I finally waited long enough.

This weekend it was time. Seven months ago I started my first home brewing projects by making elderberry port and plum wine, and this weekend I finally tasted the fruits of my labours. Having gathered the family on saturday for the occasion of opening the first bottles, I`ll admit that I was a bit nervous. What if I made something absolutely horrible? Fortunately, that wasn`t the case. The plumwine was well received by all, and is quite a succes if I may say so myself. It is fruity and sweet, and the smell and taste of plum is very nice. Judged by the effect that a glass or two of this stuff had on everyone, this wine is quite strong. I am already planning to double next seasons production, and will have to learn about hydrometer readings and determining the alcohol content.

The  next day we popped open the elderberry port, and the first thing that struck us was the smell. It smelled sour in an unpleasant way, and the first sips were not very tasty at all. After I let it rest to reach roomtemperature and some vigourous swirling to get some air into it, it transformed completely. The flavour of elderberry, which was foreign to me, took a bit of getting used to but is quite pleasant. My dad and girlfriend had already declared their absolute hate for the substance after the first taste and aren`t about to change their mind. This gave my brother and me a bottle between us to enjoy. Not too bad at all. For the first ventures into brewing I am not unhappy at all!