http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ Brew UK Forum » Forum: Cider Kits - Recent Posts en Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:47:36 +0000 http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-question#post-28660 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:02:31 +0000 seamus48 28660@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Not tried the &#39;On the Rocks&#39; kit but the Black rock kit is very good. We make it up with 10L of pure apple juice and it is very, very, nice. Perfect in the garden on a sunny afternoon &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_mrgreen.gif&quot; title=&quot;:mrgreen:&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-question#post-28659 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:57:55 +0000 Mark 28659@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>The Raspberry and lime on the rocks is fantastic, never got no egg smells as it was fermented low end all way through. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-question#post-28655 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:51:54 +0000 aderuk 28655@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Quick update on the cider,well opened a bottle the other day smelt not to bad and it actually tastes alright,just a bit to sweet for me.Not sure i can think of a mixer or something to add to a glass to take some of the sweetness away. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-question#post-22253 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 03:01:36 +0000 aderuk 22253@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p><blockquote>it has been really caned and rated at 1 star. You said it smells of eggs, the reviewer said it smells of nappys.</blockquote></p> <p>Unfortunately i ordered and started mine before the review was posted,will soon see if it turns out as described.</p> <p><blockquote>gone through rigorous taste tests and development work to ensure only the best possible end results are achieved with every kit.</blockquote></p> <p>we will see not holding my breath though. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-question#post-22240 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:36:12 +0000 Mark 22240@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Hi ade<br /> you may wish to read the review of this kit on the BrewUK website, it has been really caned and rated at 1 star. You said it smells of eggs, the reviewer said it smells of nappys. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-question#post-22219 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:26:51 +0000 aderuk 22219@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Yes Hamish just took another reading and its around 1.000-1.002 bit hard to see it exactly. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-question#post-22217 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:42:15 +0000 Hamish 22217@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>What is the reading?, I have zero experience of cider kits but I guess the reading needs to be 1.002 or below. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-question#post-22215 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:29:48 +0000 aderuk 22215@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p><blockquote>You&#39;ve just had a lung full of Co2. </blockquote></p> <p>So is the cider and my lungs okay.........</p> <p>the gravity readings have been the same for a few days,so is it good to bottle with the egg smell going on ? </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-question#post-22214 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:14:21 +0000 Hamish 22214@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>You&#39;ve just had a lung full of Co2. &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_eek.gif&quot; title=&quot;8O&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-question#post-22211 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:45:47 +0000 aderuk 22211@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Gosh i opened the lid to the Fv this morning and now have a little foam on the top and the fizzing sound has now stopped,so i guess its ready .but it smelt like eggs and took my breath away and if you have a strong sniff it burns the back of my throat,this cant be right surely ? </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-question#post-22167 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 02:58:06 +0000 aderuk 22167@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Thanks Nath... </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/elderflower-cider#post-22166 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 01:00:45 +0000 johnh 22166@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>hi there, could anybody offer me some advice on the &#39;Magnum Elderflower Cider Kit&#39;.<br /> I have just purchased one of these kits and would like to ask your advice on the &#39;Yeast&#39;,<br /> Should i go with the supplied &#39;yeast/with sweetners&#39; that comes with it, or i&#39;ve got some<br /> Vintners Harvest SN9-Saccharomyces Bayanus.. what should i go with?.... </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-question#post-22154 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:11:36 +0000 Nath 22154@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Yep its a normal part of the fermentation, its still fermenting but the crust has sank/disapeared! </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-question#post-22151 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:39:16 +0000 aderuk 22151@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>I have an on the rocks apple cider on the go,the first 36 hrs there was a crust on top which has now gone,if i lift the lid a little it is sparkling away lovely.I was just wondering if the crust is supposed to dissapear ?