Graff (Malty, slightly hopped cider)

[rpcvsam]

I just brewed my second batch of this. The first was good but definitely a cider, not a beer. I am trying to inch this closer to being a beer. Here's my variation:

1lb wheat DME
1lb Light DME
8oz Crystal 120
8oz Honey Malt
2 oz torrified wheat
4oz Maltodextrin
just under .5oz centennial (I had it in the freezer)

I am pitching this on some washed Wyeast 3711 french Saison yeast

Should be interesting.

How did this turn out with Saison yeast?

 

[elbinwyp]

How did this turn out with Saison yeast?

Before the beer cleared out, you could taste some saison flavor. It quickly faded, however. Between the Malto and the typical silky mouthfeel 3711 gives me, this beer had WAY more body and mouthfeel than the first batch. I would use 3711 in the future just for that. Made it feel like a beer.

 

[jabba11]

Finally put some of this in my keezer. I DO like it better than apfelwein for sure. Much "smoother". Doesn't clear as well but nobody seems to mind. Holds a head better for sure and has a little more body.

 

[agregory413]

So........I've read a ton on here, and can't really find anyone doing what I am thinking. I usually make a cider using 007 yeast, and it comes out with alot of apple flavor, dry, and still somewhat sweet. I was thinking of using this yeast for the graff, but I want to change the ratios, at least 51% beer.

Has anyone ever tried this? Or have any idea how this might come out?

I was thinking about throwing it in Beer Smith to see what it says.

 

[jabba11]

I just use US 05

 

[Jwin]

So........I've read a ton on here, and can't really find anyone doing what I am thinking. I usually make a cider using 007 yeast, and it comes out with alot of apple flavor, dry, and still somewhat sweet. I was thinking of using this yeast for the graff, but I want to change the ratios, at least 51% beer.

Has anyone ever tried this? Or have any idea how this might come out?

I was thinking about throwing it in Beer Smith to see what it says.

I haven't tried it but I think I would prefer beer flavored cider over apple flavored beer. See:Reds apple ale. Gross stuff.

 

[yogi223]

finally put some of this in my keezer. I do like it better than apfelwein for sure. Much "smoother". Doesn't clear as well but nobody seems to mind. Holds a head better for sure and has a little more body.

x2

 

[MikeSkril]

Hi there,

I've brewed up this recipe pretty much like in the original post. I’m an all grain brewer and that was my first cider. I’m more a beer drinker and I don’t think that I’ve tasted a lot of ciders yet.

Now I had this fermenting for 2 weeks and 4 weeks in the keg (carbonated in the fridge). I’ve used gelatine as I do in my beers. Beside that this stuff is not clear, which does not matter much to me, the taste is very dry. The FG was about 1.010 and I’ve used Notty.
I know its still young, but I think I want to back sweeten this stuff.

What should I do?

I have one gal of apple cider with potassium at home. I bought that before I realized that potassium is a bad idea. Can I use this apple cider to back sweeten (there is space in the keg)?

Any better options?

Thanks!

 

[jabba11]

Hi there,

I've brewed up this recipe pretty much like in the original post. I’m an all grain brewer and that was my first cider. I’m more a beer drinker and I don’t think that I’ve tasted a lot of ciders yet.

Now I had this fermenting for 2 weeks and 4 weeks in the keg (carbonated in the fridge). I’ve used gelatine as I do in my beers. Beside that this stuff is not clear, which does not matter much to me, the taste is very dry. The FG was about 1.010 and I’ve used Notty.
I know its still young, but I think I want to back sweeten this stuff.

What should I do?

I have one gal of apple cider with potassium at home. I bought that before I realized that potassium is a bad idea. Can I use this apple cider to back sweeten (there is space in the keg)?

Any better options?

Thanks!

I use cans of apple juice concentrate to back sweeten mine. Two cans per 5 gallons but do it to your taste and make sure you roll the keg around to mix it in before serving. Once I just dropped it in and forgot to roll it around and all the juice came out of the tap first.LOL

 

[Egas1949]

anyone try a Hefeweizen-cider blend?

 

[Picker]

Just made my first batch. After only one week of carbonating in the keg it is delicious!

