to the bar, you should work hard to prove yourself to your employers. Be diligent, work hard, and fill in any gaps that other employees may leave open. Help keep the bar clean, pass out drink coasters to patrons, do whatever you can to help. Try to become useful to the bartenders and the staff, help them out when it gets busy, fill in gaps, and try to learn anything that you can.

If you are looking for a new position as a bartender, one way to find a job is to do “the walk”. This is a common experience for wait staff and restaurant employees. It involves walking up and down the street, in the neighborhood where you live, and popping into every establishment, and simply asking if they need help. You should bring a resume that has any pertinent experience that you may have typed up neatly. Even if the place doesn't need help right away, they can file your resume, and if a position opens up, they may call you.

Another version of “the walk” has you opening up the yellow pages, and cold calling every restaurant or bar listed asking for help. Always be polite, and respectful. When you call, try to speak to the owner or manager, as they are the ones who will make the ultimate decision about your employment possibilities.

Bartending can be a rewarding and lucrative position, allowing you to earn a good living doing something in a fun and active environment. However you have to be diligent, and willing to work your way up, in order to get a good position that will ultimately fulfill your goals.

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Tags: bar tending, Bartending, coasters, drinks, napkins, serving, serving drinks, spirits

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Home beer brewing guide

Learn How To Make Your Own German Beer

Throughout Germany, beer is very popular with the culture. Germany contains well over 1,000 breweries, which is more than any other location in the world. All beer that is manufactured in Germany must follow the purity law, which lets manufacturers know what ingredients can and can’t be used. Basically, the only ingredients allowed to make beer in Germany are water, hops, and barley malt. Click here if you like to learn how to make your own German beer.

Due to the strict purity requirements, you can easily notice German beers by their overall level of quality. They have a distinct taste, with little to no aftertaste. Some styles of German ale include Koelsch, Weizen, and Altbier. Some types of German lagers include Bock, Pilsener, Dunkel, Helles, and Maerzen. Keep in mind that the taste, aroma, and color can vary, although all can be identified as being true German beers.

The German beer Altbier

The German beer Altbier is a very common dark ale, that is top fermented in the lower regions of Germany. The beer proposes a yellow color, with a taste that is rich in hops. Another ale, Rauchbier, is known to have a smoky flavor with a smoked color. These beers taste great, and happen to be very popular throughout the regions of Germany.

German lagers are also very popular, and happen to be popular in other areas of the world as well. Pilsener is one of the most popular and most familiar of all German beers, providing you with more hops and less malt. Pilsener can be found for sale all over the world, and happens to be very popular throughout North America as well. Several bars serve it as well, as it happens to be one of the most popular dark lagers out there.

4,000 different brands of beer

Throughout Germany, there are several different companies, produce over 4,000 different brands of beers. Some of the more well known and larger companies of north Germany are Beck, St. Pauli, Warsteiner, and Krombach. In the southern region of Germany, there are more breweries, although most of them are smaller, as they are locally owned and operated. Southern Germany also contains the Benedictine Abbey, which is one of the oldest breweries in the world. This brewery started producing beer in 1040 – very impressive indeed!

Germany is also home to Oktoberfest, which is held every year in Munich. Oktoberfest starts in late September and carries on for two weeks, ending in early October. During Oktoberfest, beer drinkers from all over the world will travel to Germany and celebrate German beers. Each and every year, over 5 million people attend the event, making it one of the biggest beer celebrations in the world.

During Oktoberfest, local breweries in Munich are the only breweries allowed to serve beer in the bigger tents. There are six breweries in total, producing a variety of different beers. By attending this yearly event, you can learn more about German beer, sample the different varieties, and enjoy the rich bold flavors that make German beer so very popular.

Due to the success Oktoberfest gets each and every year, other cities around the world try and mimic this event. Even though they have success, their level of success isn’t near as much as the original Oktoberfest – Germany. German beers are very popular around the world, with Oktoberfest helping to prove that very claim. If you drink beer but have never experienced what beers from Germany have to offer, you really should give them a try. Once you do, you’ll quickly realize why German beers are so very popular – and why the taste simply can’t be duplicated with any other beer. Click here if you like to learn how to make your own German beer.

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Bar Room Home Improvements

David Artsmith  -  A bar is a social space, designed to bring people together to enjoy a beverage at the end of the day. Whether it is the local pub down the street, or a tiny corner you carved out of your basement, the bar is meant to be shared and enjoyed with others. When creating the atmosphere in a bar that should be your primary concern. You want to develop a space which encourages interaction in an open and affable manner.

