1 Gallon Cider Fermentation

[smAllGrain]

Looking to do my first Cider. I have 1 gallon of Cider from the apple orchard and am looking to make some Hard Cider without having to purchase additional equipment.

My questions are

1. How much space do I need for the Cider Krausen
2. Can I ferment in the 1 Gallon Milk Jug that I received from the Orchard
3. If I am unable to ferment in the 1 Gallon jug can I split the 1 gallon into two growlers and ferment in those? If so I would then transfer the Hard Cider into a 1 gallon jug as a secondary.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Again, would like to do this with existing equipment that I have.

 

[chocotaco]

A one-gallon glass fermenter can be had for under 10 bucks including bung and airlock. If you use a wine or specialty cider yeast it should have enough headspace for the minimal krausen. Use a blowoff tube to be sure until the krausen falls.

A 1-gallon milk jug (assuming you mean the PET plastic milk jug style container) really is 1 gallon, whereas a 1-gallon glass jug has a little extra room in it - 1 gallon will fall just above the bottom of the "cone" part of the jug.

 

[smAllGrain]

A one-gallon glass fermenter can be had for under 10 bucks including bung and airlock. If you use a wine or specialty cider yeast it should have enough headspace for the minimal krausen. Use a blowoff tube to be sure until the krausen falls.

A 1-gallon milk jug (assuming you mean the PET plastic milk jug style container) really is 1 gallon, whereas a 1-gallon glass jug has a little extra room in it - 1 gallon will fall just above the bottom of the "cone" part of the jug.

I would assume I be ok to secondary in the 1 gallon PET plastic jug then?

Any harm in using two Growler's to ferment 1 gallon. Splitting the one gallon between two growlers? That way I have glass all the way?

 

[chocotaco]

I am not sure about the oxygen permeability of the PET jug. It is not thick PET like a better bottle, and it's not really designed for long term storage of something.

I'm not sure the growlers have enough extra room, but you could measure it. You could also get a 1-gallon fermenter for primary and do secondary in the growlers.

 

[smAllGrain]

I am not sure about the oxygen permeability of the PET jug. It is not thick PET like a better bottle, and it's not really designed for long term storage of something.

I'm not sure the growlers have enough extra room, but you could measure it. You could also get a 1-gallon fermenter for primary and do secondary in the growlers.

Not sure why I didn't think about that I think that is going to be the route I take. Thanks for your time. I really appreciate it

 

[mythbustingpyro]

Also, I don't know if there are any places near you that have any but a few places here (mostly organic or health oriented stores eg. Earthfare) sell juice in glass carboys for ~$8 and glass carboys on the other side of the store for $12. Guess which I get? I have seen the jugs as little as $6 at the lhbs, but im opposed to buying empties. Ive ferment in the gallon pet jugs before, its tight but you can pour some out and add it back later.

 

[smAllGrain]

Thanks for the responses. I guess the other question is do I need to secondary Cider? Can I just bottle after a month in primary?

 

[chocotaco]

No idea, that's something you should search for/ask about in the cider forum.

 

[obie]

there is no need to secondary unless you think it could be clearer. Both the 5gal ciders I made were only in the primary before bottling. Make sure your yeast is done before bottling!

 

[smAllGrain]

there is no need to secondary unless you think it could be clearer. Both the 5gal ciders I made were only in the primary before bottling. Make sure your yeast is done before bottling!

I'm not really worried about it being clear so I will check fg & then bottle. appreciate the response.

I did create a new thread in the Cider Forum with additional questions if anyone is interested in taking a crack at them

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f32/secondary-needed-pitch-ale-slurry-492360/

 

[chocotaco]

If you're using ale yeast as your other thread indicates, be ready for a significant krausen. I would use a larger fermenter if I were you. Definitely use at least a blow off tube or you'll be admiring your cider from underneath it.

 

[smAllGrain]

If you're using ale yeast as your other thread indicates, be ready for a significant krausen. I would use a larger fermenter if I were you. Definitely use at least a blow off tube or you'll be admiring your cider from underneath it.

I have a 4 Gallon frosting bucket I got from a bakery. Any issues with fermenting a gallon of cider in a 4 gallon bucket?

 

[Rootski]

I just did this same thing on Sunday. Got a gallon of "fresh cider" from a local orchard. I dumped it into a 1 gallon glass carboy and added about 1/3 packet of dry ale yeast. Only then did I realize that the cider had sorbate in it which inhibits the yeast. I added the rest of the yeast about a day later and now I have a thick krausen taking up almost the entire headspace as of this morning.