New Brewer

[WhackedBear]

I just picked up my starter and recipe kit and just waiting for my brew pot to arrive, so that I can start off this hobby. I live in Michigan and where the apples and cider flows almost freely. So with that said my first intention with home brewing was to start making cider then I noticed it was all the same equipment and figure I will do beer too. I am hoping to have my first batch going by mid this week once my brew pot arrives. Looking forward to be part of the community and learn more about brewing!

 

[Psycotte]

Cheers and welcome!

 

[roccityroller]

Welcome.

I actually did cider for the first time this year and i find it much easier than beer.

and actually, if you plan to use store/farm bought cider to make hard cider you can start right away! you don't need to boil the cider if its already been pasturized, you can just pitch you yeast (White Labs English Cider Yeast #775 works great) and let it ferment. However, patience is a virtue and cooking will allow you to add things like honey (more alcohol but a bit dryer), cinnamon (can be added like hops), and brown sugar (dissolve in boil or dissolve and add to 'wort).

 

[WhackedBear]

Thanks for the welcome. Yes, I am planning on using farm fresh cider, around here I can get about 4gal for under $20. I don't know if I should try this for my first time making cider but I want to try and do a mulled hard cider.

Like I said though I am still waiting on my brew pot an it looks like it won't arrive until I am back to work for 4 days on 12 hour shifts. I just want to get my first batch done and fermenting rather just having this stuff sitting around and collecting dust.

 

[roccityroller]

I don't remember what the rules were in Michigan (I lived there for 5 years for school) but in NY, even farm fresh cider is already pasturized.

 

[ncbrewer]

Welcome to HBT.

 

[Cyclman]

Welcome to the group, from CO.

 

[WhackedBear]

I don't remember what the rules were in Michigan (I lived there for 5 years for school) but in NY, even farm fresh cider is already pasturized.

The cider is pasteurized but does not have anything in it to kill of the yeast or bacteria. Pasteurizing is just bringing it up to temp to kill off anything that is currently in it.