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Post by Glen B Ogle on Oct 6, 2008 8:37:15 GMT
Well, my new toy just arrived!
I've fancied making my own cider from apples for some time now (I used to make it from concentrates).
As the family stock of apple trees increased recently I had hopes that, in a couple of years, we'd have enough windfalls, etd. to have a go. However, at the Harvest Festival recently there were lots of spare apples, plus a fair quantity of pears. With what I've already gleaned locally (and hopefully I'll get some more this week) I'm ready to try making a sort of cider-perry mix.
To that end I ordered a small cider press and some other bits on Friday afternnon - they were delivered this morning first thing! Looks like it'll be next weekend before I can actually get outside and try it all though - and probably Cristmas before I get any drinkable cider (if indeed I do).
Glen
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Post by Phil Occifer™ on Oct 6, 2008 9:09:58 GMT
A group of neighbours/farm workers have just embarked on the same venture. They have collected apples from the local gardens (including our own) and have just finished their last press. They have 60 gallons and will see how it goes. If you want/have any advice please contact me
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Post by Glen B Ogle on Oct 6, 2008 18:32:01 GMT
Thanks Phil. If I get 6 gallons I'll be very happy! More likely 3-4 this year (although I've gleaned a few more apples today). I'm working on the same basis of seeing how it goes this year. If it works OK I can learn for next year when I'll hopefully get a lot more apples.
One thing I'm being fairly definite about is not using chemicals as far as possible - some of the recipes I looked at are more like experiments than brewing! I'd like to brew it entirely naturally in the traditional method - but haven't got the patience so will be adding yeast.
I much prefer cider with chewy bits as well so won't be using finings at all - I'll filter only if I absolutely have to.
Glen
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Post by Phil Occifer™ on Oct 6, 2008 18:55:31 GMT
I think that the lads have purchased proper fermentation casks (plastic). What they are exactly I don't know - yet
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Post by candicetatton on Oct 8, 2008 7:25:13 GMT
Do not tell Phil where you live.
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Post by Phil Occifer™ on Oct 8, 2008 7:34:12 GMT
Do not tell Phil where you live. BOG OFF!! You ain't getting any
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Post by Glen B Ogle on Oct 9, 2008 7:40:58 GMT
None of youse is getting any! It's all for meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! :-)
Probably all one bottle of if in the end!
Glen
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Post by Glen B Ogle on Oct 11, 2008 14:33:14 GMT
Well - we might manage slightly more than one bottle! I was hoping for 3 gallons - and that's just about what I've got! It took a last minute delivery of apples from the next door neighbour to get that much though (I was literally just filling the press for the last time).
I think with a bit more time I could have managed more - next year I'll pulp the fruit and then leave it overnight before pressing, and I'll take a bit more time with the pressing itself. Should increase yield a bit that way.
I have ended up adding some sugar - hopefully should end up at 7 - 7 1/2 % ABV with a bit of luck.
Glen
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Post by Glen B Ogle on Oct 18, 2008 14:35:54 GMT
Well, after about a week it looks like the brew is done - there was still some life Thursday but I've looked today and it's definitely dying down now.
I've done a gravity check and it reports 1003 - according to my spreadsheet that's going to be around 7.2% ABV! Well on target then.
I'll now leave it for a week or so without the heater to settle before bottling (actually probably two weeks and I'm in Yorkshire next weekend).
Glen
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Post by Glen B Ogle on Oct 24, 2008 13:11:50 GMT
Just to keep the story goign in case anyone's interested!
Just checked again and we're now down to an SG of 1000 dead at 18C so looking at around 7.9% at the moment!
I've also tasted the sample I pulled off to see what it's like. No nasty tastes at all so that's a start! It's fairly dry (good - that's how I like it). It does need time to mature I think but there's a lovely taste of apple to it, without it beign overpowering.
Glen
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Post by Phil Occifer™ on Oct 24, 2008 17:11:03 GMT
Just to keep the story goign in case anyone's interested! Just checked again and we're now down to an SG of 1000 dead at 18C so looking at around 7.9% at the moment! I've also tasted the sample I pulled off to see what it's like. No nasty tastes at all so that's a start! It's fairly dry (good - that's how I like it). It does need time to mature I think but there's a lovely taste of apple to it, without it beign overpowering. Glen Decides to hit the Stowford Press in the local tonight..dribbles ;D
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Post by Glen B Ogle on Nov 2, 2008 12:43:54 GMT
Well, just bottled 12l of 8% scrumpy!
That's it now for a month or so before we start drinking the stuff.
Just a quick note on the bottles though. Clear plastic PET bottles at the home brew shop are 70p each (screw tops extra). Tesco do flavoured water in coloured PET bottles (so no UV degradation) for under 40p each! The bonus us you get to drink the water as well.
Glen
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Post by Glen B Ogle on Jan 9, 2009 18:43:51 GMT
Just a quick update!
I've consumed a bottle tonight with my dinner.
It's got an exquisite apple flavour. It's fairly dry (as expected) with no nasty tastes. Definitley a scrumpy though! It makes your tongue curl (and probably puts hairs on your chest).
One thing, the bottle I opened a while back to taste had developed a bit of mould (so was thrown away). Not entirely surprising as I used absolutely no preservatives whatsoever - partly in defference to a friend with a sulphite allergy.
Slight problem - I'd promised to have a drink with my brother and he's now going to have to pick me up - I won't be legal to drive much before midnight!
Glen
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Post by merseycat on Jan 22, 2009 16:54:54 GMT
With regard to bottles - I have just seen them on Ebay.
Put this number into the search box: 180322275432
You might find it useful.
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Post by Glen B Ogle on Jan 22, 2009 17:45:19 GMT
Thanks for that Merseycat. Unfortunatley, looking closely, they're only 200ml bottles so just a bit small! If they'd been a bit bigger they'd have been perfect (and a really good price).
Glen
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