Recent content by morlando27

I thought it was a little strange myself but the directions have you add the "sweetener sachet" along with the yeast, then add "cider essence" (flavoring) at the end of fermentation. Maybe there are some fermentable ingredients in the sweetener as well?

No, I didn't think to take a reading before adding the artificial sweetener. I have another flavor kit to try when I'm done with this one so I will take before/after readings next time to see if the sweetener alters the refractometer reading. Since the sweetener doesn't ferment, as long as I...

It tastes quite sweet to me BUT the directions have you add an artificial sweetener at the same time as pitching the yeast so I think a lot of the sweetness can be attributed to that.

Using a refractometer. I've used it before but guess I forgot that you need to calculate the final gravity to account for alcohol rather than taking a direct reading. Oops!

I started brewing a Mangrove Jack's pear cider kit January 7th. The initial SG reading was 1.051. One week later, it was 1.025, where it has been stuck ever since. I have tried raising the temperature using a heating mat, adding yeast energizer, and pitching a new packet of rehydrated yeast...