How nice is the wine thief? Often times the plastic ones need to be upgraded to metal or glass, but at the price of this kit Im not looking to upgrade
577641
It's been good enough for my purposes. I've made 3 batches with the kit now - the wine thief does seem to leak a bit when I pull it out of the bucket or carboy, but it still only takes about 3 draws to fill the test jar high enough for a good measurement.
577642
It is plastic. However, it does the job. I don't feel the need to upgrade that. Aside from using it a couple times to test the sg, that's all I use it for.
2014791
there have been many wineglasses placed upon this table....not a worry...love the table andit's so nice not to worry about it shattering. enjoy it.
2267417
I do not believe there is any cheaper way to bottle than trying to recycle used brown (light protection!) beer glass bottles (you could reuse them indefinitely if you do not give them away proudly). This kit would need about 8-10 bottles. You still need to buy the caps and the capper, but they are not so expensive. Other options: The Growlers sell swing-top silicone gasket lid bottles in various sizes (so then there is no need for capper and caps). This makes everything easier, but every time you open it, you lose carbonation. There is also a "Party Pig" system, although it is for more than two gallons and costs around $40. Good luck!
1270080
So far good reviews from all who have had it. I did follow one of the recipes and added a little vodka after it was done. Serve well chilled. Mine has aged for a few months and is getting better and more mellow although you can drink it right away with good results. As with all wines it gets better with age.
1878319
I have ordered several sets of the polycarbonate caberet glasses from Wine Enthusiast. They are an almost exact replica of the Riedel Vinum Bordeaux glasses. They are great to take to an outdoor event or to a friend's house who does not appreciate the value of the "right" glass, without having to pack up your good glasses. I keep a bag ready with the polycarbonate glasses in individual plastic bags so I am always ready for a last minute party :-))
397227
How long did you age your wine in it? Was yours the same with a char on the inside? I am afraid because some say this is just a "whiskey barrel" not a wine barrel! Any feedback would be great!
1995118
The Wine saver won't work with sparkling wines...This does..keeps it close to new for a while...Someone else makes one that has a clam style that works ok too...This is just for sparkling wines....and won't work with regular non-sparkling wines ..Hope that helps...I have about three different styles of them I've gotten over the years....as I carry on vacations so sometimes I lost them...great if you just want a couple glasses and keep it for another night...will not keep for a long time...say a month...slowly loses it's fizz.doesn't take air out...it is a spring loaded cap that keeps a tight seal so the fizz stays in. The Wine saver won't work with sparkling wines...This does..keeps it close to new for a while...Someone else makes one that has a clam style that works ok too...This is just for sparkling wines....and won't work with regular non-sparkling wines ..Hope that helps...I have about three different styles of them I've gotten over the years....as I carry on vacations so sometimes I lost them...great if you just want a couple glasses and keep it for another night...will not keep for a long time...say a month...slowly loses it's fizz.doesn't take air out...it is a... » Read More The Wine saver won't work with sparkling wines...This does..keeps it close to new for a while...Someone else makes one that has a clam style that works ok too...This is just for sparkling wines....and won't work with regular non-sparkling wines ..Hope that helps...I have about three different styles of them I've gotten over the years....as I carry on vacations so sometimes I lost them...great if you just want a couple glasses and keep it for another night...will not keep for a long time...say a month...slowly loses it's fizz.doesn't take air out...it is a spring loaded cap that keeps a tight seal so the fizz stays in. « Show Less
1447955
Synthetic corks are a problem with any wine opener. I find that, due to the lever, on the Brookstone it really pulls them out easier, but some of those things are a BEAR! Saying not to use it on synthetics is probably a disclaimer, because they will eventually stretch any corkscrew of this type, including the electric kind, that has the long, more open spiral, not like the old-school corkscrews, with the two arms , or a wine tool, that have a sturdier, tighter spiral corkscrew. This is why they sell the replacement units that are simple, and inexpensive to replace. The fact is that the lever itself is what makes it easy to remove those buggers! I have a Williams Sonoma one that is very similar that lasted 10 years before I replaced the spiral,, and I use it when I volunteer at my theatre's concession, opening MANY bottles a show, plus fundraisers and concerts and wine tastings as much as 30 nights a year, plus my own use. and there were some of those synthetic corks, that were nearly impossible to remove with anything...I think that is what finally stretched mine. The thing was still useable, but it didn't pull out as smoothly and easily, so I just replaced it, and it works like new. The Brookstone one seems to be a better made piece especially because of the lever handle. The corkscrew pieces themselves are readily available, so I think this opener is a good choice.
1071210
If it is plastic carboy you need a bigger rubber bung, if glass you need a small rubber bung. And you can go to your local wine shop and purchase new bungs. The cork bung are just as good as the rubber o e.
1993757
all corncopia wines are sweet. if you want dry then yu have to purchase a different make wine kit. just d't buy a kit with a fruit adder.
884015
Mine actually came with instructions but if any instructions exist . . . you can google it. Most kits include the first batch of wine pre-mixed. You might be able to find the recipe for the wine supplier by googling the name and type of wine.
277750
I believe this would work fine as for it works on glass, plastic, and metal. It keeps my wine must around 74 degrees for a week. Good luck!
300141
I have not used it yet but I can tell you it comes with instructions, 10 Tasting Tip sheets as to types of wines and flavors, a large pad of Tasting Note sheets, 10 bags to hold wine so you can't see the types, large amt of discs to place on base of glass so guest will know their glass, 10 pencils. If you do this with ordinary wine drinkers I would not spend more than 8.00-14.00 for each bottle. It is more of a blind testing. I am looking forward to having a party, I think it will be great fun. I think it was well worth the price and presents itself as a fund evening.
329075
No wine or glasses. Just the three metal pieces. I'm sure if the plastic is the same shape as glass they would fit.
1781379
Juice concentrate (primary and secondary booster), yeast, stabilizer, clearing agents, instructions and some info/fact cards about origins of ice wines and other products available from the company. No labels or corks. This kit does make a really good icewine! I would do another one if I wasn't busy with all of the other wines I have in progress already. We served it at a wine party and the majority of our guests really liked it. Note: this kit is designed for a 3 gallon yield, so only 15 750ml bottles or 30 375ml bottles. Make sure you have a 3 gallon carboy for secondary fermentation! Enjoy!
280774
I found it didn't make a difference in flavor when compared to an undecanted glass from the same bottle. I also found that it gave a strange odor to the wine. This is made of plastic, not glass, so maybe that's why. I also noticed that the one featured here for red wine is a mini size in the picture, not the full sized one with the stand.
1295471
You will need to find a graduated cylinder and use it with the wine thief. You can also put the hydrometer directly in the must.