Refreshing Beer Cocktail

Sounds funny, but this beverage is so refreshing and thirst-quenching! Just what you all need to sip on while you’re rooting for your favourite team!

This is the perfect cocktail for fancy beer drinking. Start with a little rum, add some fresh citrus juices and simple syrup.  Then top it all off with ice cold beer. Stick a straw in it and you are good to go!
Try this cocktail with lemon juice and also with lime juice. Both are very good — the lime is a bit sweeter.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 Ounce rum
  • 1 lemon, juiced (lime is really delicious also)
  • 1 orange, juiced
  • 1 Ounce simple syrup (it’s easy – directions follow)
  • 4 Ounces beer
  • ice

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill a 16 ounce glass with ice
Add rum, simple syrup*, lemon and orange juices
Top with beer

To make simple syrup, heat equal parts sugar and water in saucepan over medium high heat. Whisk until sugar has dissolved. Continue cooking for a couple more minutes. Cool. Store in covered container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.


Original article from: www.therecipewench.com

Why do you age red wine – but not white wine?


The aging of wine, typically red wine, to improve its quality, depth, and character is an element to wine that distinguishes it from other consumable goods/drinks.

The aging of wine also augments wine’s cherished mystique.

Something grand is happening inside that barrel, or bottle, that’s beyond the control of meddling human hands. You make the best wine you possibly can, and wait to see the results.

It’s a thrilling (and nerve-racking!) process!

As wine ages, it’s youthful characteristics gradually change, become paler in color, and muted in astringency.

The ‘rougher’ tannins of a young robust wine slowly soften for a smoother, rounder mouthfeel in its maturity.

The color intensity and opacity of red wine also dramatically change, taking on more amber and orange hues, shedding its inky purple and red vibrancy of youth.

Such changes occur in aging wine due to the phenolic compounds producing various chemical reactions.

Such compound reactions aggregate molecules to bind together, eventually creating larger particles in the wine, which then separate and form visible sediment, a clear sign of an aged wine. The sediment is then most often separated from the rest of the drinkable wine via decanting.

And aging red wine but not white is more the rule of thumb than an absolute statement.

Chardonnay for example, is a white wine whose oaky palette and character is defined by its barrel aging. And there are some sweet whites and fortified wines that also are designed to age well, although honestly, this is rare to come by.

But yes, the majority of white wines – given their fragility and lower antioxidant content – are produced to be consumed as they are released into the market.

But here’s the zinger..  Even most commercial red wines fall into this category today.

As a matter of fact, very few wines of any variety possess the potential to improve with further aging. According to Jancis Robinson, a Master of Wine, only the top 10% of all red wines and top 5% of all white wines have this ability! Plus, only 1% of all wines can improve beyond a decade of aging.

Generally speaking, the vast majority of wines on the market today begin losing vibrancy in color and aromatic bouquet between 6 – 24 months in the bottle, depending on the wine varietal being stored.

The rule of thumb is simple, though: the lower a wine’s pH level, the higher the capacity for improving with age.

Plus, higher phenolic density in a wine, which usually distinguishes reds from whites, will also improve chances for successful aging.


Original article by: Melinda
From: enjoyhopewellvalleywines.com/wine-faq.html 

August Wine Specials


For the month of August we’re offering specials on the following Winexpert wines.
 
Classic 4-week
Red: Shiraz California
 
Reserve 6-week
White Riesling, California
Red: Pinot Noir, Chile

Bonus Special:
Barrel-Aged Niagara Chardonnay
30 750ml bottles
NR Chardonnay is available in 15 750 ml bottles

Contact us for sale prices and to reserve!
cheers@glasshalffull.ca

Cheers!