Homebrew contest entry for cider question

[BaylessBrewer]

I recently Brewer a batch of cider using Louisburg Cider Mill brand cider and US-04 yeast. I stabilized it with potassium Sorbate and Campden tabs before adding some apple juice concentrate for flavor and a little sweetness. It was then kegged and carbonated to 2.2-2.5vol. The FG with the concentrate is 1.008.
I really like the way it turned out and there is a homebrew comp coming up that has a category for ciders. Which one should I enter it as. They are going off the 2008 guidelines. 27a, 27b, 27c ????

 

[LeBreton]

Sounds like you've got a Common Cider, 27a.

 

[BaylessBrewer]

Won 3rd place entered as Common cider,27a!!!!! Woot woot!!!!!

 

[Rev1024]

Would you mind sharing the recipe? I'm about to make a batch of hard cider with this same cider, and I would love to have something that tasted like a 3rd place entry.

 

[BaylessBrewer]

I used 1/2tsp Pectic enzyme per gallon of cider and added 1 tsp Fermaid K to the batch.
Pitched 1 packet Safale S-04 and fermented at 65* in basement.
Let the cider ferment for 10-14 days or until clear and no activity. Mine was done and clear in about 6 days but I left it alone till day 12.
Add 1 Campden tablet and 1/2 tsp Potassium Sorbate per gal. Dissolve in 1/4 cup water and add to fermenter. Let the cider set for 2-3 days to off gas and then rack to keg.
Add 1 can of apple juice concentrate per gal and carb to 2.5vols co2.
Enjoy!!

 

[BaylessBrewer]

Here's the score sheets. This was served at a party for my wife and it was a fan favorite. No one there said one negative thing about it.
http://stlbrews.homebrewcomp.com/stlbrews/sheets/1637033604-509.pdf

 

[Rev1024]

Thanks man! I'm so stoked about making this!

 

[bucketnative]

So, do you think the "inappropriate" spices that the first judge picked up were due to the S04 yeast that was used? The second judge mentioned some esters or cultivar character, which may be what the first judge called ginger or cinnamon. Did you list your ingredients on the entry (I don't believe that is required for 27A)?

 

[BaylessBrewer]

So, do you think the "inappropriate" spices that the first judge picked up were due to the S04 yeast that was used? The second judge mentioned some esters or cultivar character, which may be what the first judge called ginger or cinnamon. Did you list your ingredients on the entry (I don't believe that is required for 27A)?

I don't know where they came up with that. I had 4 of my beer snob friends taste it with out showing them the score sheets and none of them mentioned any vegetal scents/flavors or ginger. All were very pleased with the cider and wanted more.
No I did not list my ingredients as its not required.

 

[Dhelderman]

Here's the score sheets. This was served at a party for my wife and it was a fan favorite. No one there said one negative thing about it.
http://stlbrews.homebrewcomp.com/stlbrews/sheets/1637033604-509.pdf

Just noticed this was a STL based competition. I'm in STL as well. I haven't brewed any beer yet, just cider. How was the competition experience?

 

[BaylessBrewer]

Just noticed this was a STL based competition. I'm in STL as well. I haven't brewed any beer yet, just cider. How was the competition experience?

All in all I would say it was a fun thing to enter. It was my first comp so I can't put it up against others. But with just under 600 entry's total it was said to be the biggest one around here. I wish I would have volunteered as a steward so that I could've attended. I'll for sure do that this year.
I also entered my ESB in the comp but didn't place. It scored a 34 and had great reviews from the judges but with it being a nation wide contest the competition was strong.
Where in STL are you? I'm in Affton

 

[Dhelderman]

All in all I would say it was a fun thing to enter. It was my first comp so I can't put it up against others. But with just under 600 entry's total it was said to be the biggest one around here. I wish I would have volunteered as a steward so that I could've attended. I'll for sure do that this year.
I also entered my ESB in the comp but didn't place. It scored a 34 and had great reviews from the judges but with it being a nation wide contest the competition was strong.
Where in STL are you? I'm in Affton

U City. I've only done a couple batches of cider thus far, but I'd consider entering a competition--I'll have to try and look into some around here. I don't keg anything--I guess you can enter bottled submissions?

Have you joined any of the local homebrew clubs?

 

[BaylessBrewer]

Yes you can submit bottled versions of your cider. You won't be able to sweeten it and have it carbed but I'm sure it don't matter. Just be sure to enter it as it is in the bottle. Still/dry, still/medium sweet, dry/petillant and so on.
No I don't belong to any clubs. Not sure if I'll ever join one. My time away from my family is spent working, golfing or hunting. Don't think the wife will like me having another reason to be out of the house. Work alone takes up 60-80 hrs a week!

 

[Dhelderman]

Yes you can submit bottled versions of your cider. You won't be able to sweeten it and have it carbed but I'm sure it don't matter. Just be sure to enter it as it is in the bottle. Still/dry, still/medium sweet, dry/petillant and so on.
No I don't belong to any clubs. Not sure if I'll ever join one. My time away from my family is spent working, golfing or hunting. Don't think the wife will like me having another reason to be out of the house. Work alone takes up 60-80 hrs a week!

Cool. I may just have to enter a submission or two in this year's contest. I'm not in any of the clubs either. Thanks for the info!