First cider in a long time

[user 211287]

I haven't made any in years. I think the last batch i made 20 years ago with some Red Star bread yeast. I thought it was time to step up my game a little.

Hays Orchard pasteurized cider in both. Larger one is just the cider and Cider House Select yeast. Pic was taken before pitching the yeast.

Smaller one is Hay's cider, 1cup of honey, Lalvin 71B, pectic enzyme and Fermaid K. Its been in a secondary for a week. I stopped the fermentation (campden and sorbate) and back sweetened with a can of frozen Old Orchard concentrate. Bottling it today to make room for a test batch of cran-apple cider.

 

[citytransplant]

Larger one is just the cider and Cider House Select yeast. Pic was taken before pitching the yeast.

Looks good. What's your plan for the larger one?

 

[user 211287]

Looks good. What's your plan for the larger one?

I know one gallon is gunna be turned to vinegar. Not sure about the other 2 gallons yet.

 

[user 211287]

Started this cider yesterday with fresh cranberries using Lalvin 71B and 1 1/2 cups of sugar.

 

[dmtaylor]

Mmm..... yes, the only thing better than just good old regular cider is.... mulberry cyser! I've got 3 gallons of traditional cider going with 3 different yeasts, Cote des Blancs, US-05, and wild yeast, and then the mulberry cyser or "morat" cyser is 3 gallons with Cote des Blancs. The wild yeast was going in the refrigerator on its own, so I just left it in the fridge. The others are naturally fermenting in the ambient conditions of my garage, which ranges this time of year between mid 50s F during the day and upper 30s / low 40s F at night (although it's warmer this year). Quick pic:

 

[user 211287]

I have 2 huge mulberry trees in the back yard but i never seem to get to them before the birds. I did manage to save around 10lbs of blackberries including a native Missouri variety.

 

[user 211287]

The cyser bottled. Man did this turn out great. Just a hint of carbonation and just barely sweet enough.

 

[ebstauffer]

Hays Orchard pasteurized cider in both.

I've used both Hays and unpasteurized from my LHBS. Gotta say I think the Hays is better. Our local Costco carries it. Great stuff.

 

[user 211287]

Im pretty impressed with the Hay's cider from Costco. It tastes very fresh which leads me to believe its UV pasteurized. At around $4.50 a gallon its very hard to beat.