cgr2973

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I am making my first batch of cider only a gallon and cheated using some store bought pasteurized cider. I have two questions first is how long roughly would primary fermentation take. It has been two weeks and already there is little to no bubble activity. My second questions is should I have added some yeast nutrient to it

roadymi

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I'd primary at least a month. My ciders are normally at least 6-9 months old before I keg or bottle them. Prescribed amount of nutrient never hurts but not as critical for cider as it is mead. Also depends on how much sugar you add. The more you stress the yeast the more they benefit from nutrition.

__________________
Reality is an illusion that occurs due to the lack of alcohol.
Give a man a beer, he'll drink for the day.Teach a man to brew, he'll be drunk the rest of his life.
I have 8 carboys, 8 cornies, 5-1 gal jugs, 200 wine bottles, 10 cases of beer bottles and a nice assortment of flip tops....My goal is to keep them at least 50% occupied

cgr2973

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So even though there is no more activity in the primary fermentation you suggest waiting another two weeks before racking to a secondary?

roadymi

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There may be no visible activity..........but stuff is happening..........mainly yeast cleaning up after themselves. As I said.......I start my ciders in Oct and don't rack until feb or march. Patience my friend.

__________________
Reality is an illusion that occurs due to the lack of alcohol.
Give a man a beer, he'll drink for the day.Teach a man to brew, he'll be drunk the rest of his life.
I have 8 carboys, 8 cornies, 5-1 gal jugs, 200 wine bottles, 10 cases of beer bottles and a nice assortment of flip tops....My goal is to keep them at least 50% occupied

Vox

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I heard that leaving it in the primary too long can cause off flavors. So you leave it in the primary for months and then bottle?

onthekeg

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You heard wrong. Leave it sit for awhile and rack after its done clearing.

cgr2973

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Thanks I will take your advice.

Bonjourmate

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Are ciders prone to blow off? Would it be wise to just add yeast to a gallon jug and allow it to ferment?

MarkKF

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I also heard leaving it with floating fruit or a big yeast cake can cause off flavors. Also, racking and leaving the sediment behind helps the clearing start earlier.

cgr2973

Recipes 

The first night it looked like there was going to be some issues but it contained it's self