[ethinson]

Buying beer is cheaper than making it yourself.  Buying cider and mead is WAY cheaper than making it yourself.

If you're only getting into homebrewing to save money you're doing it for the wrong reason.

[denny]

Buying beer is cheaper than making it yourself.  Buying cider and mead is WAY cheaper than making it yourself.

If you're only getting into homebrewing to save money you're doing it for the wrong reason.

Indeed

[charlie]

I don't mind the "Dry" so much as I mind the SOUR flavor.  Not vinegar exactly. More like a crummy type of white wine.  I think Pinot Grigio has this sour/bitter taste.

Fermentation removes most of the sugars from the juice, and fruit flavors are accentuated when the sugars are removed. Try it with a mildly flavored apple juice rather than one of the tart ones.

I once made a blueberry mead that turned out terrible. Blueberry flavor without the sugar reminds me most of old sweaty gym socks!

When I make apple cider I use a gallon or two of generic bottled juice plus a can of frozen apple juice concentrate to raise the OG up to 1.055-1.060. Add the proper amount of sodium metabisulfite to sanitize it, and wait 24 hours to allow the sulfur dioxide to dissipate before pitching the yeast. You can bottle it still or carbonated, but I like the sparkling version better.