What is vinegar and how is it made?

Vinegar is a sour liquid made through the fermentation of alcohol by acetic acid bacteria. Vinegar is produced in a two-step fermentation process. Initially, yeast ferments sugars in the raw material (such as fruits, grains, or other carbohydrate sources) into alcohol, creating wine or beer. In the second step, acetic acid bacteria convert the alcohol into acetic acid through a process known as acetification. This is done via the traditional method of slow fermentation in barrels.

How should your vinegars be stored and what is the shelf life?

 Store vinegar in a pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight. Vinegar should be kept in a tightly sealed glass, plastic, or food-grade ceramic containers. Metal containers can react with the vinegar and affect it’s taste. Vinegar does not need to be refrigerated. Its high acidity acts as a natural preservative, so it remains stable at room temperature. Once vinegars are opened they can last one to three years.

Where do you source your ingredients?

We love to source ingredients locally when we can! We’re worked with many different Maine farms and breweries to bring the best quality locally grown and crafted ingredients to our vinegars. This includes apples, cranberries, blueberries, maple syrup, and ales. You can find a full list of the farms and breweries we’ve worked with here.

I got these vinegars as a gift, what do I do with them?

Flavored vinegars are a delicious way to enhance a variety of dishes and drinks. They can be used in salad dressings, marinades, sauces, drinks, pickling, and more. If you’re in need of some inspiration check out our recipes here.

What is your most popular flavor of vinegar?

Our most popular flavor is the Wild Blueberry Vinegar. This fruity, tart, and vivid vinegar is perfect for salad dressings, marinades, and glazes. Try it drizzled over fresh greens, as a finishing touch on grilled meats, or mixed into sparkling water for a refreshing drink. Our Shrub recipe and Gazpacho recipe are time tested favorites using the Wild Blueberry Vinegar, check them out.