So, I had a notion a while back that I could probably brew something better than he-who-shall-not-be-named hard lemonade. My wife loves marachino cherries so I figured why not marachino lemonade. On my first one gallon test batch I figured the marachino has preservatives in it so I better add 10 oz. of heat sterilized marachino juice after the primary fermentation. I did, and the fermentation went bonkers with all that sugar. It turned out ok, not alot of marachino taste, and I had an idea on how to make it better. So, second test batch. I figured the preservatives were no big deal so I put in a 28 oz. jar of cherries and juice. Both times I straight pitched safale S-05. This time I'm five days in and no fermentation. I probably should have used a starter but I've never had this problem with my beers. Should I make a starter and re-pitch? Any advice would be awesome.
Preservative problem???
- Thread starter BigSheffy
- Start date
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FirstAidBrewing
Well-Known Member
I think you were on the right path with test batch #1 but the yeast may have gone after the juice you added. I have done something similar in the past with an apple ale, but to make sure the yeast didn't go after the apples, I added an additive that killed off the yeast (Sodium Benzoate I think, don't hold me to that, I bought it at the LHBS) so that the apple flavors could properly dissipate. I would suggest trying something similar.
As for batch #2 I guess it's hard to say what effect the preservatives in the juice had on the yeast. You could rehydrate and pitch another packet. Odds are highly in your favor that the yeast is viable and you would get your answer quicker and cheaper than making a starter.
As for batch #2 I guess it's hard to say what effect the preservatives in the juice had on the yeast. You could rehydrate and pitch another packet. Odds are highly in your favor that the yeast is viable and you would get your answer quicker and cheaper than making a starter.
