Cider questions

[banks741938]

This is my first batch of cider. 1 gallon

I used musclemans juice, us05 half pack, and yeast nutrient. I fermented for 2 weeks in primary and decided to rack it to secondary tonight. I had a small sample of it and wow it was not to tasty. Def on the dry side but had some decent Apple tones. Hoping it will get better with time. My question is this to much head space for secondary. If so what do I need to do to fix it? Thanks!View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1425609522.418320.jpg

 

[banks741938]

Also forgot I put 1/2 cup brown sugar in it as well.

 

[FloppyKnockers]

Nah, you're good. Give it time...it'll get better.

 

[vincentAlpha]

Yea the dryness will fade/improve. I like my cider young (patience is not a virtue of mine ) so I use an ale yeast and keep it on the sweeter side and I still find my stuff won't peak until about 4-6 weeks from the start of things. I've got a batch of Edwort's on tap at about 8 weeks old or more and still find it a bit too raw for my taste.

 

[madscientist451]

Skip the yeast nutrient next time and try to keep the fermentation temp
65 or lower. 2-3 months is the minimum amount of aging time it needs, but 6 to 9 or even 12 months would be better.

 

[banks741938]

True. This cider thing is def. gonna test my patience...... I had a half pack of us 05 and the juice so I figured why the heck I'll give it a shot.

 

[banks741938]

How about the head space. Am I ok?

 

[Yooper]

How about the head space. Am I ok?

No. I'd bottle ASAP if the gravity readings are stable, as that much headspace is a problem.

 

[Paps]

You can eliminate the headspace by taking some glass marbles that a kid would play with and boil them for 15 minutes, let them cool, then add them into your glass jug to take up the extra space. I'm personally not very fond of the namebrand of juice you used. IMHO motts or tree-top are better brands for making cider. Try them and judge for yourself which you like best.
-cheers.

 

[banks741938]

Thanks paps. I just had that one on hand so that's what I used. Thanks

 

[-Fusion]

No. I'd bottle ASAP if the gravity readings are stable, as that much headspace is a problem.

For primary would that head space be ok? Or taking it up to the lettering be better?

 

[Yooper]

For primary would that head space be ok? Or taking it up to the lettering be better?

During active fermentation, headspace is fine. I don't even airlock mine, until fermentation slows down, to avoid a mess!

 

[Maylar]

How about the head space. Am I ok?

Unfortunately, that's what you get when you rack a one gallon batch to secondary. I have done that before and bottled within 2 weeks and not had any problems. I have some glass beads intended for filling flower vases that I use to take up the space in small carboys now.

 

[-Fusion]

During active fermentation, headspace is fine. I don't even airlock mine, until fermentation slows down, to avoid a mess!

I will try this with a batch.

Also adding the glass marbles after I rack should they get a starsan dip after being boiled?

 

[Maylar]

I will try this with a batch.

Also adding the glass marbles after I rack should they get a starsan dip after being boiled?

Yes. I don't boil them because I worry about them cracking. I soak them in One Step cleaner overnight, rinse well then soak again in Starsan for 5 minutes.

 

[-Fusion]

Thanks Maylar!

Today I woke up to my cider being a lot clearer. I added the pectin enzymes about 12 hours ago. Can I rack this to get that crap out or will my yeast munch on it?

 

[Maylar]

12 hrs isn't very long. Give it a few days and rack it again.