Cider Kits

[benl88]

Hello,

Have been given both the John Bull & Black Rock cider kits and am wondering if i can add honey, apples and if it would make any much difference?

Know i might need to boil and peel the apples but should i blend or slice them?

Also would white sugar or demerara sugar be better? (1kg)

Thanks

[potatoes]

Hello,

Have been given both the John Bull & Black Rock cider kits and am wondering if i can add honey, apples and if it would make any much difference?

Thanks

I just bottled a black Rock kit today and brewed it to the instructions. Only difference was I added 1.2 kg of brewing sugar and instead of 1 kg and it tastes fine (before bottling that is!). So my question is, do you really want to add apples?

Also, instead of adding real apples, did you think about adding apple juice?
Just a couple of ideas...

[benl88]

Thanks for the reply. Ive added the apples as i wanted a cloudy cider so am hoping they will help.

I did it all on Saturday but im not sure if its started fermenting yet? There isnt any visable signs (airlock bubbling, foam) like i get with beer.(Have got some images but not sure how to attach)

When i took a sniff it made my eyes water so am hoping this is a good sign? The gravity today was 1034 so maybe i just need to be more patient but havent done a cider before.

Also the yeast was sprinked on the apple pulp so would this make a difference to fermentation?

[potatoes]

Thanks for the reply. Ive added the apples as i wanted a cloudy cider so am hoping they will help.

I did it all on Saturday but im not sure if its started fermenting yet? There isnt any visable signs (airlock bubbling, foam) like i get with beer.(Have got some images but not sure how to attach)

When i took a sniff it made my eyes water so am hoping this is a good sign? The gravity today was 1034 so maybe i just need to be more patient but havent done a cider before.

Also the yeast was sprinked on the apple pulp so would this make a difference to fermentation?

Hi, Sounds a bit odd to me! My black rock took off like a rocket. It kept fermenting for a long time too! What temp is at? Mine worked best at 20-21c. did you use the yeast that came with it? Or did you try a different yeast? Apparently cider yeast works best a low temps 10-16c.

Last thing, I am not sure if this is right forum for this cider. Check out this link viewforum.php?f=13 if it works. You will find more cider stuff there.

BTW, I bottled my cider on sat too!!

[benl88]

It's at 22-24c and I used the yeast that came with it.

Might just wait a few more days & keep taking the gravity before doing anything else.

Will have a look at the link you posted. Thanks for your help .

[potatoes]

It's at 22-24c and I used the yeast that came with it.

Might just wait a few more days & keep taking the gravity before doing anything else.

Will have a look at the link you posted. Thanks for your help .

Hi Ben,

Any luck with kit yet? Has it started to brew or has the Gravity dropped? I am interested to see how yours turns out as I may try adding a few apples to my next one.