OVHA Chat

I've never fermented a cider. Any pointers for a noob? I read a little and it seems there are still least 3 options:

*Wild yeast fermentation
*Crushed campden tablets + yeast after a couple of days
*Heat pasteurize, cool and add yeast

Jersey Apples, better make some "Jersey Lightning"!

"When in Rome"

Josh,

I used this procedure for my last cider and it turned out pretty good.

1. Add 1/4 tsp potassium metabisulfite and let sit overnight
2. Add yeast, pectic enzyme, yeast nutrient, small amount of tannin (I just guessed) and some acid blend.
3. After fermentation I racked to a keg and added another 1/4 tsp of potassium metabisulfite and let it sit overnight
4. Added potassium sorbate to stabalize and let it sit overnight
5. Backsweetened and added a little more acid blend to taste and then carbonated.

I used frozen apple juice concentrate to backsweeten, but I think I may just use sugar next time or use less to make it just "medium-dry".

See also:
https://www.bjcp.org/docs/2015_Guidelines_Cider.pdf
https://www.northernbrewer.com/documentation/cider.pdf

Kenny, no problem. Just come when u can. We will be at it most of the day.

Just like earlier, we will be crushing/pressing Sat 10/28 pretty much any time but starting at about 9 or so. We have now got FIFTEEN participants! Park in construction driveway if possible - have a four-wheeler and cart to move stuff around. Great turnout planned. May be dogs and burgers? Rain or shine and pm me if you need directions.

Im going to be moving all day Saturday so wont have time to stick around. Do I just bring a 5 gallon bucket?

Yup we will possibly be pressing Sun as well?

What are we doing for lunch on Sat? Dutch suggested burgers and dogs (brats?). Sides? Who's getting what? Or should we keep it simple and order pizza?

I've got lunch covered - burgers and dogs!

What a great day!!

Wow - great work by all. Wonderful experience for the club as we crushed and pressed nearly 2000# of Fuji apples.

Great cidery day Dutch. Plus, great tasting cider! Thanks for all of your work it took to make it happen.

I had a lot of fun! And like Dwayne said, great tasting cider! I am going to attempt a traditional hard cider with 3 gals, and maybe make a gallon of Cyser with honey I bought from Peter! One gal went straight to the fridge, and my family is really enjoying it.

Thanks for putting all of this together Dutch!

Thanks again Dutch! It was a great time indeed.

I have two batches fermenting; one with Champagne yeast and the other with Witbier yeast. We'll see how they turn out!

Looks like we will attempt the crush and press at E B H this Sat AM. I will check with JS.