My first batch

[kb6m]

Hi all,
I just started my first batch of cider. Hoping it turns out drinkable. I was wondering if I could get some feedback on the recipe I used.

4 gallons of Mott's apple juice
1.2 gallons of martinelli's cider (unopened left-overs from Christmas)
4# "Zulka" cane sugar
1# Light brown sugar
1 pkg of Nottingham yeast.

I poured 1/2 of each gallon of juice into the carboy, then I tried to dissolve about 1# each, of sugar, into the remaining 1/2 gallon, by shaking the heck out of it. I still had quite a bit of undissolved sugar in the carboy.

If I read the hydrometer correctly, it had an OG of 1.068. I put a fermentation lock, full of vodka, on it and set it in my closet. I really, really, tried to sanitize everything and hope it works out.

I plan on letting it go for about a month and then bottle it. This is going to be a long month.

Thanks,
Greg

 

[Pumbaa]

should be fine, personally I dont like all the sugar but thats just me . . . I'm a juice yeast time guy

 

[bottlebomber]

I was going to say, before I reread your post and noticed that your sugar wasn't fully dissolved, that your OG seems low for 5 lbs of sugar. I don't know what the OG of the juice is but you should be at like 1.080 or so.

 

[kb6m]

Will the yeast be able to eat the sugar that is sitting undesollved on the bottom? If so, will it take longer to brew.

Thanks,
Greg

 

[bottlebomber]

They'll eat it. I don't know how long it will take though, you'll just have to wait and see.

 

[Fizzycist]

That Martinelli's is the carbonated juice right? Make sure you shake it up good to get some air in there.

 

[kb6m]

Fizzycist,
The martinelli's was just their still cider (juice). It comes in glass jars of 1.4qts each. My dad was going to use it for (non-alcoholic) spiced cider on Christmas.

Greg

 

[bottlebomber]

edit: nevermind

 

[Fizzycist]

Fizzycist,
The martinelli's was just their still cider (juice). It comes in glass jars of 1.4qts each. My dad was going to use it for (non-alcoholic) spiced cider on Christmas.

Greg

Ah, I see. Well, let us know how it turns out!

 

[Pickled_Pepper]

That's going to be some high octane hooch. I'd be willing to bet that you push 8.5 or 9% if you let that nottingham have it's way for a month without racking it.

Did you rehydrate the yeast before pitching it or just sprinkle it on top?

 

[kb6m]

I rehydrated it with warm water for about 15 minutes. It's been about 24 hours now and it is bubbling away. High ABV is OK for me.

I will, probably, sweeten half the batch with some splenda. The other half, I'll leave dry. Then I'll add some juice concentrate, bottle, and let sit for a couple of weeks. If I get too much carbonation, my dad will be more than happy to store it in his "garage fridge". But, it'll cost a few bottles.

Greg

 

[Pickled_Pepper]

I was thinking with that much sugar it would be like throwing freshmen into a frat party. But if it's bubbling away...sounds like you are golden. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[kb6m]

Well,
It's been six weeks since I put this batch up. It has been at 1.0 for 3 days. I can still see a few bubbles rising, and the fermentation lock is bubbling every once in a while. It tastes like alcohol and very weak apple juice.
I'm thinking about adding some splenda to sweeten it back up. Then adding some juice concentrate for carbonation. I have tomorrow off, so I will make a dozen 12oz bottles. The rest I will put in 22 oz bottles. I will use the 12oz bottles to check the carbonation. When they are good, I will put everything in the fridge.
Am I missing anything? Any suggestions?

Greg

 

[divi2323]

Instead of your 12ozers you might bottle a couple PET bottles so you can hand feel firmness. That way you don't start cracking them open too early and wasting the nectar of gods.

I carbed mine with a can of frozen concentrate and it was pretty light carbonation. My next batch I'm going to use two frozen concentrates. Mine were 6 servings with 29g of sugar per serving. It's roughly the same as 6oz of sugar, or 3/4 cup. I tend to like more carbonation in my drink though.

 

[kb6m]

Great idea! Thanks.

Greg

 

[kb6m]

Just thought I would share the results with everyone.

It turned out great. It's been almost 5 months since I started this batch. It has mellowed out, with the apple taste coming back, and all the sharp edges are gone. SWMBO loves this stuff