</p> <p>Thanks </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-carbonation#post-21261 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:45:39 +0000 Hamish 21261@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>I don&#39;t have any experience of cider kits. Only ever made cider from my own apples, ye olde farmhouse stylee. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-carbonation#post-21257 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:46:21 +0000 saracen 21257@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Hi.<br /> I don&#39;t do cider, but from what I can gather from the posts Hamish has contributed about it, it takes a long time to mature.</p> <p>A week for the secondary fermentation is a bit short. I would say put the bottles in the warm (about 20°c) for another 2 weeks, then store them in a cool place for as long as you can resist temptation. You will probably get more carbonation this way. Adding extra sugar can de a bit of a time bomb. You don&#39;t really know if there is still sugar in there to be fermented, and adding more could be enough to grenade the bottles. Are they glass or plastic bottles? New or seconhand? Secondhand glass bottles can have tiny chips around the open end which can cause the bottle to fail under pressure. There are a lot of variables, but the sugar you used should be enough. If you are making 40 pints, when bottling, the best way of adding sugar it to bulk prime. Put 100gms of Sugar for plastic bottles and 120 gms for new glass bottles, into a 2nd Fermenting vessel or suitable container, like a 25 lt drum thoroughly cleaned and sterilised, transfer the cider, swilling it around when 4 or 5 lts have been transferred to dissolve the sugar, and bottle from there.<br /> It&#39;s the only way of doing it, and the most effective. Commercially, the cider is cooled right down and Co2 injected under pressure. It&#39;s then bottled immediately. You can&#39;t do that at home. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-carbonation#post-21223 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:52:18 +0000 hop2it 21223@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Hi all,</p> <p>I recently done my first ever homebrew from the magnum apple kit &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> <p>It fermented for 6 days then i transferred to a secondary fv for 2 days to reduce sediment The abv ended up at 5.4%</p> <p>i then bottled using half a teaspoon of dextrose (brewing sugar) in 330ml bottles and a full teaspoon in pint bottles. capped the bottles and left for another week to ferment.</p> <p>chilled for a week and took my first sample bottle.... the taste was ok, a little &quot;chemical&quot; but this has settled out after another week or so.</p> <p>my question is this :- </p> <p>there is some carboonation going on there but not enough for my liking. can i get away with adding more sugar when bottling or is that a risky game.... i dont want them exploding! is there any other way of achieving carbonation when bottling the finished product? or is there a more effective way than adding sugar?</p> <p>regards</p> <p>andy </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-issues#post-20857 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:00:56 +0000 saracen 20857@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Some interesting opinions there.<br /> There&#39;s me, thinking all &#39;traditional farm&#39; cider tasted like drain cleaner.<br /> I did think about keeping the last lot I bought from a poky little farmhouse in Devon to mature, but then I thought, maybe I won&#39;t live long enough! </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/advice-on-black-rock-cider-kit#post-20796 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:33:28 +0000 Pete 20796@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>I made this kit as per instructions. Drinkable but not my favourite. As has been said above - a bit thin. I am told it improves with age - like 6 months. I do like black rock kits (their Nut Brown and Miners stout is VERY good IMHO) but the apple cider is not their best offering. I have had better results brewing with &quot;pure&quot; apple juice from concentrate - ie straight from the supermarket cartons. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-issues#post-20795 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:28:51 +0000 Pete 20795@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>when I brewed some cider using Aldi apple juice (from concentrate) as the base it didn&#39;t taste so wonderful. However after 9 months it is actually very drinkable. It seems both apple and pear ciders need a LONG time to mature well. A year would not be too long, IMHO. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-2#post-20112 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 18:08:57 +0000 Nath 20112@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>HELLO!</p> <p>Dunno much about the cider kits, have you had a browse on the shop to see what the descriptions and reviews say about the kits - its probably a good place to start, I would also google kit names and the words sweet or magners or woodpecker to see if it comes up trumps.