Cider flavoring

[KJGM]

I am currently on batch #48 of what is basically a turbocider. These have been turning out to be quite nice, with slight improvements each time. I find that we LOVE the hopped cider we have been experimenting with.

So what I'm doing is using 5 gallons of Costco cider, yeast nutrient, pectin enzymne, and champagne yeast. After 2 to 3 weeks we rack to a clean carboy, and if it is at least close to 0.000 we add some hops and let it sit 10-20 days. Then we add about 3/4 tsp of Stevia powder and 60ml of apple extract. Often I will also pour in one can of frozen apple juice for more flavor. Then we either add Potassium Sorbate and rack it to a Corny keg, or DON'T add Potassium Sorbate but bottle it with carb drops (we have also, on two occasions, added the Sorbate and bottled it with carb drops - which of course did NOT carbonate but turned out to be rather sweet - sigh).

So after that LONG introduction, my question is this - where do people buy apple extract? I have been purchasing via Amazon, but the cost seems a bit high, especially for the green apple extract, which only seems to be available in small bottles, with relatively high shipping charges.

Cheers, and hope to hear something good, LOL.

 

[bmd2k1]

I'm a newbie...but have been doing a lot of researching for flavorings....and it seems like a bunch of folks have been happy with LorAnn products. (Found multiple posts on the forums). I personally haven't used em yet....but intend to as my cider making progresses. They can found found on EBay w/free shipping.

Cheers!

 

[RPh_Guy]

On walmart.com I see apple extract 128oz for $128, so $2 USD per batch with your usage.

You could also make your own extract/concentrate if you wanted. Extract is not that hard to make. Might be cheaper; I don't know.

....
P.S. welcome to the forum! What yeast are you using and how much nutrient?
Interesting ideas here. I've been doing it old school, just apple juice and yeast.

 

[Maylar]

I've used stuff from Nature's Flavors before - especially their apple concentrate. A little goes a looooong way.