 

[Chrispy92]

Ok I trolled through as many pages of this as I could without finding if someone has done a "Black Graff" version of this!?

I'm thinking sub out with Dark DME and Dark Crystal malt.

Whats the general consensus on this plan? Too hectic, un-appetizing?

I have these ingredients on hand so figured I would try it unless someone can let me know it will be a horrible abomination!

Also I have S 05, 04 as well as cider yeast.... why is no one using cider yeast with this!? I have never made a cider before.

Otherwise I will go ahead with this tomorrow...mmmm

 

[GuyP]

Ok I trolled through as many pages of this as I could without finding if someone has done a "Black Graff" version of this!?

I'm thinking sub out with Dark DME and Dark Crystal malt.

Whats the general consensus on this plan? Too hectic, un-appetizing?

I have these ingredients on hand so figured I would try it unless someone can let me know it will be a horrible abomination!

Also I have S 05, 04 as well as cider yeast.... why is no one using cider yeast with this!? I have never made a cider before.

Otherwise I will go ahead with this tomorrow...mmmm

If you look up the gunslinger's graff recipe, you should find what you're looking for

 

[Chrispy92]

If you look up the gunslinger's graff recipe, you should find what you're looking for

Cheers !

 

[Churchillbrewer]

This is my first attempt at a cider. I followed the original recipe using 3711 yeast. I started the yeast with a 1 liter starter 48 hours prior. Started the brew process on Sunday. Fermentation started quickly and has been steady. I noticed kind of a sour apple smell. The smell has filled the downstairs of my house now. Is this normal for a cider? Everything that came into contact with the wort was sanitized. I did chill the wort in an ice bath to bring it to pitching temp before adding the apple juice. Fingers are crossed hoping that this is normal.

 

[Newsman]

This is my first attempt at a cider. I followed the original recipe using 3711 yeast. I started the yeast with a 1 liter starter 48 hours prior. Started the brew process on Sunday. Fermentation started quickly and has been steady. I noticed kind of a sour apple smell. The smell has filled the downstairs of my house now. Is this normal for a cider? Everything that came into contact with the wort was sanitized. I did chill the wort in an ice bath to bring it to pitching temp before adding the apple juice. Fingers are crossed hoping that this is normal.

Yes, very normal.

 

[TurnipGreen]

I made this and it taste like an apple farted in a Bud Light. Hopefully it gets a little better with age.
Mines about two months old. It's dry and tart. It is getting more apple flavor as it sits. I wondering if this is not a better recipe to keg so you can more easily back sweet it.

I need to pull back my negative remark on this brew. It's been in the bottle for over a year now and it's way better.
Ther's more apple flavor, more balance and more fullness (no longer taste watery).
So if you didn't care for this brew try hiding it in the basement for a year. I'm pleasantly suprised to have a nice cider in time for fall!

 

[Fades47]

How is everyone adding their hops? Pellet or whole? Let them free and hope it settles out and clears or using a bag/filter? It's not a very big amount some I'm thinking letting them free might be ok? Will be starting a 6 gal batch in the next few days. I added about .25 oz of some German traditions 4.9% pellets in a "tea" to my vanilla cider I bottled last night and it was AWESOME.

 

[snd1990]

Well I'm a creature of habit lol so I almost always use hop sack with pellets. Mostly because it's easier cleanup. Lol. I have used whole leaf hops (from my own garden) with this recipe also, and both turned out great. 🍻

 

[JDXX1971]

Hello all, SWMBO and I have just gotten into home brew.We have only made straight cider and a cyser so far. Some of which have been mheeh. Now we are looking to further our recipes for more flavor. I found this recipe a couple of weeks ago and ordered the ingredients from NorCal Brewing Solutions. I have been excitedly awaiting my package which arrived yesterday!!! So.....

We are brewing up a batch of this right now!! Crystal 120 and torrified wheat are steeping on grandmas old heat pad (thing cooks!!) wrapped in a towel, 20 minutes to go. We are sparging through a old steamer basket I found in the back of the cupboard. So far so good, off to sterilize a 30L speidel.............