</p> <p>Try to use lower case next time mate, Full caps is shouting &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_biggrin.gif&quot; title=&quot;:D&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-2#post-20090 Sun, 18 Sep 2011 10:38:25 +0000 delbert 20090@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>HI ALL, I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A GO AT MAKING A SWEET CIDER (WOODPECKER, MAGNERS TYPE) ANY RECOMMENDATIONS? CHEERS DEL. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/first-cider-query-about-specific-gravity#post-19108 Sat, 20 Aug 2011 17:04:37 +0000 henryhenryhenry 19108@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Thanks Mark and Jim,</p> <p>I was thinking perhaps I should purchase: <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pressure-Barrel-Vent-Cap-Brewing-Home-Brew-FREE-P-P-NEW-/320512652841?pt=Home_Brew&amp;hash=item4aa00af629#ht_1539wt_1139" rel="nofollow">http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pressure-Barrel-Vent-Cap-Brewing-Home-Brew-FREE-P-P-NEW-/320512652841?pt=Home_Brew&amp;hash=item4aa00af629#ht_1539wt_1139</a> and in the 4-6 days for the postage (potentially longer as its over a weekend) leave it in the first stage of fermention. Then when it arrives siphon the cider into the container I have with its new cap adding the flavouring along the way; this would be significantly cheaper than buying a pressure barrel/keg or bottles. What do you guys reckon to that? </p> <p>Leaving my only problem left the sugar one for the second fermention, how much do you recommend I add (hopefully for a sweeter cider) when it comes to it? </p> <p>Thanks guys</p> <p>Henry</p> <p>edit: also I have this kind of adapter at home (same style but just fits my 2&quot; screw top): <a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0031/9692/products/25ltr-home-brew-bin2_medium.jpeg?100486" rel="nofollow">http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0031/9692/products/25ltr-home-brew-bin2_medium.jpeg?100486</a> , if its any more suitable (which I&#39;m assuming not) perhaps I could manually equalize pressure every few days in the container? </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/pear-cider#post-19095 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 23:35:52 +0000 Mark 19095@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Greg what is the feedback with the On the rocks cider kits?<br /> My first cider a magnum pear is 3 weeks old tommorrow in bottles and is tasting really nice with each passing day but i did not like the idea of adding a flavouring at the end although the ends to a mean has worked really well.<br /> Apparently their is a juice pack to add at the end with the rocks kit?<br /> This sounds like it should taste better than the magnum brand? </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/first-cider-query-about-specific-gravity#post-19093 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 23:22:10 +0000 Mark 19093@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Hi Henry<br /> below is what i wrote in a post on 22nd July under the thread that i started called anyone made pear cider<br /> Hope this helps, basically have alot of patience. This tastes nice at nearly 3 weeks conditioning in bottle but will be even better in a weeks time. Basically i let it ferment for 2 weeks and a day within temp guidlines.</p> <p>Well i started the pear cider on 8tH July added 1.5kg brew sugar instead of 1.3kg, OG was 1040 and racked it off yesterday with FG down to zero. Will be bottling it tommorrow. I tasted the sample out of trial jar and must say this looks promising as tastes not bad as it is. Think the extra 3 or 4 days i left in primary has really helped the clearing and got a good clean ferment. Added the flavouring last of all. Job done. Looks all good for me 1st brew in 8 years. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/first-cider-query-about-specific-gravity#post-19092 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:59:46 +0000 Jim 19092@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>hi Henry</p> <p>no I wouldn&#39;t class that as up for the job of a pressure barrel I&#39;m afraid.. check out brew&#39;s shop <a href="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/containers/barrelsbarrels.html">here</a> for what they&#39;re talking about. Plus they have specific cider barrels too. Basically you can get a fair bit of pressure built up during the secondary fermentation (when the left over yeast gets to work on the priming sugar) and if you&#39;ve not got it in a suitable container you can end up with a beer/cider splatter room when the container explodes!</p> <p>The last step you mention is basically saying give the secondary fermentation 5 days somewhere like room temperature so the remaining yeast can turn the priming suger into co2 to give your cider some fizz then move it somewhere cooler so the yeast calms down and the CO2 gets into the cider... </p> <p>As I haven&#39;t brewed cider I don&#39;t know how long you&#39;re supposed to leave it to clear but if it&#39;s anything like beer it varies. Best way to find out is to sneak a small glass every week as a sample and when it&#39;s got to the stage where you think it&#39;s ready (you&#39;ll know) then it&#39;s ready!</p> <p>Sorry if this is vague but brewing is really, there&#39;s no right or wrong answer i&#39;m afraid.. Best thing you can do is make sure everything is clean and have patience! </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/first-cider-query-about-specific-gravity#post-19082 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:59:47 +0000 henryhenryhenry 19082@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Cheers for the answers Jimbo, they were very informative and helpful (and fast!).