Pour it in a glass, drink it out of a solo cup, or even right out of the bottle, alcohol is a very important part of being social in the United States. There are over 8700 wineries across the United States, and that number is growing each year. Learning about the various types of booze being made in the U.S. can show you some of the opportunities that exist. From moonshine to wine, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to deciding what to drink.
Let Your Soulshine
The Many Spirits Making Americans Tipsy
Everything from Bourbon to Tempranillo has been on the uptick since prohibition went away. Though, even when the manufacturing and sale of alcohol was prevented by law from 1920 to 1933, America’s love affair with getting tipsy wasn’t halted. It was simply done in secret with the ever-popular speakeasy.
Texas is home to over 200 wineries spread out across the state. Even Minnesota is home to over 90 of them. The days when California held a near monopoly on wine production in the U.S. are long gone. Vineyards are producing countless varietals of grapes. Additionally, many are branching out into ciders, meads, beers, and more.
As for whiskey, bourbon, and other distilled spirits, the number of distilleries producing them is growing, too. Once upon a time, there was only a handful across the country. Now, there are more than 1500.
People want to take flavors and processes into their own hands. The concept of a “craft” brewery, distillery, or winery is growing. It’s why there are so many options available now.
When someone asks for a glass of vino or a mug of hooch, the varieties can be overwhelming. It’s making it easier for people to get tipsy on the stuff that they really like. It’s also allowing people to make their own in order to control every last detail.
Wineries vs. Vineyards: What’s the difference?
There’s a big difference between opening a winery and a vineyard. There are over 8,000 wineries in the United States, not 8,000 vineyards. Perhaps the biggest difference is that the vineyards are responsible for growing the grapes. If you’ve ever traveled through Napa Valley, California or TX Hill Country, you’ll have seen the sprawling rows of grapevines.
The vineyards will go on to produce this fermented grape juice, so they have wineries on property. Now, wineries are licensed properties that can make red, white, and sparkling varieties. They may use grapes from their own vineyard, or they may get their grapes from other places. The grapes may be fresh, frozen, from concentrate, or even freshly juiced.
With the ability to get the grapes from anywhere, it allows wineries to be as small or as large as desired. Some wineries will produce large batches while others will limit to smaller batches. Additionally, the grapes can be obtained from anywhere around the world, changing up the dynamics of the flavors. All sorts of blends can be created, ensuring that the flavors are exactly what a person wants to achieve.
What is moonshine and is it really illegal?
Otherwise known as firewater, it’s got the reputation for being illegal. What makes booze even more sought after? Identify that it’s illegal. People will come out of the woodwork to get their hands on a bottle if they think that there’s the possibility of getting in trouble.
But wait, how is this hooch illegal if it’s on the shelves of so many liquor stores across the country? Well, that’s where things get a bit interesting.
Moonshine is a form of clear whiskey. By calling it this, it’s illegal. However, there have been manufacturers that market their products using this illegal name while following all of the necessary legal aspects to ensure that they’re paying taxes and following all of the rules.
The U.S. is still very harsh on bootleggers. This boils down to knowing how to be able to make the delicious clear whiskey, legally. It can be done, but you have to follow the rules so you don’t end up facing jail time just because you wanted to make your own booze.
Take Craft Distilling and Fermenting to the Next Level
Distilling firewater, brewing beer, fermenting grapes, and creating any other spirits can be in your control. There are some master brewers and winemakers that are challenging flavor profiles. They’re mixing in chocolate, fresh fruit, and so much more to create unique drinks that people are falling in love with.
You no longer have to limit yourself to what you can find on the shelf of your local liquor store. If you have always wanted to see your name on a bottle and be responsible for how your booze is produced, you can make it happen.
Find Out How to Do It
Squishing grapes between your toes isn’t the best way to make something you want to drink. There are a number of processes involved with producing vino and other spirits. The good news is that learning how to do it is easier than ever:
- Check out YouTube videos
- Read a how-to guide
- Buy a kit
- Attend a class
However you decide that you want to learn, the important thing is that you learn the right way so that you’re not labeled a bootlegger.
Commercial Post Frame Buildings
Grab the Supplies
Mash pots, fermentation buckets, crushed barley, yeast, and other items are going to be needed. The list of what you actually need is going to vary based on what delightful beverage you’ve decided you want to create.
It’s a good idea to get more supplies than you think you really need because you’re going to have a lot of trial and error going on in the beginning. Space is critical, too, so you better plan to have a place to store everything.
Build a Venue
You’re going to need a place for the magic to happen. While a kitchen or basement sounds great on paper, if you plan to bottle it and sell it, you’re going to want a bigger place to work. That’s when you can have a pole barn built to your specifications.
As you start to build a pole shed, there are a few things to consider. How much equipment do you really need? How big are your vats going to be? Are you planning to bottle on-premises?
Once you can answer those questions, you can start to consider the right dimensions.
Additionally, a pole shed can be divided so that you have room to take your booze production to the next level. You can have a tasting room or a retail outlet within your venue. It will make it easier for you to get your bottled masterpieces into the hands (and mouths) of some of the locals. And, if your booze really takes off, you can end up mass-producing to distribute around the country.
With the help of Sherman Pole Buildings, you can make your dreams of creating your own booze come alive. We’ll show you how a pole barn in Minnesota or Texas can be used to set up your own winery or distillery.