 

[JDXX1971]

And........it is done.
I tried to follow the recipe closely, there were slight changes.
We used 4.5 gallons of Mott's AJ (wanted to make sure there is enough to fill a keg) and approximately .5 oz. Cascade hops. @ 8.2. We have never used hops before and were quite surprised at the aromas. SWBO questioned my choice all I could say is .
Our s.g. is 1.063 and we used S-04 yeast. The taste test was good, yum yum!! Does have a bitter bite though (hops?)
Any guesses where it might finish?

 

[JDXX1971]

This stuff took off like crazy, started bubbling a couple of hours after pitching last night. Now it is like a freight train!!!

 

[Chrispy92]

So mines still sitting in primary about 18 days in, no airlock activity bht still a big film of what looks like big and small bubbles and yeast rafts... Anyone hazard a guess if this is signs of an infection? Haven't taken a gravity yet, was down to 1.016 last week but this top layer hasn't gone away...

 

[Fades47]

Just started a slightly modified batch. Mainly because I only had one pound dme on hand and no grains...


1 gal water
1 pound wheat/barley dme
Steep .75 oz german tradition hops 30 mins boil. 4.9 alpha 5.3 beta
Good squirt of honey
Splash of vanilla
Few dashes ground clove
3 tsp Pectic enzyme
OG 1.052
Nottingham yeast

 

[takeluk]

So mines still sitting in primary about 18 days in, no airlock activity bht still a big film of what looks like big and small bubbles and yeast rafts... Anyone hazard a guess if this is signs of an infection? Haven't taken a gravity yet, was down to 1.016 last week but this top layer hasn't gone away...

Mine has been in the primary for 2 weeks now. I'm also worried about an infection because it's bubbling every 8-10 seconds and the foam hasn't dropped at all. The recipe says bottle after 2 weeks, but there's no way that's going to happen.

This is only the second thing I've ever fermented but the first beer was completely finished well before this point. Should I be worried?

What ended up happening to yours?

 

[Fades47]

Mine has been in the primary for 2 weeks now. I'm also worried about an infection because it's bubbling every 8-10 seconds and the foam hasn't dropped at all. The recipe says bottle after 2 weeks, but there's no way that's going to happen.

This is only the second thing I've ever fermented but the first beer was completely finished well before this point. Should I be worried?

What ended up happening to yours?

Scaring me! I need this done for a party! I need it bottled in 2!

 

[bigplunkett]

Ive had graff be done and droped out in 2weeks ready to bottle and other times its kept chuging for slmost a mounth.

 

[Fades47]

Bottled today at the 16 day mark. FG 1.001. I skipped the grains, only only used half the malt, and right now it tastes like a Apple cider, but oh so smooth. Interested to see how it is in a few weeks after carbonation

 

[takeluk]

Mine has been in the primary for 2 weeks now. I'm also worried about an infection because it's bubbling every 8-10 seconds and the foam hasn't dropped at all. The recipe says bottle after 2 weeks, but there's no way that's going to happen.

This is only the second thing I've ever fermented but the first beer was completely finished well before this point. Should I be worried?

What ended up happening to yours?

Update time:
After 3 weeks the airlock FINALLY slowed down. The krausen still hadn't dropped but I just moved some out of the way and racked around it. It has been bottled for just over a week now and it tastes great! We are very much enjoying it.

I was worried that it would be too dry after fermenting for 3 weeks solid, but it still has great apple flavour and aroma.

Moral of the story: no, I shouldn't have been worried.

 

[KIC-8462852]

I've just started brewing my own recipes after a few kits and I've got my eye on this (especially as I'm re-reading The Dark Tower). I got a few questions before I start:

1. The original recipe calls for a clean ale yeast such as S-05. I have a pack of S-04, but I'm considering using T-58 (which I used for an imperial "belgian" IPA that blew my mind) or, perhaps, S-33 (but I don't know this yeast and have read that it's no good for cider). I've made a cider with S-04 but it's super dry, so I'm thinking those specialty yeast would give it more flavours. Thoughts?

2. The original recipe calls for a very light hand with the hops. Not that I don't trust the original Brandon O, but taste varies. Did anyone try this with more hop character? I got some Glacier I think I'll use, the others are all a bit high in AA.