fixing a "vinegary" graff

GeneDaniels1963 · Feb 22, 2020

I started a 1 gal batch of graff 2 weeks ago. I tasted last night and it has a slight vinegar taste to it. I like sours, so its drinkable, but I would prefer less vinegar.

On a whim I hit it with Campden and started another plan cider batch. My plan is to give the Campden 36 hours, then blend that graff into the just started cider. My thinking is it will reduce the vinegar taste down to a almost neglegible level.

I know I should have asked around before I tried this, but any thoughts?

RPh_Guy · Feb 23, 2020

Blending will indeed reduce the vinegar flavor.
Try it first with small samples to make sure you find the blend acceptable.

Take care to reduce oxygen exposure to your wine. If you prevent oxygen, there will be no production of acetic acid.

Cheers

GeneDaniels1963 · Feb 23, 2020

I kept the jug full to the very top, so I don't know where the O2 was from.

The only thing I wonder is I juiced some crab apples to "spice up" regular store bought juice. I hit that with Campden before using it, but maybe I did not wait the full 24 hrs? I was busy and pushed for time on that batch.

RPh_Guy · Feb 23, 2020

The sanitation of the crab apples shouldn't matter.

Maybe the bung or airlock was leaking or it ran dry at some point? Was it racked repeatedly? Was it exposed to air in the headspace for any length of time after fermentation completed?
There are a lot of ways oxygen can get in.

GeneDaniels1963 · Feb 24, 2020

Did not rack at all. Not sure what happened. But oh well, its drinkable now, and will be better after I blend it. I kind of like the sour, but not too much.

And of course the worst things is the vinegar production robs me of some ABV :no:

GeneDaniels1963 · Mar 13, 2020

The blend is done fermenting, and it turned out really nice. The new must I used for blending was the same SG as the original batch (using FAJC). The result is a slightly sour, very appley cider. I have already bottled up one gal. But the other is so nice I just threw the jug in the fridge and am drinking it as it. Great mistake.