The basis of the tavern, is its bar, and this should be the first thing you select. This is the name piece of the room, and it will most certainly be the central aspect of any bar. You don't always want the largest bar, sometimes having more floor space can allow you to create a more comfortable environment. It should be a balancing act, weighing the actual physical size of the piece against the floor room that you have. While sitting at the bar may be the purpose of the room, you also want a sense of flow that makes people feel like they can easily move into and out of the space, without being crowded by oversized furnishings.

Seating is another important element in the space. Bar stools come in a wide variety of designs, from standard swivels, to elaborate high backed mounts. You should try and choose something which matches the style of the bar itself. Match up materials such as the color of hardwoods, and try to ensure that cushioning colors flow naturally with the inherent feeling of the space.

Once you have the bare bones architecture of the room installed, it is time to go for accessories. Everything from a wine rack, to drink coasters, needs to be purchased to flesh out the bar experience. You can purchase spouts, nozzles, mixers, wine openers, and a variety of other objects to help make your bar more functional. However, it is best to purchase these items all at once, so that you can make sure that they match one another in style, material, and color.

You should also pay attention to the decorative atmosphere outside of the immediate bar area. The walls, and the surrounding room all contribute to the eventual feel of the bar itself. You can purchase novelty signs, intriguing wall clocks, and interesting art pieces to dress up this area. A television, or some other media device is also a good option for this space.

When decorating a bar, whether in your home, or in a restaurant, it is important to remember that this is supposed to be a social setting. You want to create an atmosphere which is comfortable and friendly. Provide interesting objects that will start conversations. Create a fun, and uplifting environment, and pretty soon your patrons and friends will be one and the same.

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Serving Drinks the Professional Way

David Artsmith  -  Being a bartender is a lot harder than most people realize. It is rather simi9lar to being a cook, you have a variety of elements that you can mix and match, all in the pusuit of something surprising and refreshing to the majority of your customers. All of this is performed live, in front of the customer, as they wait patient or not to be served. Based on your performance under this high pressure situation, you will be tipped, or not, depending on the patrons whims.

However bartending is about so much more than just serving up drinks. It is a social profession, where you will be judged more by popularity than by skill, although the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive. The following are a couple of important tips that anyone seeking to join this profession should know.

First of all, you have to understand the art of conversation. You want to make friends with everyone that enters the establishment. However these are not buddies that you can just say whatever you like to. There are certain topics of conversation that should be expressly forbidden. These include politics, religion, and personal conditions. Instead you should seek to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and engaged in an unthreatening environment.

Another important aspect of bartending is keeping the environment itself clean. Every drink should be served with a beverage coaster, and you should make sure to wipe down the bar after every serving.

One overlooked aspect of this profession is the actual serving. When handing a glass to someone, most people pick it up by the rim and slog it over. However as a bartender you have to be aware that people might not want to put their lips somewhere where your hand just was. Instead you should hold the glass by its base or stem, and slide it gently to the customer.

Bartending is a challenging profession. You have to worry about more than just the drinks, as a bartender it is your responsibility to attend to the ambiance of the entire bar, ensuring that it is cleana nd comfortable for your patrons. It takes some practice to get used to the various roles a bartender must play, but if you are up to the challenge it can be an exciting and rewarding profession.

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Throwing a Party

David Artsmith  -  There are a lot of pros and cons to throwing a party. From an optimistic perspective, being the host puts you automatically on your own home ground, with all of the advantages that come from such a situation. On the other hand it’s a lot of work. You are going to have a lot of people coming into your space, touching your things, and making a general mess.

However the bottom line is, if your going to bother to throw a party, you want to do it right. The question is, how do you ensure that you are the best host that you can possibly be?

The cornerstone of throwing a successful party is to understand the needs of your guests. Depending on who you invite, people will have vastly different requirements and expectations. You have to know the people who will be attending, and be able to interpret their vision of a successful party, in order to provide the experience they are looking for.

To a large extent throwing a party is about image. You are creating an atmosphere, a festive spirit that settles upon your home and encourages people to relax and enjoy their time there. Without this subtle feeling of celebration a party will suffer from a lack of inspiration.

Creating this subtle spirit is about adding details that cue of celebratory responses in the human mind. For instance, festive lights sparkling in a window or from the ceiling, makes people instantly think of a party, or a special occasion. The same can be true of colors which are brighter, or patterns which are reflective.

