Cider as an Christmas gift (Do I have time?)

Hey guys,

So my wife volunteered me to brew up some hard cider for her fellow teachers (what teacher doesn't like apples?) And I was thinking if I put express instructions to not open until xmas that would give a good 3.5 weeks for a primary, and a little more than a week for bottle conditioning.

Is this feasible?

I am planning on brewing w/champagne yeast, and brown sugar. My wife loved the one I did two years ago. (just getting back into brewing after a years hiatus due to living situation)

Should I do one large (3 gal) batch, or three single gallon batches?
Anything else I am forgetting?

Thanks for your always wonderful input!!

There is a 7 day, somewhere on the board.

It would be pushing it, but if you don't add anything to boost the OG, and perhaps use a finning agent, it should make it. I don't know how well it can be expected to turn out in 6 weeks though.

Also, thinking of adding cinnamon, when should this be done?

Sweeter will be better than dryer for a short term cider. Also keep the ABV lower as stated. I think I would go with a ale yeast instead of a champagne also. Cinnamon can be added anytime but go easy. 1 stick in 3 gallons for a week or so.

roadymi said:

Sweeter will be better than dryer for a short term cider. Also keep the ABV lower as stated. I think I would go with a ale yeast instead of a champagne also. Cinnamon can be added anytime but go easy. 1 stick in 3 gallons for a week or so.

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+1

Use a neutral ale yeast and don't add much sugar. DME is good for boosting gravity and body without adding much fermentation time ( just a wee bit though, less than a couple pounds)

Cinnamon should be added to secondary.

Start soon though!