Brandon O' Graff vs Graham's English Cider

JonGoku · 01-17-2010, 06:01 PM

I have been reading a lot on Ciders in this forum and besides the obvious fad of making Apfelwein there are two other recipes that stuck out as a potential winner of my next attempt at a cider. One was Graham's English Cider and the other was Brandon O's Graff. They are both slight variations on attempts to improve the Applejuice+sugar+yeast monster started by Mr. Ed, and I would like to hear from people who have done both and if they could give a comparison review.

Cheers!

JonGoku · 01-18-2010, 08:09 AM

Due to lack of responses I decided to brew 4 gallons of each. I guess I'll compare them myself in a few months.

**rodd** · 01-18-2010, 02:34 PM

I am curious to hear your results. I made a batch of Graff, and love the stuff, but I haven't tried Graham's English Cider

JonGoku · 01-18-2010, 08:44 PM

Well, I'll compare the Apfelwine too. In the pic below the Graff is on the left, and English Cider is on the right. Both are about 14 hours post pitching. The one in the middle is Apfelwine that is a month old. It has almost dropped clear. Oh, and behind the Graff is an Amarillo IPA I brewed yesterday too along with the Graff and EC.

Picture quality is poor as my phone was the only camera I had on hand.

Cheers!

JarrodH · 01-18-2010, 09:40 PM

I would be interested in the results as well. I have brewed Graff and love it, but havent tried that other cider.

vespa2t · 01-18-2010, 09:49 PM

I loves me some Graff. I just ran out. Thanks for reminding me to make more

JonGoku · 02-11-2010, 05:20 AM

Life's been busy, but thankfully that helps time pass more quickly right? Anyways, here are a few picture updates. I'll see about doing some hydrometer test and tastings this weekend.

1/21/2010 (4 days after pitching)
The Graff on the left changed color (got murky?) due to yeast activity.

2/9/2010 (19 days after pitching Graff & EC, 46 days for the Apfelwein)
Apfelwein is crystal clear

JonGoku · 02-11-2010, 05:24 AM

Here's some individual shots a little more close up.

Graff (19 days)

English Cider (19 days)

Apfelwein (46 days)

**rodd** · 02-11-2010, 12:27 PM

Thanks for keeping us posted!

JonGoku · 02-11-2010, 04:44 PM

The Apfelwein tempted me last night and so I pulled a hydro sample.

The Apfelwein after 47 days from pitching tasted like a chardonnay with hints of apple. Actually quite good and better than I expected after reading some of the naysayers' posts here.

Apfelwein was:
OG 1.074
FG 1.001
ABV 9.61%

I used 5 gallons of Kirkland (Costco brand) not from concentrate apple juice + 2lbs dextrose w/ Lalvin KIV-1116 yeast (LHBS did not carry Red Star Montrachet per Mr. Ed's original recipe).