You also have to consider the physical temperature of the environment. You have to remember that when a building is filled with humans giving off body heat, its going to be considerably warmer than before the party when its relatively empty. Be sure to have access to windows that you can open if necessary, and fans or even air conditioning if possible. In general air conditioning is problematic as it tends to cool off only one small area, and since you have to close the windows it can often leaving the space feeling stuffy. For this reason you may want to stick to fans that can better circulate the air in the space.

Food and drink is often the centerpiece of a party. Whether it’s a formal dinner engagement, or just a cocktail party with some friends, it is customary to provide a variety of refreshments to entertain the taste buds of your party guests.

Appetizers are pretty standard party fare. In general this will consist of small finger foods, or tiny portions of specialty dishes which are easy to eat while walking around and being mobile. In the case of parties centered around a meal of course the food will be much more elaborate and on stage.

As for drinks, you should be certain to provide a wide range of beverages. people tend to be finicky about liquids, with many people having very specific tastes as to what drinks they like and which ones they will refuse to imbibe. By having a wide assortment on hand you will ensure that everyone is satisfied. Don’t forget to have plenty of drink coasters around to protect your surfaces.

The question of whether or not to use disposable dishes and utensils is one which is hotly debated. On the one hand disposable implements are a lot easier to clean up, and when a party is over you will be thankful for every short cut you can take. However disposable utensils are also not as good for the environment, creating a huge glut of trash. They are also less attractive and stylish. When you compare a cheap plastic Spork to an elegant metal spoon, there is really no contest.

When getting your home ready for a fancy party it is important to consider your guests first. Who are they, what will they expect, how can you make them feel more comfortable? You have to answer all of these questions while preparing for the party.

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Even More Beer Tasting Tips

The character of the malts, hops and the brewing process in total contribute to the feel of the brew in the mouth. Carbon dioxide bubbles interact with receptors on the tongue and influence whether the brew feels thick or light, creamy or thin. Brews run the gamut from metallic to astringent to warm and gentle. Often the aspect focused on most, flavor is rightly so the center of the beer tasting experience. Research suggests there are over a 1000 identifiable flavors in a given brew. Of these, professional tasters can identify around 100 distinct flavors.

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Tips to Practice Beer Tasting

Beer tasting professionals have developed practices over decades that can easily be used by anyone wanting to maximize their tasting experience. Begin with a fresh brew. Use a clean, air-dried glass. Cotton and paper particles can introduce unwanted character, can interfere with head production and oils and dirt can interfere with aromas and alter head retention. For extra foamy brews, pause mid-way then finish. Experience the aroma.

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Is It Possible to Home Brew Low Calorie Beer

In recent times the low calorie beer has gotten a lot of attention. The main reason is that people are trying to be healthier but they don’t want to give up drinking beer. Beers that are low calories usually have fewer calories and give up some flavor. By brewing your own low calorie beer, you can have a healthy drink without sacrificing the flavor too much. Brewing your own beer is difficult enough, brewing a low calorie beer is even harder. Calculating the calories per ingredient or messing with sugar alternatives doesn’t make it easy.

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Understanding Champagne, A Celebratory Survey

David Artsmith  -  Champagne is a celebration, it’s a toast, and it’s the way to bring in the New Year with good cheer. This form of sparkling wine is the beverage of choice for our most joyous occasions, and our most formal ceremonies. So, how did this bubbly brew get to have such a place of honor and dignity in human society?

Part of the reason for champagne’s upscale reputation is that the nature of the liquid itself is festive. Store under high pressure, the bottle opens up slowly, with someone teasing the cork from the head of the bottle slowly. Even as they do anticipation rises in the room as everyone waits with bated breath for that one, loud, POP, that burst of sound that signals that the party is ready to begin. This is often followed by a spray of foam as it escapes eagerly from the body of the bottle

Then, when you put the champagne to your lips, it’s like the liquid is actually dancing on your tongue. A thousand tiny explosions of flavor pop in your mouth, until it almost feels alive inside of you; alive and ready to party.

Champaign is often coupled with wine coasters, or upscale drinks coasters in order to enhance the effect of the bottle through presentation.