</p> <p>Two more questions: It says transfer to cider bottles and add 1teaspoon of sugar per 750ml or use a Hambleton Bard Beersphere Keg or similiar pressure barrel add 60g of sugar and seal. I have a container akin to this: <a href="http://www.thermosole.com/images/industrial/20%20Liter%20Plastic%20Jerry%20Can%20white.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://www.thermosole.com/images/industrial/20%20Liter%20Plastic%20Jerry%20Can%20white.jpg</a> which was purchased new (and has been sterilized). Do I class this as a &#39;pressure barrel&#39; (I don&#39;t know what that means)and add 60g of sugar or add a teaspoon per 750ml (which is approximately 130g of sugar based on 20L of cider and a teaspoon of sugar weighing 5g)</p> <p>And the final question (I hope): The last step says store cider for 5 days for secondary fermentation to occur. &quot;Then leave cool to clear&quot;. Was just wondering what this last sentence is saying, its a little vague</p> <p>Thanks</p> <p>Henry </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/first-cider-query-about-specific-gravity#post-19074 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:31:37 +0000 Jim 19074@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>I&#39;m not a cider brewer but I can say that an extra 1/2 litre isn&#39;t going to make much difference to the brew so don&#39;t worry about that!</p> <p>As for the gravity, if you get the same reading over 2 days then you can assume the fermentation is near the end.. compare your readings from days 9,10,12,12 &amp; 13 and if they&#39;re all near enough the same you can bet that it&#39;s not going to get below 1000.. 1003 is close enough in my opinion!</p> <p>Can&#39;t really say how much to leave behind as it all depends on your FV but once you start getting to the bottom of the fermenter you&#39;ll know what you want to leave behind.. unless light brown sludge appeals to you! &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> <p>Finally, I always sneak a taste out of the secondary and it does me no harm.. just remember that the final product should (unless something goes horribly wrong) taste a load better than these first samples!</p> <p>Good luck and let us know how you get on!</p> <p>jimbo </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/first-cider-query-about-specific-gravity#post-19073 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:19:05 +0000 henryhenryhenry 19073@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Hi guys</p> <p>I am making my first ever brew using the magnum pear cider kit. I have followed all instructions exact apart from I was meant to top it to 22.5L and accidently topped it to 23L so my first question is: is this an issue? Next the instructions recommend to ferment for 7-10 days and to make sure to check the specific gravity is 1000 or below before moving on. I have checked the specific gravity on day 9,10,11,12 and today is day 13 and on all days the specific gravity has been about 1003/4, what do you think to this? Next question is how much should I leave behind (in liters) when racking to another vessel, any recommendations or will it be obvious when it gets sedimenty? And my final question is can I taste the cider during second fermentation or will it make me ill or give a false impression of the final product? </p> <p>Thanks in advance and excuse the large volume of questions, I just don&#39;t want this to go wrong!</p> <p>Henry </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/pear-cider#post-19071 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:53:03 +0000 Greg 19071@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>How about the new On the Rocks cider kits.</p> <p><a href="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/cider-kits/cider-kits/on-the-rocks-pear.html">http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/cider-kits/cider-kits/on-the-rocks-pear.html</a> </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/pear-cider#post-19049 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:10:34 +0000 Pete 19049@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Any advice or comment about the preferred Pear cider kits on the market? Most seem to have apple juice in the the pear - but that might be my taste buds malfunctioning. again. I have been told that &quot;brew buddy&quot; pear cider is a good brew and has pure pear juice as its base. </p> <p>So far my best attempt at perry is made from a Magnum pear cider kit - but without the flavouring pack. But it still leaves me wanting.... </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/large-old-cider-press-would-any-body-be-intrested-in-this-please-take-a-look#post-14339 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:26:13 +0000 jamesthomas21 14339@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Based in devon. yeah its pretty old. Im not to sure i dont see why it wouldnt work. any thoughts on it? </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/large-old-cider-press-would-any-body-be-intrested-in-this-please-take-a-look#post-14077 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:29:06 +0000 Gazz 14077@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Man that looks old, where are you based? Is it even working? </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/large-old-cider-press-would-any-body-be-intrested-in-this-please-take-a-look#post-14039 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 12:10:54 +0000 jamesthomas21 14039@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>hello,</p> <p>We are clearing out an old barn for renevation and have this large old cider press in the corner. Its my uncle shed and he dosent want to keep this as part of the barn and wanted to know if its worth anything and would anybody be intrested in it. Im guessing it would look rather good in a traditional farm house or village pub but please take a look.