Recent content by Pharmer88

We ordered the kits in December and the vials went right into the fridge. They were 2 months from being outdated. It has picked up but I guess I havent had that issue with viability yet and was afraid of contamination. The next thing on my want list is a stir plate to help with making good...

I've used US-05 for most of my batches so far but right now I have 2 IPA's going with one of each of these strains (wlp001 and US-05). I was a little worried about the wlp001 from the minute I opened the vial. It fizzed a little bit but didn't really try escaping like others I've had from them...

Dissolved about 1lb of brown sugar in about a pint of cider. Brought it up to 180F or so degrees and held it for a bit then cooled it to 120F. Then I added it to the secondary with little bit of the yeast cake I harvested (in a sterile jar) after primary. (figured I'd give the healthy yeast...

I read a recipe that added 1lb of brown sugar to the secondary. I thought that sounded good on the flavor, sweetness and abv fronts. Just not sure what drawbacks there might be to doing that.

OG: 1.055 Current reading: 1.005. I think fermentation is going fine haha. It tasted a little off though. I think a month in secondary and some carbonation will help this greatly. I know this is rushing it for cider but I'd really like to have it on tap for Thanksgiving. Any tips on improving...

What advantage does adding yeast nutrient give you? I haven't used any and I'm wondering if I should this late into fermentation or if I should just let it go and see what happens.

I haven't gotten a chance to check it yet. I won't be home until Wednesday but it's the first thing I plan to do when I get home haha. I know it's still bubbling because I asked my gf to go check, I had to know. OG was 1.055

This is my first cider and I'm not sure what is going on. I used 3 gallons of hand pressed unpasteurized and unpreserved cider with 2 gallons of commercial cider (all 5 gallons from the same farm) with <0.1% potassium sorbate. Let it sit in the gallon jugs until about room temp (mid...