There is also another explanation as to why Champagne has been so associated with celebratory events over the years. Its relatively expensive. The only liquid that can actually be legally labeled as “champagne” has to be made in the Champagne region of France. Anything else which is called champagne is actually just a sparkling wine, at least according to the government of France. Because of the limited amount of the beverage which can be produced in this one region, it is priced higher. The higher price makes it a “special occasion” beverage.

This perception of being “special” and “celebratory” is one which champagne makers do their best to preserve. That is why the law exists determining who can and cannot name their product using that specific label. It is also why millions of dollars are spent each year to hold contests to see who makes the absolute best champagne in the world.

Champagne is a festive beverage that naturally excites all five of the senses. This combined with a perception as being special, have combined to make this one of our most beloved celebratory drinks.

 

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7 Must Know Bar Drinks from Around the World

Original article published at Off Track Planet – the Backpacking Travel Guide. 

Booze is our escape from the reason and logic bestowed on us by the powers that be.   From Pabst to top shelf black labels of this and that, we all have our stories of drinking, getting drunk and getting retarded. We have all done the keg house parties, jungle juice gatherings and endless shot for shot competitions.  At this point, we bet your liver is begging you to stop drinking that purple drank but before you give in to its pleas, let us show you how to booze it up just a little more;  this time with style and worldly culture.  Here’s a lucky list of 7 traditional drinks around the world (and 3 complimenting hangover cures).

Caipirinha (lime wedges, granulated sugar and Sagatiba Pura)

Acclaimed as the national drink of Brazil, this sugary cocktail contains cachaca, a rum-like liquor with a sad, but true, history.  Brought over by Portuguese settlers, cachaca was given to slaves to increase productivity (seems counter-productive but sure why not?).   After slavery was outlawed in 1888, all Brazilians began whipping these suckers up for themselves to enjoy.  The Caipirinha pairs well with a white linen shirt, coconutty sunscreen and a lay on a warm Brazilian beach.

Sangria (bottle of wine, sliced fruit, honey, triple sec and a big pitcher)

The jungle juice of Spain, this beverage is traditionally enjoyed in groups (hence the pitcher).  Since wine in Spain is insanely cheap (we’re talking less than a dollar per bottle, even cheaper for a box if you’re really scrounging), this drink is quite popular among the backpacking elite.  The type of wine used and the fruit thrown inside vary regionally, with the red (“sangre” or “blood” in Spanish) version being the most popular.

Single Malt Scotch in Scotland (single-malt, nothing else needed)

The “single” part means only one grain (barley) is used.  To “malt” means to distill in an oak cask.  The “scotch” part, well that’s the most important.  Single malt scotch is ONLY considered such if it is made in Scotland and aged for no less than three years.  If you’re man (woman) enough, we dare you to gather up some hostelmates and go on one of these distillery tours.  Pricing is specific to your group’s size and preferences.  The tour includes a designated driver.  One thing for sure, all of you will leave smelling like drunken Scotsmen (and women).

Elephant’s Ear (Marula Tree Juice, Mangos for garnish)

The presentation of this one is the key.  A South African classic, this drink is traditionally served with two ear-shaped dried mango pieces attached to your glass.  Why elephants? The symbolism lies in that various animals, including elephants, eat the fruit of the Marula tree regularly.  The tree bears fruit with a high alcoholic content which often makes the animals drunk as hell.  We don’t know how you feel, but we think this guy needs to go to AAA (animal alcoholics anonymous) pronto.

The Pisco Sour (Pisco, lime juice, egg whites, simple syrup and bitters)

You put “sour” after any word and it sounds like you have drink ordering authority; it’s very James Bondish.   This Peruvian drink wields so much power that it has a national holiday (National Pisco Sour Day happens the first Saturday of February).  Mostly a great excuse to get the entire nation drunk, this holiday celebrates the concoction and its rebellious origins.  In the 1700s, Spanish colonialists brought the grape to Peru.  During that time, making wine was prohibited.  People came up with prohibition era uses for grapes that weren’t quite wine but still had a high enough alcoholic content to keep people happily intoxicated.  Pisco (a brandy-like grape liquor) was born and became Peru’s local drink of choice.

Samagonka (ingredients: the devil and his friends)

Russians drink vodka, not a big surprise and this type of vodka is the most authentic of all.  Forget Absolute and Stolichnaya, Samagonka is the general name for vodka that has been distilled in a basement . . . at home . . . from potatoes.  Most retailers in Russia will not carry it, so to get a taste you have to put your social skills to work.  Old Russian men will always have at least a liter of this stuff sitting around.  Befriend one and you will be taking shots with the pros (and chasing those shots with pickles and cold cuts) in no time.  If you get really friendly, please refer to the conveniently provided hangover cures at the end of this article.   

