I've found that time is of essence(spl?).I start it in a glass carboy using a high floculating yeast(I believe)-sometimes Lalvin 1116 or 1118....I let er set in that carboy until all the activity has stopped,then let it sit even longer....Every batch I've done this way has turned out fantastic ! Although all have been "still" cider all have gotten rave reviews by the local cider "peers",even had a bottle get auctioned off at our towns fall festival-brought $62.00(that was after sampling a bottle the evening before).Sorry to run long. Shane