We make all of our small-batch vinegars using a unique process from the early 1800s that produces vinegars with greater depth of flavor and brighter colors. All of our vinegars are naturally fermented using American wines, ciders, sakes, and beers—in this way our vinegars honor and build on the national craft alcohol movement. Made, aged, and hand-bottled by us in our vinegar works in New England. Our vinegars will enhance your cooking and cocktails and are intended for home cooks and professional chefs.
Full Vinegar Collection
Vinegar FAQs
How is vinegar made?
Traditional vinegar is made by fermenting some type of alcohol—think beer, wine, cider, sake – into acetic acid. To make vinegar you need five key ingredients: alcohol, vinegar bacteria, oxygen, heat, and time.
Depending on the ABV (alcohol by volume) of the specific alcohol you may need to add water to dilute the alcohol. This is because when you get to a certain height in ABV the vinegar bacteria simply cannot operate and eat away at the alcohol to transform it into acetic acid or vinegar. This, by the way, is why your bottle of scotch will never turn into vinegar.
Over time and at the right temperature the vinegar bacteria will eat away at the wine or cider and turn into vinegar. Depending on the level of ABV, the environmental conditions, and the amount of vinegar you are trying to make this can take anywhere from two weeks to about six months simply to complete the fermentation. During this time you will see that a film, often thick, will form on top of the liquid. This is vinegar mother and is a byproduct of vinegar fermentation.
Better traditional vinegars are then aged for months to years after fermentation. This allows the vinegars to develop more nuanced flavor profiles and not just be acid bombs.
Reach out if you have any other questions on how vinegar is made.
Which ingredients do you use to make your vinegar?
The main ingredient in vinegar is alcohol.
To make our vinegars the only alcohols we use are select American wines, beers, cider, and sakes.
Our vinegars stand on the shoulders of America’s microbrewers and vintners and we are thankful for their efforts and craft.
What is co-fermentation and why is it better than infusing?
Some of our vinegar are “co-fermented” or “fermented flavors”.
This means that while our alcohol (e.g. wine or cider) ferments into vinegar we introduce different fruits and spices into the liquid mixture. As the bacteria eat away at the alcohol they also interact with the fruit or spices and this ultimately produces very unique vinegars with a greater depth of flavor.
Co-fermented vinegars contrast with infused vinegars. You make infused vinegar the way you would make tea. You start with a vinegar that has already fully fermented and then you put in spices or fruits to infuse vinegars with a specific taste. These flavors tend to be more aggressive and less nuanced than co-fermented flavors.
We never infuse our vinegars. And buyer beware that there are companies out there that say they make vinegar but all they are doing is buying vinegars and then infusing them. Vinegar makers are those that ferment alcohol into vinegar, not those using purchased vinegars as an ingredient. Well now we are all worked up…
Let customers speak for us
from 1188 reviewsGrilled Romaine Recipe
I tried the Grilled Romaine recipe, and the vinaigrette was fabulous. Steve in Savannah
Only Vinegar I will Ever Use
Next level products. The Red Wine Vinegar is something i can't seem to do without. You want this !
Peter
Amazing
This is my favorite vinegar, it is zesty and complex, balanced and perfectly tart... makes any kind of salad taste amazing and gets me rave reviews for my coleslaw every time
Delicious red wine vinegar!!
I love this vinegar, and the others.
These products are very fresh, organic and has very refreshing tastes. Packaging is superb and I appreciate the handwritten note.
Always great!
I'm a repeat/repeat/repeat customer and love your products!
Fantastically fantastic.
I just received my second order, which I will be gifting to a bunch of my Holy Cross buddies. I taste tested my first batch of red wine, apple cider, sherry, and rice wine vinegar to what I was currently using and there was NO comparison. Threw the old stuff out. This is the best vinegar ever. My primary care guy, (originally from Worcester) is going to check it out as well, especially the cider vinegar. You are the best, and thanks for uplifting Worcester!
Good beginning selection
All for vinegars made wonderful vinegrettes, marinades and sweet/sour sauces. Only negative I can think of is they are very difficult to open!
Loving my new vinegars!!!
The word "yummy" does not do these vinegars justice. While I just received them, I have tasted them all. I bought the Essential Vinegars 4 pack and added the IPA Beer Malt and the Rose Wine Vinegars. (I wanted the free shipping.) So worth it and as someone who cooks allot with fish and veggies and eats lots of salads, I don't think I could ever go back to "supermarket" vinegars. The fact that they are all raw and contain healthy probiotics is such a bonus. Gut health is so important to one's overall health. Having the best ingredients makes for the best meals. While they may be a bit more expensive than what you can buy in the supermarket, the quality is superior. I rarely eat out so I am happy to pay more for better quality ingredients that are also healthier for me. I also love being able to support a US company that is taking the time to make vinegar production a craft again while supporting their community.
Magnificent
My favorite apple cider vinegar ever. It's even excellent in cocktails and on roasted vegetables, but my favorite way to use it is in salads. Try it on an avocado, chickpeas salad. Wow!
Smooth
After trying this vinegar, my daughter started cooking. Saying we all love it is an understatement.
Best vinegar ever
All of the vinegars from this company are unbelievable!
Amazing
I was in the food industry for 30 years. I have to say this is one of the best tasting products I've ever had. The vinegar with heat and honey is such top quality, I can't wait too keep trying the other products. Hats off to the creators.
Great flavor
This might be by new favorite flavor!
so special
I do not know what culinary words to use in praising the blueberry vinegar....but it is luscious and I can actually use it on a salad alone, and of course, always a touch into a soup or stew...love all the American Vinegar Works products....and do not forget- low calorie count!!!