Mojito (Mint, Rum, Sugar, Lime and Soda)

Cubans are brilliant!  Their national cocktail is both a breath-freshener (all that mint) and a panty-dropper (inhibitions cannot withstand this sweet liquid rum candy).  We hail it the perfect hook-up drink.  The name has been rumored to mean two different things.  One interpretation comes from the Spanish word for “a little wet” (well that’s suggestive) and the other is from an African word for “a little spell”.  Either way, we’re pretty sure the mojito is how Ricky got Lucy. 

3 HANGOVER CURES… 

Bloody Mary  (shot of vodka, tomato juice, celery stick, squeeze of lemon, few shakes of cayenne pepper)

A drink to cure a hangover? Can’t be true.  The infamous breakfast Bloody Mary contains tomato juice which is rumored to dilute the ouchy effects of a bad hangover (the spicy cayenne is there to kick you in the balls so you reconsider overdrinking next time).  Invented by a French guy in New York, this drink combines the tomato and “hair of the dog” hangover cures and is sure to have you on your way to recovery (or perpetual drunken ‘I don’t give a shit’ world).

Sleep

Need to get from Brazil (where you had one too many Caipirinhas) to Peru (to celebrate National Pisco Sour Day)?  Book the longest red-eye bus ride available.  This way, not only are you saving money by taking the turtle route, you sleep the entire time and the hangover becomes yesterday’s news.  Employ these safety techniques while you snooze the booze away and you’ll be golden.

Hydrate

Hard to do when alcohol is safer than water in third world countries but a must to cure your dehydrated partied-out self.  Most bottled water is fine so buy in bulk and drink at least 16 oz before going to bed post-party.  This is also a great time to whip out those water-purifying tablets we told you about.  Stay moist friends.

Between the cheap beers and boxed wine, that random jungle juice and straight shots, give these traditional drinks a try in their countries of origin.  Chances are their American versions pale in comparison and you get no bragging rights for drinking mojitos at your local boozery (like you would if you had one on a beach in Copacabana).  

For more, check out Off Track Planet - Backpacking Travel Guide, Tips, Resources, Advice, Ideas and How-to’s.

Written/Edited By: Anna Starostinetskaya 

Created By: Freddie Pikovsky

 

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Home Brewing System: What Equipment Do You Need?

If you love drinking beer and are thinking about starting a home brewing system, there are a few things to keep in mind. Starting your own home beer brewing system is really not all that difficult, but it is important to follow the given steps so that you know that you are going to be doing it correctly.

How to Begin

To start your very own home brewing system, the first thing that you want to do is figure out what type of beer you are interested in brewing in your home. Maybe you like a few different types and want to have some variety, or you know that there is one specific type of beer that you would prefer to brew. Whatever the case, the point is that you are going to need to get this figured out before you will be able to get started brewing beer in your home.

Also for your home brewing system, of course you are going to need to equip yourself with all the necessary supplies. Chances are that you do not have the home brewing equipment and ingredients that you are going to need to brew beer in your home, and there are a few that are particularly important here.

For your home brewing system, you are going to need some brewpots and kettles. These are what are going to be used in the actual brewing process of the beer. The pots and pans you use for cooking shouldn’t be used for brewing for several reasons. First, they are likely to be too small for use. Second, after brewing there will be a residue from the beer on the pots and pans that will get on your food the next time you cook.

When beginning a home brewing system, it is important to stick with your budget if you have one. However, be sure to acquire the best supplies possible so they will last a long time.

You also want to make sure, before you start with a home brewing system that you are researched and know what you are doing before you try to get going here. This way you are going to know what you are doing and will have a better understanding. Brewing your own beer at home can really be a lot of fun but you just need to make sure that you are properly prepared first.

See Also: Home Brewing Supplies

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How To Give Your A Little Something Extra

The type of glass you use to drink wine can make a real difference; large wine glasses can really make a cheap bottle of wine taste like an expensive bottle. It is important to make sure the glass is right before you try and anything else and this is the most important element.

When choosing a glass try using larger and rounder goblet glass that has a wide rim for the best results. It adds a psychological element by making it seem like an occasion, something special is happening while drinking the wine. This style of glass also allows more of the flavour and aroma to be released due to the wide rim as well as allowing the flavours to burst into your mouth as soon as you drink it.