<br /> If you copy and past the below link into the top of your page you can take a look at the pictures of it.<br /> Cheers<br /> James</p> <p><a href="http://s1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee381/jamesthomas21/" rel="nofollow">http://s1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee381/jamesthomas21/</a> </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/should-i-brew-or-should-i-throw#post-13362 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:13:03 +0000 Greg 13362@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>I agree with Nath, old tinned malt extract kits will definitely not be good and from all accounts the brew buddy is pretty rough to start with.</p> <p>Get yourself a Woodfordes kit and you won&#39;t be disappointed. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/should-i-brew-or-should-i-throw#post-13356 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:21:48 +0000 Nath 13356@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>I normally never say throw away, so you could try but then...its a relativly cheap cider kit that could be spoilt and is out of date.</p> <p>I&#39;d throw it! </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/should-i-brew-or-should-i-throw#post-13355 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:37:01 +0000 Magna Carta 13355@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Hi, odd question I know but I thought I&#39;d ask - I have an old Brew Buddy 40 pint cider kit which is both out of date (2008) and has split ie there is some seepage from the can which has been going on for a while. Should I just throw this away or is it worth having a go? It doesn&#39;t taste horrible but I didn&#39;t want to waste my time if there&#39;s no chance of redeeming anything from it! thanks MC </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-issues#post-11785 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:44:51 +0000 Greg 11785@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Just bear in mind that you are not tasting the finished product so allow for this but you can usually get a pretty good idea of how things are heading and will also be able to taste if something is bad pretty easily, in fact you can normally smell in things are going wrong. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-issues#post-11783 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:05:12 +0000 hodgo2008 11783@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Ah ok thanks. i did a Lager before and it tasted minging before bottling, but will try in the future. ta </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-issues#post-11781 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:59:27 +0000 Tony 11781@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Didn&#39;t taste it? I can&#39;t stop myself taking a &#39;sample&#39;. If you do, it won&#39;t taste perfect as it needs conditioning time but I can&#39;t see any reason why your cider won&#39;t be a good one when it&#39;s done &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_biggrin.gif&quot; title=&quot;:D&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-issues#post-11775 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:26:08 +0000 hodgo2008 11775@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Smelled normal to me. Didnt taste it tho! </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-issues#post-11761 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:24:46 +0000 Greg 11761@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Should be okay, does it smell/taste funny? </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-issues#post-11756 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:37:59 +0000 hodgo2008 11756@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Hi all. Brewing my first Cider kit and due to unforseen circumstances after primary fermentation I was unable to bottle it for a few weeks, which is now done. Will this turn the Cider bad or will it be ok? It was airtight in the PFV during that time. Ta </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-kit#post-11622 Sat, 29 Jan 2011 21:37:00 +0000 saracen 11622@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>All&#39;s well that end well. If you&#39;re anything like I was after the 1st brew you&#39;ll be wanting to get another one on. Take a look at some of Greg&#39;s extract kits. Very easy, normally with stuff you find in the kitchen, and well worth it.<br /> See ya! </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-kit#post-11609 Sat, 29 Jan 2011 19:22:30 +0000 markgill 11609@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>right thats ok then saracen it sure tastes good lol and the coopers bitter is very good and creamy saying its the 1st time iv done this sort ov thing </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-kit#post-11528 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:41:39 +0000 saracen 11528@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Hi. Assuming you haven&#39;t loosened the pressure cap and the cap seal is not leaking, the priming sugar should have been used and the Co2 should have pressurised the barrel. This should give a drink with a certain amount of gas dissolved in it so it will have a sparkle, but it will never have the &#39;fizzy&#39; character that you get with bottled ciders simply because the plastic barrel won&#39;t stand that sort of pressure. