Brewin_CRAZY
Well-Known Member
About 8 months ago we started 50 gallons of home pressed cider. Of those we did what we normally do and added sugar to bring up the SG of some and left some to just be natural hard cider. However with 15 gallons of it we decided to try some new sugars. three 5 gallon carboys were filled with fresh pressed apple juice then each had its specific addition. One was Brown sugar, one was honey, and one was just plan old cane sugar. Time has gone by, our cider is done and bottled and this is the verdict.
Cane Sugar: Estimated ABV: 11-12%
No different than regular sugar. Amazing taste, mildly fruity definitely could offend some palates. Alcohol almost smells like vodka was added, but not to strong for an average drinker. Probably not for light drinkers or first time cider drinkers. Would make again.
Brown Sugar:Estimated ABV: 9-10%
Very strange taste, not fruity at all, the brown sugar really took over the taste of the cider. We were quite disappointing with this one. Still had enough alcohol to kick you in the pants but the taste just wasnt what we like in cider. Almost smokey, just gave it a really weird taste.
Honey: Estimated ABV: 11-12%
HOLY CRAP, why didnt we try this sooner. Best cider we have ever made. Similar to the sugar but has a much sweeter taste, a lot more smooth going down, but not any more fruity. My fiance couldnt drink the sugar but liked the honey and they are the same abv. Just amazing, gotta savor every last drop of this stuff.
Just thought I would make a little post of our long term experiment. I would definitely recommend people try the addition of honey to their cider.
Cane Sugar: Estimated ABV: 11-12%
No different than regular sugar. Amazing taste, mildly fruity definitely could offend some palates. Alcohol almost smells like vodka was added, but not to strong for an average drinker. Probably not for light drinkers or first time cider drinkers. Would make again.
Brown Sugar:Estimated ABV: 9-10%
Very strange taste, not fruity at all, the brown sugar really took over the taste of the cider. We were quite disappointing with this one. Still had enough alcohol to kick you in the pants but the taste just wasnt what we like in cider. Almost smokey, just gave it a really weird taste.
Honey: Estimated ABV: 11-12%
HOLY CRAP, why didnt we try this sooner. Best cider we have ever made. Similar to the sugar but has a much sweeter taste, a lot more smooth going down, but not any more fruity. My fiance couldnt drink the sugar but liked the honey and they are the same abv. Just amazing, gotta savor every last drop of this stuff.
Just thought I would make a little post of our long term experiment. I would definitely recommend people try the addition of honey to their cider.