newbrewnut

Recipes 

I am making a Blueberry wine and was wondering if there is an alternative to using Acid blend? It is a typical ingredient in most recipes I have found. Would using lemon juice concentrate work? Is this something that needs to be added for primary, or can it be added later if the taste is off a bit? So many questions, any help would be great.

jameswardpeterson

Recipes 

acid concentrate should almost always be added before bottling, unless your using a recipe that has specified a specific amount to add at the primary. lemon juice can work as a substitute for most, but sometimes it is better to use the acid that is associated with your brew (citric acid for citrus, malic acid for apples, and other pairs that i dont know)

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Primary: blueberry apple cider
Secondary: panty dropper cranberry apple cider
bottled: I should probably get some of those...
on deck: future brews suspended for the moment :(...

Yooper

Recipes 

Since acid blend is a combination of tartaric, citric, and malic acids, lemon juice isn't really a good substitute for it. You can wait and add it later, although it is generally added to the primary. After you taste the must, if it needs some acid, you can either go ahead and add the acid blend or some lemon juice if you think it's low on citric acid. I think the commercial acid blends are generally like 50% citric acid, 25% malic acid, and 25% tartaric, but those vary with manufacturer.

I wouldn't necessarily add the type of acid associated with certain fruit- for example, apple wine. Adding more malic acid might make the malic acid flavor too strong, but acid blend might bring a depth of flavor missing, since it's also adding citric and tartaric acid. Acid blend is just a generally "probably make it taste better" addition, and no harm will come without.

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Broken Leg Brewery
Giving beer a leg to stand on since 2006

jameswardpeterson

Recipes 

Ah yes, once again Yooper must correct me. I try my best.

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Primary: blueberry apple cider
Secondary: panty dropper cranberry apple cider
bottled: I should probably get some of those...
on deck: future brews suspended for the moment :(...

Yooper

Recipes 

Oh, no, I wasn't trying to correct you! Not at all! I've just had a little bit more experience, and was speaking from my experience in balancing flavors (and I use Jack Keller's website as a resource, too!) and dealing with acid. I'm definitely no expert though- I rarely test acid, and just go by taste for the most part. Everyone appreciates input from others, believe me!

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Broken Leg Brewery
Giving beer a leg to stand on since 2006

newbrewnut

Recipes 

Thanks for the replies. I appreicaite all of them. I was trying to cut some corners. Thanks for putting me in my place. I am excited to try my first non-kit batch this week, should be interesting.

malagabeer

Recipes 

has anyone tried to add some acid to hard lemonade to add more flavor or maybe to taste better?? if you do how much have you added?

Yooper

Recipes 

Lemonade is so acidic, it's hard to even get fermentation started. It's very tart, especially when it ferments out. I can't imagine adding even more acid.

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Broken Leg Brewery
Giving beer a leg to stand on since 2006

malagabeer

Recipes 

What about adding some acid blend in second fermentor to add a tartaric flavor?? or what can i use to add a tartaric flavor to hard lemonade?

meading_of_minds

Recipes 

My last recipe that called for acid blend I used 2 Tbsp lemon juice and 4 Tbsp white grape juice instead. It came out well.

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Laura