The tips I would advice to get the most out of your wine is to make sure you decant it, warm the wine glass you use and eat salty snacks before you drink.

Doing such a simple thing as using decanters can make a serious difference to the taste. Remember to decant the bottle of wine two hours before you want to drink it, this is important and also make sure it remains at room temperature.

A warm glass may not sound much but does make a real difference. Remember to always have your wine glasses at room temperature. If your glassware is cold you can warm it up by running it under a warm tap for a minute.

You may not think it but salty snacks can make a difference to the flavour of your wine. If you’re not serving wine before the meal salty snacks and picks are great before meal snacks and mouth cleanser before the wine.

You should try and incorporate these tips whenever you serve wine and they are not high resource ideas so can done easily.

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Micro Home Brewing

Micro home brewing is not just enjoyable, it can be rewarding as well. Folks even make a great living off micro home brewing, so it is certainly something that everybody should try out once or more.

To start with micro home brewing, the very first thing that should be done is clean everything that’s likely to want to be used. Next everything should be rinsed to make sure that all the sanitizer is gone, as any remaining sanitizer may kill off the yeast and this will result in flat and poor tasting beer.

The cooking process is one of the first in micro home brewing. First two gallons of cold water should be added to the pot and brought to a boil, and then once the water has been brought to a boil, the malt syrup should be added. The mixture should be stirred well until the extract has been dissolved and it is important to remember that the pot needs to be watched so that it does not boil over, as boiling over can create a mess and lose precious ingredients.

This is another of the most important steps in the micro home brewing process. Once the wort has finished boiling the mixture should get left to cool down, and once this is finished, there remains the process of siphoning, bottling, and pouring the brew. Bear in mind that with micro brewing there are a lot of different methods that may be employed, and for folks brewing their own lagers, and everybody should use the particular methodology that they like.

For anyone who is trying out micro home brewing but experiencing difficulties, know that there are many microbreweries out there that can be visited for more information. In common sense a microbrewery is a small craft brewery that seeks the support of informed beer consumers. In the US a microbrewery is a brewery making less than 1,000,000 hectoliters each year, and in Canada a microbrewery is understood to be a brewery manufacturing three hundred thousand hectoliters of lager.

Brewing one’s own lager can be a fantastically delightful task and definitely one that everybody should try out once or more. There are such a lot of great rewards that may be offered by it, and best of all it is neither dear nor troublesome. There also are many brewing professionals out there that may be used to assemble additional information if required.

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The Fun Of Hosting A Good Wine Tasting Party

Hosting a wine tasting party is a good way to host to grab attention of your friends. The ideal party will give you an excellent chance to provide outstanding entertainment for your guests who will be able to get rid of whatever stress they are feeling while at the same time also get a chance to taste delightful wines and discuss what’s real and what is not in different wines.

Take Some Tips In A Wine Tasting Party

It is not all that difficult to host an ideal wine tasting party and you only need to take some tips on doing so. The first such tip is of course that you need to first find out what the best party setting is that in turn will ensure ideal atmosphere at your party. At the very least, you have to ensure doing your best to create a more relaxed as well as laid back wine tasting party. Less noise and proper lighting helps your guests to enjoy your offerings in the best possible manner.

You will only be able to hold the ideal wine tasting party if you are able to invite the right kind of guests who in any case should not exceed between fifteen and twenty in number. Next, you have to have all the required items of supplies to ensure that your wine tasting party passes off smoothly and seamlessly. The right kind of wine glasses should be on hand and you will also need a good supply of napkins and in addition you must also have something that will help to cleanse out the palate so that between tasting of wines you can remove the taste of the previous wine.

A wine tasting party will only be a success if you can keep the flow going on without interruption and this means serving wines at a proper pace, especially taking into account any slowdown in conversation which is the right time to switch from one wine to serving another.

Last but not least, successful wine tasting party is only one that is wound down in the proper manner. Taking care of taxi services is but a small example of what you need to do to ensure that your guests have a great time from first moments to the final minutes of the party.

To the uninitiated, learning about wines is very akin to learning about taking a trip to the moon. Once you have taken the first small steps in learning about things like wines and wine tasting events you are then going to have to keep on taking those steps for the rest of your lives. There is so much to learn!

