Making Traditional rice Wine. Cheap, Fun, and Different

[zaklee]

Be careful with sealing it as it still slowly ferments a bit after straining. Burp it or leave the lid a little loose.

I've found that the plastic storage lids for mason jars don't actually seal so well. If you shake the bottle with the lid on your fingers will soon be wet. I figure that's enough to let the co2 escape and avoid carbonation, or worse, explosion!

 

[zaklee]

Don't age it unless you're trying for rice wine vinegar. Put it in the fridge and enjoy it.

How long before you have vinegar? I lost track of how long I had this on the counter. May have been a month. May have been longer. It's not as sweet and aromatic as my smaller test batch, which unfortunately wasn't made with the same rice so I have too many variables for comparison. Maybe the tartness is the beginning of the vinegar? The clear liquid at the top after settling isn't necessarily vinegar, right?

This batch was made with 8 cups of jasmine rice and 4 yeast balls. I rolled the rice into balls and rolled those in the crushed yeast. All were neatly arranged in a glass jar which I left on the counter (not dark). Room temperature probably ranged from 75 - 85 deg. I live in S. Mississippi so keeping it cooler for any period is prohibitively expensive.

Folks have been making wild grape wines here for a couple hundred years, well before A/C came around. So I figured higher temps can't be all that troublesome.

 

[Fuzzymittenbrewing]

Thai Black Rice wine, back sweetened this one and it brought out a nice plumb and apple flavor. And I wish I had a way to know if this sweet black rice has more sugar than the regular jasmine but it sure as heck seems way stronger! I may try back sweetening with lactose to see how it effects mouthfeel. Sara this is a pic of my Thai Black Jasmine.

 

[edds5p0]

I just harvested a batch yesterday using 5 cups of jasmine rice with 2 yeast balls and 1/4 cup of RYR. I let it go 28 days and it turned out great. This is my sweetest yet, it has a pronounced tropical fruit flavor with substantial fruit notes and about the amount of alcohol character one would find in a tawny port. I was hoping for a drier flavor, but I am happy with the outcome.

 

[Leadgolem]

Here's what I got using the coffee filter and the polyester fabric remnant. The polyester was much more effective at filtering, allowing only a small amount of solids to pass through. The coffee filter allowed many more solids to remain. The polyester also clogged to the point that there was about a 1/2 cup of liquid left stuck in the filter. The coffee filter did not clog and allowed all of the liquid to pass through.

Both of these filter where setup within an hour, and where left for over a day. Neither filter was particularly fast.

The flavor of the wine filtered through the coffee filter was essentially unaffected. There was a slight decrease in the sweetness, but it wasn't significant. The wine filtered through the polyester is substantially less sweet, and not as overtly fruity.

My personal conclusion is that I will probably use coffee filters again. I always end up with some wine with so many particulates in it that it's fairly thick and not particularly pleasant. I will try filtering that through coffee filters and see if the result is more to my liking.

 

[ValerianNightmares]

With 157 pages of comments I hope nobody has already asked and answered this already, but here goes:

What if you wanted to turn this into rice wine vinegar for cooking? Do you strain the rice and then just leave it out in the air until it turns sour?

 

[saramc]

With 157 pages of comments....What if you wanted to turn this into rice wine vinegar for cooking? Do you strain the rice and then just leave it out in the air until it turns sour?

The answer is yes. I have been advised to tuck one away in bottom of pantry, cap loose 1/8 turn, use an 'all clear' version, no solids. It will start to get darker as it oxidizes and becomes vinegar. It can take months, but becomes more vinegar-y as time progresses.

Fuzzymitten...thank you for photo of the thai black rice. I do have Chinese black rice, Forbidden rice, on hand. Guess we will see how it does. Will be making coconut milk rice pudding too!!

Zak...definitely try your rice wine with the residual solids stirred in. Plus, it does get better (hard to imagine) as it ages, if it lasts that long. I do batch pasteurize though.

TBB....here is a description of Lotus Foods Madagascar Pink Rice, "elusively aromatic of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg". Sounds lovely just for rice!!

 

[sonofgrok]

I took a share off for a taste and put it in a small desert wine glass so I could see it better. I put that in the fridge to get to about 50F. It separated quite a bit in just a little while. Since it was already in the glass (up to the top) I didn't mix it. The clear liquid at the top was very tart and my wife didn't like it. I was reserving judgement. When I got to the "cream" below it was significantly improved. I take it that this should be stirred prior to serving.

I personally shake mine up before pouring or drinking.

 

[sonofgrok]

All this filtering... I quite like it with the cloudy bit

 

[Newsman]

Question -- has anyone mixed Angel Rice Leaven and RYR AND some of the Vietnamese yeast balls? Would that be overkill? I have approximately 5-6 cups (rice cooker cups, dry) of cooked rice cooling in the fridge and I'm ready to start my second attempt (first attempt didn't turn out so well...) I have two packets of ARL, and two bags of RYR, as well as multiple bags of the Vietnamese yeast balls (approximately pea sized, about 10 per pack.) I was thinking of using the Vietnamese yeast and RYR, when I looked in my bag of yeast and saw the ARL and remembered ordering it.

