Adding additional cider

[HowardW]

Folks, I started with 5 gal of fresh cider but put it in a 6 1/2 gal carboy, I am thinking there is too much space at the top of the carboy to really give me an accurate idea of what is going on. Since I have all the time to wait and I am in no particular rush I was wondering if adding an additional gal or so would hurt anything? Should I also add more yeast? This stuff ferments pretty quickly anyway, my 6th gal was waiting outside in the cold air to be added but when I went to get it, it was just about to the fizzy vinegar state.

 

[Newsman]

5 gallons should be fine. Did you add any extra sugar or anything? What about yeast nutrients? You'll probably want both of those.

 

[HowardW]

5 gallons should be fine. Did you add any extra sugar or anything? What about yeast nutrients? You'll probably want both of those.

Oh sorry, yes there was 5 lbs of dark brown sugar and a packet of EC-1118

 

[UpstateMike]

You added 5 pounds of brown sugar? What was your starting gravity?

 

[UpstateMike]

I just read that 1 lb of brown sugar will raise gravity 0.046 in one gallon of water. So 5 pounds in 5 gallons of cider would be 0.046 + whatever the cider is, lets say 1.052. So I'm going to guess that you started at 1.098.

Assuming you ferment it dry, (0.995), you will be looking at about 13.5%.

I would let it sit for a year in the bottles before drinking. Maybe even a bit longer.