New to kegging- CO2 and aging

[iglord]

Hello, I'm new to kegging. I have a batch of cider I just racked into a corny keg and topped off with CO2 just enough to purge the oxygen.

What is the fastest way to age and carbonate the keg using CO2? If I put it in the fridge hooked up to a tank will the CO2 effect aging? Or do I have to age it first, and then carbonate in the fridge?

Thanks for any help folks!

 

[prandlesc]

I'm new to cider making, but my experience with beer is that CO2 does not adversely affect its aging. I've carbonated beer and poured a couple, then realized that the beer needs a few weeks to balance the flavors - and I've had good results, even though the beer has been at full CO2. If you do know that you have to age it, then waiting to carbonate won't hurt either.

 

[BigFloyd]

It depends on the cider.

Some of them, like a graff, are good to drink after you let them sit in the keg at 38*F on service pressure (10-12psi). Others, like an apfelwein, can take months of room temp aging before they mature.

Having it hooked up to CO2 won't hurt anything.