 

[jak1010]

Question -- has anyone mixed Angel Rice Leaven and RYR AND some of the Vietnamese yeast balls? Would that be overkill? I have approximately 5-6 cups (rice cooker cups, dry) of cooked rice cooling in the fridge and I'm ready to start my second attempt (first attempt didn't turn out so well...) I have two packets of ARL, and two bags of RYR, as well as multiple bags of the Vietnamese yeast balls (approximately pea sized, about 10 per pack.) I was thinking of using the Vietnamese yeast and RYR, when I looked in my bag of yeast and saw the ARL and remembered ordering it.

Newsman: I've mixed the ARL and yeast balls and added sugar to a batch and it was great! Did I ship you the yeast balls with the bird (I think its a crane) or the deer (or Stag or some animal with antlers) on it? I can't remember which one I shipped you. The batch I made was with the deer on it. Really strong and with the sugar, pleasantly sweet.

 

[Newsman]

Newsman: I've mixed the ARL and yeast balls and added sugar to a batch and it was great! Did I ship you the yeast balls with the bird (I think its a crane) or the deer (or Stag or some animal with antlers) on it? I can't remember which one I shipped you. The batch I made was with the deer on it. Really strong and with the sugar, pleasantly sweet.

You shipped me the one with some sort of red/blue swirl on it. Not sure if that's supposed to be a bird or what.

I may go ahead and try to use the ARL with the RYR and a package of Vietnamese yeast balls (I know they're Vietnamese because the writing is in the "Roman" alphabet and translates from Vietnamese when I type it in Google Translate. )

For the record... my plan is to grind up in my small food processor, 1/4 cup RYR and one pack (approximate quantity of 10 balls) of Vietnamese yeast balls and see how that does.

 

[Newsman]

OK. Just put my rice/RYR/ARL and Vietnamese Yeast Balls into the fermenting chamber (freezer with a thermostat set to 68 degrees F). I used one packet of ARL, 1/4 cup of RYR and one packet of yeast balls. I then took my 5-6 cups of Mahatama Jasmine Rice that I cooked this morning and mixed up with the ground RYR/yeast balls that I had emptied a packet of ARL into and then shaken gently to mix. I think sprinkled that over the top of the cold rice, and mixed it by hand and put it all into the mesh bag that was included by Jak1010 with my RYR/ARL order. Guess we'll see how that works out in about 3 weeks.
FWIW, I found the website for the ARL, but even following the links to the online store, I couldn't buy for some reason. May have to ask my Chinese co-worker to help me.

 

[TBBrewer]

The answer is yes. I have been advised to tuck one away in bottom of pantry, cap loose 1/8 turn, use an 'all clear' version, no solids. It will start to get darker as it oxidizes and becomes vinegar. It can take months, but becomes more vinegar-y as time progresses.

Fuzzymitten...thank you for photo of the thai black rice. I do have Chinese black rice, Forbidden rice, on hand. Guess we will see how it does. Will be making coconut milk rice pudding too!!

Zak...definitely try your rice wine with the residual solids stirred in. Plus, it does get better (hard to imagine) as it ages, if it lasts that long. I do batch pasteurize though.

TBB....here is a description of Lotus Foods Madagascar Pink Rice, "elusively aromatic of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg". Sounds lovely just for rice!!

Interesting flavor notes. I did not get these. I would say it tasted and smelled earthy, nutty, and somewhat vegital. I guess we will see how it turns out. I did 2 cups of the pink sweet rice, 3 cups of water, and 3 small Vietnamese yeast balls.

 

[TBBrewer]

I meant to attach the pic. Here it is. It will be left in the dark in the pantry for 21 days.

 

[ValerianNightmares]

The answer is yes. I have been advised to tuck one away in bottom of pantry, cap loose 1/8 turn, use an 'all clear' version, no solids. It will start to get darker as it oxidizes and becomes vinegar. It can take months, but becomes more vinegar-y as time progresses.

Ah, thanks! When you say loose cap, are we talking mason jar or like soda bottle?

 

[elkshadow]

OK here's what I've got so far.



The one on the far left was from my first batch. It was 3 cups rice divided into two jars and I used about 7 grams yeast ball in each jar. This is the one where I had the liquid in two days. There's only one jar there because I tried to sneak a taste out of the other by pouring from under the mass of rice and the whole thing spilled out so I just drank what I had. It was tart and sweet and fairly delicious. That one will be 2 weeks old on Tuesday.

The next from the left is 4 cups rice and 10 grams of yeast. That one is exactly a week old and I haven't tried to sneak a taste. Since I have the little spout thingy I may just squeeze off a shot glass worth and try it tonight.

The other two were made with 6 cups rice, 1 cup RYR and about 27 grams yeast. I didn't cook the RYR. I just added it in with cooled cooked rice before pitching. I never read or didn't remember if you're supposed to cook it. I assumed you don't since Leadgolem just powderized his and adds it like that. That one I just made a couple days ago and there is just the very beginning of liquid starting to form.

