thatjoshguy
Well-Known Member
So i've been looking around for the whole process to make a sparkling hard pear cider from pears, and have noticed that I can't find exact recipes anywhere... I've taken what I could from each resource and came up with a process which I think will work, but thought I would consult the experts first. I plan on using an ale yeast. I also want to make a 5 gallon batch. So here's my process, does anyone have any input?
Should I prime the cider with anything before bottling? I've read that using honey will result in a sweeter cider, which is what I'm looking for.
Again, I've made an extract beer so far and it came out nicely, btu I've never made a cider. I'm open to any and all input you may have as the wife and I would love for this to be a hit!
- pick fresh pears, wash, and allow to ripen for a few days
- peel and mash the pears in a food processer
- allow mashed pears to sit covered overnight in a cool place
- press the mashed pears in cider press
- simmer the juice with seasonings over medium heat for 45 min, do not boil
- add honey to raise OG to about 1.055
- top up with unpasturized apple cider if more volume is needed
- check the pH - GOAL pH: 3.9-4.0
- to lower pH add malic acid
- to raise pH add precipitated chalk
- pitch with yeast into carboy
- after about a week, rack into second carboy
- bottle after 24 hrs if no activity, otherwise rack into carboy again
- age at least 3 months
Should I prime the cider with anything before bottling? I've read that using honey will result in a sweeter cider, which is what I'm looking for.
Again, I've made an extract beer so far and it came out nicely, btu I've never made a cider. I'm open to any and all input you may have as the wife and I would love for this to be a hit!