could do with some fermenting advice

[user 61117]

I have just under 4 gallons of apple juice (not a lot I know), I have this in a fermenting tub, I've added some yeast and have put a campden tablet in.

Do I need to add anything else? how long should I wait till I bottle it?

once bottled instead of adding any sugar, I was planning on putting some blackberrys in and leave it, unsure of how long to leave it though.

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers

 

[ThePwnStick]

You can add 1.6 pounds of sugar to make it Edwort's Apfelwein.

 

[Indian_villager]

Did you put in the campden before or after the yeast?

 

[lumpher]

you have to add some sugar. otherwise, you get apple juice fit to sterilize a baby's bottle

 

[Kauai_Kahuna]

One tablet will slow the fermentation, you can stir the heck out of the must to help it along. The rule is one tablet per gallon 24 hours before pitching the yeast to kill any wild bacteria / yeast.
If your using store bought juice, you don't have to. I never have and have yet to have a problem of an infection.
Do you have a hydrometer and taken an OG? I'm not to strict on it, but it does help A LOT! If only to know the alcohol content, and allow for safe bottling, etc.

 

[oldmate]

For a traditional cider, don't add any sugar, albeit it probably won't have a high ABV (unless you took an OG?). You could always add some sugar as suggested above to bump up the volume, but I suggest to leave it how it is for your first go, transfer the cider from the primary fermenter to a secondary with some sterilised blackberry's (if you want) and leave it for another week or so.

 

[user 61117]

cheers for the advice ill prob put some sugar in it, but when should i add it?

Did you put in the campden before or after the yeast?

after the yeast bout 3 days later.

 

[CvilleKevin]

If you only added 1 tab you are probably OK but if you added 1 per gal, then you may need to repitch the yeast or the taste will be off. In that case, I'd recommend using Brupack Ale yeast which is a good UK yeast for cider. Which yeast did you use? I agree with oldmate, but if you do add sugar do it asap and not more than 24oz max or you will wash out the apple taste.

 

[user 61117]

If you only added 1 tab you are probably OK but if you added 1 per gal, then you may need to repitch the yeast or the taste will be off. In that case, I'd recommend using Brupack Ale yeast which is a good UK yeast for cider. Which yeast did you use? I agree with oldmate, but if you do add sugar do it asap and not more than 24oz max or you will wash out the apple taste.

thanks. I only added one tablet. The yeast was a Youngs cider yeast sachet for 5 gallons of juice.

Think ill put a tablespoon full of sugar in it tonight, only like 2 tablespoons/1oz. Will I be okay stirring it in, don't want to ruin it.

I put my hydrometer in the fermenting tub before, said its about 3/4%, is that right, as I only put the yeast in on the 27th Aug.

Sorry about all the questions, I appreciate it.

 

[CvilleKevin]

Young's cider yeast is good for a real dry clean cider and is a fast fermenter. I made a batch with it that came out a good bit drier than I like, but still very good. It will probably take a few months to age.

Did you take a starting SG reading? If its over 1.050, I wouldnt recommend adding sugar with this yeast. If you do add sugar, you can just stir the sugar in, but put it in real slow or it will foam up on you. Give the carboy a shake afterwards.

 

[user 61117]

Young's cider yeast is good for a real dry clean cider and is a fast fermenter. I made a batch with it that came out a good bit drier than I like, but still very good. It will probably take a few months to age.

Did you take a starting SG reading? If its over 1.050, I wouldnt recommend adding sugar with this yeast. If you do add sugar, you can just stir the sugar in, but put it in real slow or it will foam up on you. Give the carboy a shake afterwards.

nice one mate, i didnt take a SG reading beforehand, ive put a bit of sugar in it ill give the tub a stir and a shake then leave it till for another week.