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How To Store Wine In A Compact Wine Refrigerator

A compact wine refrigerator is the ideal way to store your wine collection in prime condition, whether you are an avid collector or just like to have a few bottles on hand to share with guests. The capacity of a wine refrigerator can range from six bottles up to 800 bottles; a compact wine refrigerator can fit under a cabinet or stand against a wall. Dual zone wine fridges can be used to store different wine types at different temperatures for drinking now or for longer-term storage and aging.

For the many people who do not have the space to build a mini wine cellar, a compact wine refrigerator can provide an ideal solution. A compact under-counter wine refrigerator will store wines at the ideal wine temperature and it should also be remembered that even those wines that are best served at room temperature should be stored in a cool environment prior to opening to protect the integrity of the wine.

One of the advantages of a dual zone compact wine refrigerator lies is its ability to store different types of wines at different temperatures within the same wine cooler unit. The recommended storage temperature for white wines is between 46 and 54 degrees Farenheit and for red wines it is 54 to 64 degrees Farenheit. As well as offering best practice temperature control, a wine refrigerator also maintains the correct humidity for wine storage.

The Correct Way To Store Wine

All wine lovers understand that they must look after their wines and treat them with respect; this includes avoiding any vibration of the bottles, to protect the wine. Look for a good quality wine refrigerator that will be vibration free and one that may use internal LED lighting to further protect the wine.

Even low wattage bulbs can increase the temperature in an enclosed space like a compact wine refrigerator. Wines should ideally be stored in darkness, so the use of LED lights that do not emit any appreciable heat will assist in creating a better environment. Regardless of the type of lights you have, you should only open the wine refrigerator when necessary.

Most compact wine refrigerators have metal racks on which the bottles can lie tilted slightly towards the opening end to ensure the corks remain in contact with the wine. Depending on the space available for a wine refrigerator – from compact under-counter units that can hold up to a dozen bottles to larger furniture-style units with a capacity to store many hundreds of bottles – a wine refrigerator can protect your wine collection from the temperature, humidity and vibration hazards that can alter taste, hasten aging and reduce the appeal of your wine.

At his wine blog – ChrisOnWine – Chris Miley occasionally mentions wine refrigerators amongst many other wine topics.

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Here’s Why German Beers Get Their Own Special Drinking Glass

German Beer Glasses: German beers tend to get their own special type of drinking glass, and the beer glasses are configured to enhance the taste of the beer. Hefeweizen, Kristallweizen and Dunkles are served in glasses that are tall and elegant, with a narrow base broadening toward the top before tapering slightly again. There is often a spiralling effect ascending from the bottom of the glass.

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Make Beer in Coffee Maker | What

The article says you can make beer in the coffee maker, Has anyone every tried this? You can actually brew your own beer version if you have a coffee maker at home. I bet you haven’t considered that before. Has anyone tried this?

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Now I am Joe Kegger instead of Joe Sixpack

People wonder if they should have a beer keg at home. Here are some of the reasons you should have a beer keg at home. If you do not drink beer, you need not need to read this.

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How To Hold A Wine Tasting

By hosting a wine tasting you’ll be able to develop your knowledge of different wines and wine growing regions. Tasting wine involves the sensory evaluation of wine, and includes noticing the color and aroma, and the taste and feel of the wine on the palate with the aim of determining the quality of the wine and its suitability for drinking now or potential for aging. As you explore the characteristics of the wine on your sensory journey you will uncover its many different facets and detect any flaws the wine might have. Remember that a wine tasting party is supposed to be fun.

In order to accurately assess the quality of a wine you need to gauge the overall complexity of its flavors and aromas. Concentrate on factors such as intensity, fruitiness, sweetness or acidity as well as noting how long the taste of the wine remains on the palate after tasting which determines the length of the finish.

If you haven’t already tried it you’ll find wine tasting to be a fun and enjoyable experience to share. You can hold your wine tasting at home or the home of a friend, or a group of friends can attend an event at one of the many companies that offer wine tastings. If you have your own basement wine cellar, then holding a wine tasting event is a great way to entertain fellow wine lovers.

If you’re not comfortable choosing the wines yourself for the tasting there are companies that offer to organize the event plus the wine for you. If you’d prefer to taste the wines from just one wine region you can arrange a tasting at a vineyard. An well organized wine tasting event will be both enjoyable and educational.

Learning how to taste wine will add a new level to your existing wine knowledge, give you an opportunity to taste a range of wines from different wine growing regions and you could even decide to build a wine cellar in a closet.

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