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Slow Primary Fermentation

Discussion in 'Cider Forum' started by Jason4run, Apr 28, 2010.

 

  1. #1
    Jason4run

    Member

    Posted Apr 28, 2010
    My primary fermentation has not become "vigorous" after 4 days. I am getting a bubble from the airlock every 2 seconds. Is that a problem? I am using a 4-gallon water jug from Sam's Club for my primary. I assume it is sterile because I bought it and dumped the water out and used it immediately. I put in 3 gallons of Sam's Club apple juice (no preservatives) and 6 cups of sugar. I rehydrated Red Star Pasteur Champagne yeast and pitched it in. Temperature was around 70 degrees. When I moved it the next day, it foamed up like a coke bottle. Does anything sound bad here? I plan to top it off with apple juice and just let nature take its course.
     
  2. #2
    jvlpdillon

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Apr 28, 2010
    We all have had concerns, and we have all asked is it fine, and usually the answer is yes.

    You can't make yeast do what you want them too. If you are concerned take a gravity reading. Or just wait for a few weeks.

    As for the Champagne yeast. This seems to strip the apple flavor out for the first 6 months. Then freakishly the flavor will come back. Go ahead and drink it young, but do yourself a favor and save some for a year and see what happens.
     
  3. #3
    unclejimbay

    Active Member

    Posted Apr 28, 2010
    This sounds like a perfectly normal Apple Wine fermentation with RS Champ yeast to me. I think you are off to a great start for sure! Leave it be for at least 4 weeks and it shoudl clear nicely if you leave it at 70F.

    Dont bottle it earlier than 4 weeks though, you want it to clear in the primary before bottling.
     
  4. #4
    Jason4run

    Member

    Posted Apr 28, 2010
    Great! Thanks for the replies.
     
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