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-kit#post-11523 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:46:24 +0000 markgill 11523@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>can anybody tell me if this should be still or sparkling </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-kit#post-10895 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 12:08:59 +0000 saracen 10895@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>The man has the patience of a Saint! The Law actually states you must try a little drop (size TBA) once a week to check it&#39;s going OK. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-kit#post-10879 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 08:13:36 +0000 markgill 10879@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>thanks saracen i know for next time now i will give it a shake and am going to leave it for abot a mth to condition thanks agin mark </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-kit#post-10865 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 23:07:11 +0000 saracen 10865@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Hi Mark. Short answer, yes, you should dissolve the sugar. What to do about it? Well, if you put the sugar in the barrel before syphoning the cider in, the chances are it will have mostly dissolved anyway, but the only thing I can really suggest is roll the barrel around a bit. It&#39;s probably too heavy to pick up and shake to dissolve the sugar. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/cider-kit#post-10864 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 22:27:38 +0000 markgill 10864@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>hi all just a quick 1 iv just done 5 gallon ov pear cider it has fermented and transferd to a pressure barrel and iv just been sat ere thinking just added the 60grams of sugar should i have desolved the sugar in a bit of the cider first , as i did not do this wot should i do now </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/new-brewer-suggestions-please#post-7477 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 22:30:28 +0000 Lol 7477@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>I have done 2 black rock kits, I think they need 4 months before they taste any good, also seen on forum the idea of adding some pure apple juice instead of sugar ( i have not tried this)<br /> It won&#39;t be everyone taste but the kits is pretty good </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/new-brewer-suggestions-please#post-7458 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 10:47:48 +0000 Nath 7458@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p><blockquote>hi greg instructions say sprinkle yeast in brew,stir. if making cider sprinkle in nutrient sachet but was told you need yeast to ferment<br /> </blockquote></p> <p>I would assume that means yeast sachet and yeast nutrient sachet. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/new-brewer-suggestions-please#post-7440 Sun, 03 Oct 2010 20:30:32 +0000 simonb_13 7440@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>+1 for Turbo Cider. Easy and quick results. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/new-brewer-suggestions-please#post-7435 Sun, 03 Oct 2010 19:39:27 +0000 Rodders 7435@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>In reply to the Origional Poster if he is still about, I would like to say that Brewing from kits is so cheap and easy, that it wouldn&#39;t really matter what cider you bought. The fun is in the brewing and then drinking it. Buy a kit from each maker (from brewuk.co.uk of course) and if you don&#39;t like a certain make, then dont buy it again. All the kits that I have bought have all been drinkable so even if you don&#39;t like them, your mates will. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/new-brewer-suggestions-please#post-7433 Sun, 03 Oct 2010 15:39:35 +0000 evos 7433@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>hi greg instructions say sprinkle yeast in brew,stir. if making cider sprinkle in nutrient sachet but was told you need yeast to ferment </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/new-brewer-suggestions-please#post-7431 Sun, 03 Oct 2010 14:50:36 +0000 Greg 7431@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>What do the instructions say? </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/new-brewer-suggestions-please#post-7429 Sun, 03 Oct 2010 14:38:15 +0000 evos 7429@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>hi just got john bull ciderkit do i put yeastsachet in or nutrient sachet or both last batch put both in and was a load of bull ;any ideas </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/new-brewer-suggestions-please#post-7123 Sun, 26 Sep 2010 17:02:45 +0000 Nath 7123@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Ive yet to make a cider stu but plenty of people here have made turbo cider (do a search for it - quite a few threads) but if its kits your wanting I have heard from a few people that blackrock is a nice pint. On the other hand if ya want an olde worlde cider (proper west country stylee) muntons kit - <a href="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/cider-kits/cider-kits/muntons-gold-cider-3kg.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/cider-kits/cider-kits/muntons-gold-cider-3kg.html</a></p> <p>Make sure you check the reviews from the products page but Im sure you will be gooked on this malarky soon! </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/new-brewer-suggestions-please#post-7119 Sun, 26 Sep 2010 16:37:42 +0000 sjc4AUT 7119@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Hello,<br /> been drinking Cider for 4 years now and now having moved to the UK has made me realise that there&#39;s more than just strongbow and Magners. This has lead me on to wanting to try some home brew kits. Think I&#39;m going to get the Cider starter kit (<a href="http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/cider-kits/starter-kits/cider-starter-kit.