4 replies to this topic

[DgNt]

Last night I had my first glass of sparkling dry cider that I really enjoyed (Nottingham and Walmart cider) -most was backsweetened and kegged for SWMBO. I'd like to make a cyser next, keeping it easy. I'm thinking 3 gallons of cider, 5 lbs of honey and topping off to 5 gallons with water. I estimate this would give me an OG of about 1.075 (174pts from cider plus 200pts from honey divided by 5 gallons) . I'd probably add some yeast nutrient up front but don't expect the Nottingham will have any problem chewing through the honey and cider -the cider turned out well.Any thought's suggestions? I don't want go to a higher gravity due to personal preference and also until I get more comfortable with meads (first batch still slowly going along... not quite stuck but not moving fast).I intend to prime with juice and bottle once it reaches FG.Appreciate any insights, thanks.

[EWW]

I'd use more juice and not top off with water. Decrease the honey a bit, pitch a nice big active yeast, nutrients are important, and give it time.

[DgNt]

I'd use more juice and not top off with water. Decrease the honey a bit, pitch a nice big active yeast, nutrients are important, and give it time.

I'm curious why; dilution of the apple flavor? I don't want a modest gravity and my thinking is that it would be a bit easier on the yeast as well. Would you recommend cutting back on the honey to maintain an OG under 1.080 (since that's what I desire)? Thanks.

[EWW]

I'm curious why; dilution of the apple flavor? I don't want a modest gravity and my thinking is that it would be a bit easier on the yeast as well. Would you recommend cutting back on the honey to maintain an OG under 1.080 (since that's what I desire)? Thanks.

Pretty much, plus you stated that you wanted to work your way up to a stronger mead. Fermentation will go much easier with less honey.

[DgNt]

You convinced me to buy more cider but no more cheap cider till next year, I think I'll do what I originally planned except cut back to one gallon of water so as not to dilute the flavor too much. That will give me a slightly higher gravity but hopefully better flavor.