Known principally as a flavoring for savory dishes in Asia and Africa and for its use in pastries and beverages, cinnamon has also found its way into recipes for spicy holiday ales and ciders, sodas, coffees and teas.

Do not confuse the flavor of licorice with that of anise, which is not related and is quite different when tasted side by side.  Licorice has been used for everything from cough remedies to ulcer cures.  The root imparts a very characteristic flavor and is surprisingly sweet.  It contains glycyrrhizin, a substance 50 times sweeter than sugar, and is often added to chocolate to enhance sweetness.

Also called "Grains of paradise", "Guinea grains" and "Melegueta pepper", these small seeds look like cardamom but have a character all their own.  The spice is native to West Africa and during medieval times was used to flavor food.  It has also been used as a pepper substitute.  While it does have a peppery zing, it also has notes of citrus and an "earthy" pine aroma.

Mugwort was used in the Middle Ages to ward off evil possession and was a popular stuffing for roast goose.  As the name implies, it was traditionally used in mugs of beer before the popularity of hops.  Europeans frequently stuffed pillows with mugwort (and hops) to bring good and vivid dreams.

In times past, fresh star anise was chewed after each meal to aid digestion and to sweeten the breath.  Used in specialty Belgian and holiday style beers, star anise has a flavor similar to licorice, yet is dramatically different when tasted side by side.

Vanilla Beans To use, simply cut the bean lengthwise and add to your Secondary or Keg. Remove when the Vanilla flavor is at the desired strength.  1-2 beans are fine for a slight Vanilla flavor. 3 beans per pack.

While many people confuse wintergreen with mint, they are not related in any way.  Wintergreen has long been used as an herbal remedy for arthritis, swollen joints and sore muscles.  It goes by many names:  teaberry, checkerberry, dearberry, spiceberry, boxberry, and even a tea party.  The latter refers to its use during the American Revolution as a substitute for heavily taxed British tea.

Woodruff was one of the essential garlands hung in medieval European churches in preparation for holidays.  The distinctive scent of fresh-cut hay and vanilla gives an exhilarating flavor to wines, punches and beer.  Woodruff is considered by the FDA to be safe for use in alcoholic beverages but caution is advised for other internal uses.

The principal ingredient in the legendary liqueur Absinthe, wormwood use dates back to before 1600 BC.  While used historically as a beverage ingredient, the FDA advises against the internal use of wormwood due to the substance thujone.  Though wormwood is still used in the production of vermouth and Campari, it is as variety other than Artemisia absinthium.

Sinamar® 4oz

Made from malt this extract is used to add color to beers without adding bitterness.

$2.50

Designed to make bottling a breeze for all levels of homebrewers. Simply add one drop to each 12 oz bottle (2 drops if using 22 oz bottles) prior to filling.  Fill bottle to within 1-2" of the top and cap as normal.  Store at fermentation temperature and your beer will be fully carbonated within 3 days.