Cornucopia Wildberry - Fruit Pack Question

[calmingapple]

Hi!

I am looking for advice from those who have experience with the Cornucopia Fruit packs or packs in general and if I should only use half of the pack to start? Myself and family enjoy wine dry for the most part with a touch of sweetness.

This is my first Cornucopia kit intended for a BBQ gathering. I did see a post somewhere were Yooper advised another poster to "adjust as needed" so to speak.

I was also curious if these packs spoil quickly once opened, or can I store the other half away in a bottle somewhere for use in other kits down the road (2 months time).

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[calmingapple]

Bump. Anyone?

I was thinking of storing the F-pack liquid in an air-tight container and use it only a bit at a time.
They give you a lot of liquid in the packs, so it would be nice if I could make it stretch and use it when I come across kits needing more fruit flavor.

 

[mgonbrewlab]

Reading reviews on Amazon some people will either add half or all of the F-Pac to the primary to ferment it, sweetening with the remaining F-Pac or sugar if needed. the main complaint with these kits is lack of body - other reviewers wanting a full body wine have reduced the batch size to 3 gallons. Not sure if it is the best route, but it is also an option.

 

[calmingapple]

Isn't the F-pack made of non-fermentable sugar and potassium sorbate? I could be wrong, I just read somewhere it was (back of box does not list all ingredients).

I made this to the 5 gallon mark. I heard to reduce the water but did not heard 3 gallons being recommended. Good to know though for future!

I am about 6 days in right now with SG at 1.010 and this is without the f pack added.

I didn't get any replies here on HBF so I started the kit SANS F pack but figured I could add half the pack during de-gassing stage/clearing/finings. Again, this leads me to think the F pack it won't kick up fermentation... and has pot. sorbate.

It never dawned on me to add it right at start (nor was it advised as per kit instructions)... I would have been concerned any potassium sorbate would stall fermentation.

Thanks for the advice. I am going to try half.

Reading reviews on Amazon some people will either add half or all of the F-Pac to the primary to ferment it, sweetening with the remaining F-Pac or sugar if needed. the main complaint with these kits is lack of body - other reviewers wanting a full body wine have reduced the batch size to 3 gallons. Not sure if it is the best route, but it is also an option.

 

[mgonbrewlab]

I don't know if it sorbated or not. I have never tried nor do I know how it will turn out. If you do try let us know

 

[jensmith]

Never used a f-pak or made a kit. However adding to taste is always good advise. You should be able to store the unused juice in the fridge. If in dought toss it in the freezer. It will keep just fine in there!


Sent from my iPod touch using Home Brew

 

[mgonbrewlab]

If your kit includes stabalizer the F Pac may be sulfited to prevent infection and to prevent spontaneous fermentation

 

[DoctorCAD]

The f pack is nothing but artifical flavors and stabilizers. You could probably leagebit on the counter and it would just dry up.

 

[calmingapple]

Thanks for the replies. I decided to with-hold half of the F pack and let it clear for 5 days. Took a taste and it is perfect. I think adding the entire thing would have made it way too sweet for my liking (or family's liking).

And it gave a touch of body to an otherwise VERY thin wine. Next time I will make it to 4 gallons - not 5. So I am learning how to tweak these type of kits. I will buy another one soon.

Thanks again for the tips.

 

[calmingapple]

Well I followed instructions and I added half the F pack along with the sulphite/stabilizer. I will use the other half for a blackberry wine I hope to make soon.

So far it's quite good. I expected the flavor to taste extremely fake and overly sweet but I got the wildberry chianti and it's the best wine cooler I've ever tasted and perfect for my tastes.

Drinking this in a few weeks time at bbq, will let you know what other think :-D

I don't know if it sorbated or not. I have never tried nor do I know how it will turn out. If you do try let us know