The Great Cider Experiment Under-way (Batches #2 through #6)

[EpicCider]

I've started another 5-1 gallon batches. These five are 365 Organic Apple Juice" (1.047 OG) with Wyeast 3056 - Bavarian Wheat Beer Yeast (Controlled base) with the following changes.

1. Controlled Base, Added Light Brown Sugar to approximately 1.057 OG (same as batch #1)
2. Controlled Base, Added Honey to approximately 1.057 OG.
3. Controlled Base, Added Molasses to approximately 1.057 OG.

4. Controlled Base, Added tanning 1.045 OG (2 tsp to one gallon, double recommendation)
5. Controlled Base, No changes 1.045 OG

Image shows batches from right to left (reverse order)

I look forward to continue to develop my skills and experiment with yeasts, additions, and balancing.

Will be starting some more 5-gallon samples in near future.

Feel free to follow me.

 

[Randzor]

How did you get such a good picture of the refractormeter?

 

[EpicCider]

How did you get such a good picture of the refractormeter?

I take a lot of pictures for my site, and honestly that might be the worst refractometer picture I've taken!

Just put it on the edge of a table and shine a light into it. Get on the floor and manually focus into the refractometer.

This picture gives you an idea, but the refractometer should be closer to the edge of the table.

Here is an example of a sharper picture I've taken.

 

[EpicCider]

Update -- Took Gravity Readings.

Batch #2 – 1.04 (2.23% alcohol)
Batch #3 – 1.038 (2.49% alcohol)
Batch #4 – 1.039 (2.36% alcohol)
Batch #5 – 1.029 (2.36% alcohol)
Batch #6 – 1.033 (1.84% alcohol)

Did not stir the carboys. Temp is lower (61-65 F in room). Even though I added in 25g of the yeast/nutrients, I feel that it's possible it wasn't completely even with yeast (perhaps some got more nutrients?).

 

[Berritt]

Now I want a refractometer. I wish I would have bought more cider when I was up in Seattle at whole foods. One can never have too much, right?

 

[oljimmy]

Hey Epic, did you take gravity readings using the refractometer or a hydrometer? I've heard that once fermentation begins the readings on a refractometer become distorted.

 

[EpicCider]

Hey Epic, did you take gravity readings using the refractometer or a hydrometer? I've heard that once fermentation begins the readings on a refractometer become distorted.

I took them via refractometer.

I think the real distortion I've found is the liquid isn't even in sugars, but that being said you can get a similar effect with a hydrometer. I agree it's not accurate, but I still believe it's a fair ballpark. Also alcohol is large problem for readings, but the alcohol level is fairly low.

I will double check next time with both a hydrometer and a refractometer at the same time.

 

[EpicCider]

Now I want a refractometer. I wish I would have bought more cider when I was up in Seattle at whole foods. One can never have too much, right?

I'm mad because I didn't get them on Sale. They are sometimes $5.99, but when I needed 10 -- they will full price!

 

[Berritt]

They were $8.99 when I bought them. No sale here.

 

[draexldude]

Ask Whole Foods for the case price - when you buy 4 or more 1 gallon bottles you get a 10% discount - case price. Not much, but every bit helps

 

[EpicCider]

Ask Whole Foods for the case price - when you buy 4 or more 1 gallon bottles you get a 10% discount - case price. Not much, but every bit helps

I actually get the discount everytime, I was so frustrated because I recently bought 10 -3quarts jugs at kroger and they didn't offer a discount and were overpriced.

Sadly I wanted them bad enough, plan on racking 1 gallons into 3 quarts, should have a little extra, but I'll drink that.