My 1st Year of Ciderrrrr...'hiccup'

[janeyo]

the first year we bottled it early and it was not as good as the other years when we have left it. You might want to try leaving some in the demijohns to achieve the malolactic fermentation and see how different they taste? Kind of like an experiment
I know we were disappointed the first year but after that - wowsers!

[danmon_81]

i was advised around 11 days?? I'll test teh SG then and see if its right 1005.
I might just do that...bottle some and some later!

[raine]

looks brilliant!

[danmon_81]

Im hoping it tastes brilliant! but its the taking part that counts right??

[danmon_81]

well all 8 or so litres are bottled up and now in the shed 'brewing'.....it already has a taste of cider so fingers crossed for Xmas and the planned cider party next summer!!

[ecoprincess]

I'd love to have a go at this but got a few other things to do first (like building a chicken coop and sorting out my allotment!) but I'll be interested to know how it turns out, hopefully delicious! Are all us Grapes invited to your cider party then???

[danmon_81]

LOL...think it would be a thimble full each!! Plus cant guarentee its gonna taste good!!! (im 99% sure it'll get you sozzled tho!)........Im gonna save some for 'Billinge-Bury' next year which will be back on with the new addition here!!!!!

[Mell]

you need nothing at all for good cider except yeast. And patience.

not even yeasy except what is on the apples that is what I use, natural method has more complex flavours

[Mell]

i was advised around 11 days?? I'll test teh SG then and see if its right 1005.
I might just do that...bottle some and some later!

That's very quick, I bottled 2009's pressing about August 2010, the first rack was in March time. Again I use natural yeast so long fermentation is a good thing

Great press, what do you use to scrat it ? Also We found that leaving the scratted apples for 24 hours really increased the juice yield

[danmon_81]

i used a large piece of timber...the one in the bucket. I used a mix of apples and fermentation was quick...especially with the added yeast....i might try some 'au du natural' next season...I'll be trying some soon too!!!

[danmon_81]

had a cheeky taste last night....very sharp...alcoholic...not quite there yet, im hoping it going to mature some more!

[evvy2]

I have been thinking of investing in a press, wish I was a bit more of a diy er then could have a go at making my own as they are not cheap. Borrowed a book from the library, it will be a steep learning curve!

[danmon_81]

Im no expert...it was relatively easy tbh. I used the car jack!! Keep your eye out for some cheap/ free hard wood and your away!!

[evvy2]

I love a good rummage in skips so will look out for some wood.