OptimusJay
Well-Known Member
Hi all. Just signed up to the forum after lurking for a few weeks, what a great resource.
Here is the recipe I used:
12 lbs honey (my own, am a beekeeper)
6 tsp yeast energizer
5 tbs acid blend
3/4 tsp tannin
5 campden tablets
3 lbs apricot puree (Vintners Harvest)
Lalvin EC 1118 5g packet yeast
I combined everything except the yeast into a 6.5 gal bucket, making sure all ingredients were dissolved. Covered bucket with a towel for 24 hours.
After those 24 hours I took my initial SG reading of 1.100' temp of liquid was 74, so corrected SG was 1.101 Rehydrated my EC 1118 according to package instructions and poured onto the must. Covered back up with only the towel.
It has been about 20 hours since pitching and there is a nice foamy layer on top so I assume things are going as they should.
The basic instructions I am following say to let this sit as is, covered with only the towel for 7 to 10 days, take another SG reading, then rack it, at which time the lid and airlock would be added. Does this sound logical? I assume this "towel only" is to degas it? But I have also seen references to oxygenating. Should I be doing that as well?
I will likely have more questions about adding additional fruit to the secondary and what all that entails.
Thanks in advance for your tips and suggestions.
Jay
Here is the recipe I used:
12 lbs honey (my own, am a beekeeper)
6 tsp yeast energizer
5 tbs acid blend
3/4 tsp tannin
5 campden tablets
3 lbs apricot puree (Vintners Harvest)
Lalvin EC 1118 5g packet yeast
I combined everything except the yeast into a 6.5 gal bucket, making sure all ingredients were dissolved. Covered bucket with a towel for 24 hours.
After those 24 hours I took my initial SG reading of 1.100' temp of liquid was 74, so corrected SG was 1.101 Rehydrated my EC 1118 according to package instructions and poured onto the must. Covered back up with only the towel.
It has been about 20 hours since pitching and there is a nice foamy layer on top so I assume things are going as they should.
The basic instructions I am following say to let this sit as is, covered with only the towel for 7 to 10 days, take another SG reading, then rack it, at which time the lid and airlock would be added. Does this sound logical? I assume this "towel only" is to degas it? But I have also seen references to oxygenating. Should I be doing that as well?
I will likely have more questions about adding additional fruit to the secondary and what all that entails.
Thanks in advance for your tips and suggestions.
Jay