What to make...

[native_sun]

Hi all. I'm not exactly a newb at brewing(wines, ciders, Mead, and beer under my belt), but I haven't exactly done much lately. See, last spring, I suffered from a brain aneurysm(that caused a stroke). Kinda put me out of commission for a while. Now that I am fully recovered(going back to my old job Monday), I kinda got the itch to make something as a sort of celebration (be one year March 22). Thing is, this is a lousy time of year for fruit. I usually use grapes and fruits that grow around here, and nothing really grows in January in upstate NY. Any suggestions for supermarket supplies? I think the only time I bought stuff at the supermarket was once when I tried some apple juice concentrate for cider(as I recall, it wasn't terrible)

 

[user 125772]

Welcome back Native, and congrats on your recovery.
I don't think I could recommend any supermarket supplies unless you wanted to have a go at the 'ol Welches Grape Juice Concentrate Wine (HeHe) I made some recently, it wasn't terrible

Winter is a good time to enjoy a Stout, maybe brew a Stout kit and see how your saddle fits.

 

[bernardsmith]

Hi native sun and glad to hear that you of your recovery.
Here's the thing - your supermarket will likely sell fruit juices in either the chiller section or even on regular shelves. You can either treat these much like cider (so the expected ABV is about 5-6% or you might add sugar to boost their gravity to about 1.090 or you might freeze and allow the juice to thaw while collecting the first runnings and so aim for about double the original gravity (the remainder will be more or less water... Those juices will include pomegranate, pineapple, mango, cranberry, cherry and the like...

 

[SEndorf]

Congrats on your recovery!
That must have been a long and difficult period for you.
I have no experience with wines and ciders, but saw your post and wish you the best of luck.
Perhaps a simple ale to get you back in the brewing saddle?
I hope whatever you create for your celebration turns out well.

 

[AkTom]

I'm glad you are doing better.
You might try a Danger Dave's Dragon Blood. It's one of my favorites. I have a hard time getting fruit in Alaska.