A total beginner (almost)

[alvingoodewynne]

Calling all pros. Can anyone recommend cider as being a good choice for the first time homebrewer? my only experience thus far is a small batch of korean rice wine (makgeolli). Just thought that it was a bit too advanced for a beginner so I was wondering if a simple cider would be a safer option.
thanks for the help

 

[Randzor]

Juice sugar yeast wait a month, bottle.

 

[Puddlethumper]

Calling all pros. Can anyone recommend cider as being a good choice for the first time homebrewer? my only experience thus far is a small batch of korean rice wine (makgeolli). Just thought that it was a bit too advanced for a beginner so I was wondering if a simple cider would be a safer option.
thanks for the help

Cider is pretty easy. No boiling needed. Just have to keep everything clean and sanitized. Do you have a recipe in mind?

 

[SeeAliceBrewery]

Check out the thread below...it is a proven winner!

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f32/caramel-apple-hard-cider-292770/

 

[dallas996]

Cider is perfect for a first foray into brewing. My suggestion would be start with quality glass bottled juice in gallon jugs with little or no additives (like from whole foods or whatever) -very small investment in time, space and money; it will give you a good hands on start in learning the process and nuances.

Honestly, the way I started was by reading an article on ThePauperedChef website (its still there), as I was too intimidated to even look at brewing forums at the time since I was a TOTAL noob.

 

[BigAndo]

Dallas996, I understand what you mean about being too intimidated to look at forums! I'm a total noob and this is scaring me ****less. Lol


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[BigAndo]

Alvingood: we're in the same boat, and I'm planning to start exactly as above, with a one gallon batch of pressed apple juice cider! Going to kick it off on Monday.


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[dallas996]

I still use Nottingham Ale yeast as my go to for Cider (It gave me a more satisfying "mouth feel" than the SAFALE05); for me it is consistent and predictable to my setup allowing me to experiment with other things such as adding sugar, honey or other flavors. It may not be the perfect one for you, but you can figure that out over time. The process they lay out is a nice foundation and a good exploratory; I mean you are pitching in one gallon bottles- if it goes south on you, you are out 8 bucks of juice- or "hey! you just made a gallon of organic ACV!" not necessarily a bad thing

 

[ericbw]

I love cider and making cider, but it can be an unsatisfying effort for a beginner.

It is very easy to make as you see above. But the simple recipe of adding yeast to juice and wait a week or two... that will get you very dry, still cider at about 8-10% ABV. you can drink it like that or carbonate it in bottles. It takes time to age until it tastes better, and it won't be sweet.

It's a good experiment, and if you like super dry wine or champagne, you might like it. It's hard to make it good.

I think champagne yeast gives the best result as well.

A simple extract beer would be more satisfying right off the bat. Cost would be about the same as buying high end apple juice. A pound of extract and an ounce of hops (you'll only use part of the hops in a gallon!).

 

[Puddlethumper]

Cider is a great choice and it is super quick. As ericbw said above, beginner recipes for cider will probably turn out fairly dry. My wife and I happen to like them that way, but some prefer sweeter cider. Here's an easy recipe that will turn out a decent cider the first time:

If you have a Costco in your area you can get their Kirkland brand juice for about $4 a gallon. (Any brand will work. Pasteurized is fine but with no additives.)
You will also need a fermenting vessel that holds at least 20% more than your batch size (i.e. a 5 gal. batch uses a 6 gal. fermenter bucket.) Make sure the lid will seal and it is fitted with an airlock (see the local brew shop or mailorder for this item).

1. Add a tablespoon or two of brown sugar and a cinnamon stick per gallon. (Soak the cinnamon sticks in vodka for a few minutes first to sanitize them).
2. Pitch 1/5 packet of Nottingham ale yeast per gallon.
3. Let it set for about 10 days at room temperature or a little cooler. (62-66F is probably ideal)

Voila! You have cider!

You can siphon the cider off into smaller vessels for serving. If you do this carefully you'll leave the cake of spent yeast cells in the bottom of the fermenter and out of your bottles. There's no need to invest in a capper if you are making still cider. Just store it in bottles that were sanitized first, twist on the cap and refrigerate.

Major important tip: Make sure everything is clean before adding the cider (such as your fermenter bucket, mixing utensils, etc.) A good wash followed by a 2 minute dunk in StarSan or Iodophor will do nicely.

 

[BigAndo]

My husband likes dry cider, I like it sweeter, but I'll work on variations once I've got the basics! Neither of us are beer or wine drinkers, so cider is pretty much where it's at. Also, it's true that with one gallon batches, I'll not be crying too much if I have to chalk a couple up to experience.


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[Puddlethumper]

My husband likes dry cider, I like it sweeter, but I'll work on variations once I've got the basics! Neither of us are beer or wine drinkers, so cider is pretty much where it's at. Also, it's true that with one gallon batches, I'll not be crying too much if I have to chalk a couple up to experience.

You ought to give it a try. The recipe I listed above is one I got off another website and it works very reliably. I've made two 5 gallon batches so far (I normally make beer) and both times walked away from the "brewing session" amazed at how easy and quick the whole process is.

The problem I have is keeping the cider on hand. Our daughter was visiting last week and helped my wife do away with a couple bottles. And of course Dad had to send home a CARE package with her so my supply is dwindling. People say cider ages well and gets better with time like wine does. But I wouldn't know about that!

Good luck! And cheers!

 

[BigAndo]

Ok, just put together my first gallon batch ever this morning!

Pressed apple juice
Half a cup strong tea
One cup Demerara sugar
1 teaspoon wine yeast

Hopefully, I'll see some action soon!




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