Storage of your homebrew in fermentation and bottles is not an overly difficult task, but there are certain points you should be aware of. First you must make sure your fermentation bucket or vessel has been cleaned properly with steriliser and can be properly sealed. You don’t need anything unwanted growing in there and messing up your brew. This is also why a drier area is preferable, as the various nasties generally prefer a damp environment. Ideal temperature is around 21-22°C, room temperature should be fine, but don’t let it get too cold as the yeast will stop working. In winter some may find this more difficult, but don’t make the mistake of sticking it on top of a heater as this with
Whilst in search of our Holy Grail of Gruit Ale as a nurseryman my first instinct was to grow all the necessary herbs. Our ancestors who produced gruit already knew the flavours that could be imparted to food by adding small amounts of woodland plants to their cooking. So naturally they would add them to ale too because they were readily available and free. Sadly I don't have the breadth knowledge of wild flowers. If something other than what I planted in a pot comes up I call it a weed and pull it out. The heartfelt cry of nurserymen is now ringing in my ears 'If I could sell weeds I'd make a fortune!' Many of the gruit herbs we have been looking for are the weeds that I have discarded for
