Cider + Whiskey

[mgamman]

I currently have a 2.5 gal batch of cider going (about 5 days in; with Nottingham Ale Yeast) and I’m thinking of infusing whiskey (Jameson) during secondary.

Any thoughts about how much whiskey I should add? I was planning on adding to taste, but I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion on a starting point? Maybe around 1 cup?

Thanks!

 

[CKuhns]

Why Whiskey? Are you looking for whiskey flavor or additional alcohol?

If you are looking for the smokey flavor whiskey has then consider 1 oz Medium Toast Oak Chips for 7 - 14 days taste it each day until it hits the flavor profile you want.

Another option would be to add the Whiskey to each glass when poured. I have tried Jameson and Fireball. I prefer the cinnamon that comes with the fireball vs the Jameson. Again you may have to experiment a bit to get the amount right.

 

[mgamman]

Looking more for the flavor, but a little extra alcohol never hurt anybody.

I’m not a huge fan of the flavor that oak chips provide, but I do like Jameson’s flavor. I’m also not a big fan of the cinnamon flavor that Fireball has - otherwise I would try that too!

Do you think it would be better to add during secondary? Or just skip secondary and just add whiskey during bottling?

 

[ddibbern5]

I have 5 gallons of cider in my keezer that might have been back sweetened a little too much (idk had a friend who came over to help back sweeten and we’ve always loved his cider) but the cider was for “shmbo” and she happens to love whiskey! Please keep me posted on how it works out!! ABV is already at 7.1 [emoji51][emoji85][emoji482]

 

[Drewed]

If yonot want a still cider, then go for it. I don't know if it will bottle carbonate with the whiskey in it as the alcohol might be too high for the yeast to survive. I'd mix when served- shot of whiskey, shot of ginger ale, top with cider!

 

[mgamman]

If yonot want a still cider, then go for it. I don't know if it will bottle carbonate with the whiskey in it as the alcohol might be too high for the yeast to survive. I'd mix when served- shot of whiskey, shot of ginger ale, top with cider!

That’s a good point - I didn’t think of that. Unfortunately I don’t have the space to keg, otherwise I would 100% be doing that.

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Maylar]

There's a local drink called a "bee sting". Take a shot of mead and add it to your cider at serving time.

 

[JKenshi]

If it was me... and my experience is not as extensive as many here... I'd pour a pint glass of a cider I like and start adding the whiskey a teaspoon at a time until I get the flavor I want. Then, I'd scale up to my 2.5 gallons and add that amount at bottling time. As said, possibly hit or miss on the carbonation, so maybe stay on the dry side a little.

Of course, you could also pull a single bottle's worth, scale the whiskey back down, back sweeten to scale, bottle and see what happens. Then act appropriately with the rest of the batch. It probably won't hurt to let it sit for a bit while that one bottle carbs up or not.

 

[mgamman]

If it was me... and my experience is not as extensive as many here... I'd pour a pint glass of a cider I like and start adding the whiskey a teaspoon at a time until I get the flavor I want. Then, I'd scale up to my 2.5 gallons and add that amount at bottling time. As said, possibly hit or miss on the carbonation, so maybe stay on the dry side a little.



Of course, you could also pull a single bottle's worth, scale the whiskey back down, back sweeten to scale, bottle and see what happens. Then act appropriately with the rest of the batch. It probably won't hurt to let it sit for a bit while that one bottle carbs up or not.

Yeah, I figured this was my best option. I already did it actually, so I have a rough starting point. For a 2.5 gallon batch, I’m probably going to stick with 1-2 cups (depending on taste).

Thanks!

 

[MarkKF]

Johnny Jump Up is an Irish drink 8 oz. hard cider + 1 oz. bourbon. I’m not a bourbon fan so I started drinking 12 oz. hard cider + 2 oz. Jameson and love it! It’s my go to for any cider lacking flavor, my own or commercial.