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**TexLaw** · 11-13-2007, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njnear76

Good to know. I was thinking about using 5oz of dextrose for a 2.5-2.9 gallon batch, but I was a little bit worried about exploding bottles. I guess since you were able to do 8.9oz for a 5 gallon, I should be pretty safe. Hmmm....

Mike

Four volumes of CO2 is about what you would expect in a properly carbonated hefeweizen or witbier, so I would hope it would be safe. After chilling the bottle, we get a good pop and wisp of CO2 "steam," but no gushing or any other sign of dangerous carbonation.

And, we used 8.7 oz. I'd hate to think that extra 0.2 oz took it over the line.

TL

**BlindLemonLars** · 11-13-2007, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexLaw

The effect on taste is that you get that carbonation bite and detect CO2 in the nose. It really crisps it up nicely.

I couldn't agree more, to me it's all about the carbonation and the crispness. I force carb mine, til it resembles champagne. Good stuff!

FEARDIZ · 11-13-2007, 08:09 PM

you can try sprite or 7up to carb it up the cheap way, not sure on taste yet... my 1st batch will be done this weekend

njnear76 · 11-14-2007, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexLaw

Four volumes of CO2 is about what you would expect in a properly carbonated hefeweizen or witbier, so I would hope it would be safe. After chilling the bottle, we get a good pop and wisp of CO2 "steam," but no gushing or any other sign of dangerous carbonation.

And, we used 8.7 oz. I'd hate to think that extra 0.2 oz took it over the line.

TL

Cool. I assume that you prepared the priming solution as you would with beer. Boiled one cup of water and mixed in the sugar?

Mike

njnear76 · 11-14-2007, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Dean

When it's still it tastes very much like wine. When it's carbonated it tastes GOOD.

It's funny, my brother-in-law insists that we carbonate it just so that it won't be considered a wine. He also insists on calling it a Dry Cider.

Shrug. The name doesn't bother me as long as it tastes good. I understand where he's coming from though. I'm not much of a wine drinker.

I think the next batch, I will experiment a little bit more. I plan on making a 4-8oz spice solution using rum, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, etc... I would probably prepare this a week before bottling day and add it to the bottling bucket along with the priming solution. The idea is to make an Apfelwein with a hint of spice.

Kevin Dean · 11-14-2007, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njnear76

It's funny, my brother-in-law insists that we carbonate it just so that it won't be considered a wine.

I don't like wine. I'm not sure what it is about it but EVERY wine, even ones that are "good" taste like vomit to me. If I don't carb apfelwein that vomit taste is very noticable, but if I carb it it's enjoyable and tart to me.

I don't really know what to call it, nor do I really care. I end up explaining it rather than naming it. In the US most "normal" people think of cider as non-alcoholic and sweet. They think of beer as bitter and think of wine as still. None of which apfelwein is. :P

**TexLaw** · 11-14-2007, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njnear76

Cool. I assume that you prepared the priming solution as you would with beer. Boiled one cup of water and mixed in the sugar?

Mike

Yep! Dumped that priming solution into the bottling bucket, racked the apfelwein in on top of it, gave a gentle stir just for good measure, and bottled straight out of the spigot.

TL

**TexLaw** · 11-14-2007, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njnear76

It's funny, my brother-in-law insists that we carbonate it just so that it won't be considered a wine.

As if there aren't sparkling wines?

TL

njnear76 · 11-14-2007, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexLaw

As if there aren't sparkling wines?

TL

Good point. I will have to make sure he doesn't learn about their existence. Heh.

njnear76 · 11-15-2007, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Dean

I don't like wine. I'm not sure what it is about it but EVERY wine, even ones that are "good" taste like vomit to me. If I don't carb apfelwein that vomit taste is very noticable, but if I carb it it's enjoyable and tart to me.

The fact that you like it so much gives me great hope. I'm not much of a wine guy, but I like the idea of a cheap and easy highly drinkable apple flavored 8% alcohol beverage. The fact that I can bottle it in beer bottles and it has a long shelf life is an extra bonus.

My big decision right now is whether or not I want to prime the ~three gallons with 3oz or 5oz. I'm leaning towards 5oz based on the problems some people had with carbonation. Texlaw carbonates a bit more without any issues.