Looking for advice on non-apple fruit juice flavoring ratios

[tedward0]

Going to be starting my 2nd fermentation this weekend. First batch was basically just your classic apple. For round two I want to add some type of juice/fruit in with the primary fermentation.

Any advice about what ratio to use when adding non-apple juices to primary? Or is it better to add actual fruit instead? Or a bit of both? Curious how you guys do it, and what types of juices/fruits have worked out well for you.

I've seen a Strawberry/Lime juice at my local grocer that seems interesting. Also considering a Blackcurrant juice (which I think has a couple other fruits in it as well).

I'm also curious about when to add and how that might impact the final result. I specifically don't want to backsweeten with another juice because I want a dry cider in the end. Should I add it before I pitch my yeast, or wait a bit before adding?

Additional info:

-This will be from home pressed apples of various unknown varieties

-Going to be pitching Lavlin 71B yeast

-Will be an approximately 20L batch, but we'll see what the apple pressing gods ultimately decide

 

[hottpeper13]

I've switched from whole fruit to Amorette Artisan flavoring. It's 100% fermentable , tastes like fresh fruit and has no waste. The 8 oz bottle flavors 7-10 gal. I use it in my lambics.

 

[tedward0]

I've switched from whole fruit to Amorette Artisan flavoring. It's 100% fermentable , tastes like fresh fruit and has no waste. The 8 oz bottle flavors 7-10 gal. I use it in my lambics.

Interesting. Don't think I can get it where I live, but might keep an eye out for something similar. Thanks!

 

[Chalkyt]

My best result has been with 20-25% cherry, i.e. fruit added at "secondary" or when the turbulent fermentation has settled at around SG 1.030. I tried supermarket cherry juice but it just left a tart taste once the sugar had been fermented out. Adding fruit was much better.

I also tried blackberry fruit but once the sugar was gone, so was the flavour.

Hops work well but you need to taste, taste, taste, as the flavour is taken up quite quickly and can go "over the top" if not taken out when the flavour is right. Be aware that hops (and some fruit) float and so need to be in a weighted steeping bag of some sort so they can easily be removed.

Cheers!