I'll report back when I start tasting.

ETA: You can get nylon paint strainer bags at HD or Lowes 2 for 5 bucks. They come in 1 and 5 gallon sizes. They are better than cheesecloth and don't stain or stink after using. I recommend them for the capping and straining of final product. It's what I used on the one that spilled out and worked great.

 

[TBBrewer]

Just harvested my arborio rice batch and it is by far my best batch. I had a 1lb bag in the pantry for......3 years. I decided to make the batch at 1:1.5 no soak method. I pitched 2 small Vietnamese yeast balls and left it in the dark for 20 days. The color is slightly yellow and the flavor is amazing. It has no hot nose to it whatsoever. It tastes and smells like a hint of vanilla and very nutty. Like it was aged on walnuts. Best batch by far. Cheers!

 

[elkshadow]

Is it crucial to have this sitting in the dark? I have mine just sitting out on the counter.

 

[Fuzzymittenbrewing]

Is it crucial to have this sitting in the dark? I have mine just sitting out on the counter.

Yes dark. Seems to grow bad mold in the light

 

[TBBrewer]

Is it crucial to have this sitting in the dark? I have mine just sitting out on the counter.

I saw more black mold spores when I left it out in the light. I have been putting the clear glass in the dark or using small 2 gallon white plastic buckets and I have been seeing zero black spores and minimal mold growth.

 

[jak1010]

You shipped me the one with some sort of red/blue swirl on it. Not sure if that's supposed to be a bird or what.

I may go ahead and try to use the ARL with the RYR and a package of Vietnamese yeast balls (I know they're Vietnamese because the writing is in the "Roman" alphabet and translates from Vietnamese when I type it in Google Translate. )

For the record... my plan is to grind up in my small food processor, 1/4 cup RYR and one pack (approximate quantity of 10 balls) of Vietnamese yeast balls and see how that does.

OK, that sounds like the ARL...I was asking about the yeast balls. I ship two different types.

 

[jak1010]

OK. Just put my rice/RYR/ARL and Vietnamese Yeast Balls into the fermenting chamber (freezer with a thermostat set to 68 degrees F). I used one packet of ARL, 1/4 cup of RYR and one packet of yeast balls. I then took my 5-6 cups of Mahatama Jasmine Rice that I cooked this morning and mixed up with the ground RYR/yeast balls that I had emptied a packet of ARL into and then shaken gently to mix. I think sprinkled that over the top of the cold rice, and mixed it by hand and put it all into the mesh bag that was included by Jak1010 with my RYR/ARL order. Guess we'll see how that works out in about 3 weeks.
FWIW, I found the website for the ARL, but even following the links to the online store, I couldn't buy for some reason. May have to ask my Chinese co-worker to help me.

I saw the same website for ARL. It's been that way for a while. Either way, they're selling it for $5 each plus shipping. I've got it listed for $2 with FREE shipping. (I know, shameless plug) but I've gotten many compliments and thank you's from folks ordering from me so, spread the word.

 

[Newsman]

OK, that sounds like the ARL...I was asking about the yeast balls. I ship two different types.

Oh, I didn't order any yeast balls... just RYR and ARL. There's a place down in Atlanta (about 90 minutes from home, but I visit that area on a semi-regular basis) which has several different types of yeast balls, and in Chattanooga, there's at least one Asian market that has a type of yeast ball. As it is I have yeast balls coming out my ears.... I bought a huge package of Happy Panda yeast balls as well as two different sizes/types of yeast balls with Vietnamese writing on 'em. If this ARL/RYR/Vietnamese yeast works out, I may be ordering more ARL.

 

[Leadgolem]

All this filtering... I quite like it with the cloudy bit

As do I. I'm just looking for more control over the particulate content of the finished wine.

... I didn't cook the RYR. I just added it in with cooled cooked rice before pitching. I never read or didn't remember if you're supposed to cook it. I assumed you don't since Leadgolem just powderized his and adds it like that...

Good. If you cooked it you would have killed the monascus purpureus. Think of adding rice yeast balls and/or RYR more like you would pitching yeast. You want the little guys to be happy and healthy so they can make some nice wine for you.

 

[Leadgolem]

Here are the samples from the previous filtration experiment after they have crashed in the fridge overnight. I thought this would be a better way to express the remaining particulate matter.

 

[elkshadow]

Thanks for the answers. I don't have any black anything on any of these so I guess I'm OK. I moved them to a closet where they will be dark. I snuck a little out the middle one with the spigot and it was pretty tart. Very alcoholic and pretty tart. I've made enough to beer and other stuff to know that it will more than likely be delicious when it mellows out in a couple weeks.

 

[sonofgrok]

Is it crucial to have this sitting in the dark? I have mine just sitting out on the counter.

Light = bad

 

[CreamyGoodness]

I've noticed mine soured slightly in the fridge... could this be because of light?

 

[sonofgrok]

I've noticed mine soured slightly in the fridge... could this be because of light?

I would probably credit that more to time... unless you have a glass doored fridge.