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Author Topic: First cider attempt questions  (Read 2313 times)

Offline Ferguson.michael@hotmail.

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First cider attempt questions
« on: December 13, 2016, 07:32:42 pm »
Ok, so I'm going to attempt my first cider. I bought 5 gallons of apple cider (pasteurized but otherwise no preservatives). I'm going to add 2 lbs of Missouri light honey to up the alcohol too. My question is on pitching the yeast. My plan is to heat about 1 gallon of cider in my brew kettle and dissolve the honey in that I'll let it cool to 70 degrees, add about a 1/4 teaspoon of yeast nutrient and add it to primary THEN pitch my yeast. Does this sound like a good process? Any tips or suggestions? Thanks

Offline satchman

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Re: First cider attempt questions
« Reply #1 on: December 13, 2016, 07:51:57 pm »
Your plan sounds pretty much in line with what I have done, and it has always turned out great. I would also add 1/8 tsp year nutrient at roughly 24 and 48 hrs, but it depends how dry you want it to finish.

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Offline Ferguson.michael@hotmail.

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Re: First cider attempt questions
« Reply #2 on: December 13, 2016, 08:15:28 pm »
Thanks. How long would you ferment it in primary and secondary? I heard that cider tastes better with age.

Offline dmtaylor

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Re: First cider attempt questions
« Reply #3 on: December 13, 2016, 09:51:19 pm »
Your plan will work.

Ferment cool and slow, 2-3 months minimum, and 6 months would be better.
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Offline theDarkSide

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Re: First cider attempt questions
« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2016, 06:18:52 am »
Sounds like a good plan.  Once I hit terminal gravity, I will only transfer to secondary just enough time to clear, then into a keg.

Michael Ferguson, huh?  You mean this guy?
:)
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Offline HoosierBrew

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Re: First cider attempt questions
« Reply #5 on: December 14, 2016, 06:22:18 am »
Sounds like a good plan.  Once I hit terminal gravity, I will only transfer to secondary just enough time to clear, then into a keg.

Michael Ferguson, huh?  You mean this guy?
:)


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Offline Ferguson.michael@hotmail.

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Re: First cider attempt questions
« Reply #6 on: December 14, 2016, 01:31:31 pm »

Lol never heard of him but he has a good name. Probably tens of thousands of Michael Ferguson's throughout the UK.

Sounds like a good plan.  Once I hit terminal gravity, I will only transfer to secondary just enough time to clear, then into a keg.

Michael Ferguson, huh?  You mean this guy?
:)

Offline theDarkSide

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Re: First cider attempt questions
« Reply #7 on: December 14, 2016, 02:04:35 pm »
His nickname is Mufasa (think Lion King).   He was Director of Brewing Operations for BJ's Brewhouses (may still be) and was a frequent guest on the Brewing Network.

Good luck on your cider!
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Offline Joe Sr.

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Re: First cider attempt questions
« Reply #8 on: December 14, 2016, 03:46:04 pm »
Someone here will know better than I, but I think you need to be careful heating the cider so that you do not set the pectin, which would lead to a cloudy final product.  I can't recall if that happens at pre-boiling temps or only if you boil.
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Offline santoch

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Re: First cider attempt questions
« Reply #9 on: December 25, 2016, 03:05:39 pm »
If memory serves, it's  lower than boil.  I think pectin will set starting around 170F, but I'm not positive.
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