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/cider-kits/starter-kits/cider-starter-kit.html</a>) but just a tad miffed as to which would be the best cider to start with.<br /> Thinking to go with John Bull or the Black Rock however I figured I&#39;d get a few more opinions of people who have tried and tested the various kits and the whole swapping the sugar for apple juice that isn&#39;t from concentrate.<br /> Figured that if everything slips up with the John Bull it wouldn&#39;t the worst case but if it doesn&#39;t taste to nice then it wouldn&#39;t be the end of the world.<br /> Anyway, sorry about the rambling on.</p> <p>Cheers, stu </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/advice-on-black-rock-cider-kit#post-5819 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:10:04 +0000 Varnish 5819@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>The juice carton should tell you how much sugar is in the juice.</p> <p>For example;<br /> If the juice contains 100g of sugar per litre and the kit calls for 1000g of sugar to be added you would need 10 litres of Juice. 10 X 100 = 1000</p> <p>Then just make the kit up to the recommended level. 23L or what ever it is. </p> <p>Or you could go half juice/half sugar. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/advice-on-black-rock-cider-kit#post-5816 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:16:14 +0000 ian_a 5816@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>How much juice would you suggest Varnish? </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/advice-on-black-rock-cider-kit#post-5813 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:07:14 +0000 Varnish 5813@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>I&#39;ve made it.<br /> I would suggest instead of the sugar, use apple juice.</p> <p>I found it a bit thin, and think the apple juice would have helped to add a bit of body. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/advice-on-black-rock-cider-kit#post-5812 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:59:53 +0000 Greg 5812@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>No Ian I haven&#39;t. I don&#39;t really make kits myself any more, mostly all grain beer and some cider but from apple juice.</p> <p>The blackrock kit it always gets good feedback from customers though. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/advice-on-black-rock-cider-kit#post-5811 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:03:36 +0000 ian_a 5811@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Have you made this kit Greg? If so, how did it turn out? </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/advice-on-black-rock-cider-kit#post-5787 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:37:42 +0000 Greg 5787@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>I would just follow the instructions to be honest. Try experimenting after that. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/advice-on-black-rock-cider-kit#post-5781 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:47:03 +0000 ian_a 5781@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Folks,</p> <p>Just about to kick off a brew with the Black Rock cider kit... Has anyone else got any experience of brewing this kit? I&#39;ve seen tips like adding apple juice, pear juice, LDME, lactose, malic acid, etc etc etc. Does anyone have a really good recipe for this kit?</p> <p>Cheers,</p> <p>Ian </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/the-yeast-has-sunk#post-5140 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:52:45 +0000 Tony 5140@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>How about a) worried about having to be b) patient.</p> <p>The waiting is the hard part. &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/the-yeast-has-sunk#post-5139 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:12:43 +0000 Starkie 5139@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>I suffer the same problem and did exactly the same thing Jharper</p> <p>I always assume i&#39;ve done something wrong </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/the-yeast-has-sunk#post-5104 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:20:57 +0000 Nath 5104@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Hehehehehe I choose b.</p> <p>Patience and brewing go hand in hand. Though not in my hand as I&#39;m totally impatient.</p> <p>Oh the answer is still b by the way!</p> <p> &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_razz.gif&quot; title=&quot;:P&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/the-yeast-has-sunk#post-5103 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:42:25 +0000 jharper 5103@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>b) patient</p> <p>The yeast has started rising (very slowly) and about to get the first bubble &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_wink.gif&quot; title=&quot;;-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/the-yeast-has-sunk#post-5099 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:21:19 +0000 jharper 5099@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Hi Forum,</p> <p>This is probably an easy one to answer.</p> <p>Purchased 5 litres of apple juice from (concentrate) to see what the outcome would be like. Added 4 litres to glass demijohn at 22 centigrade(did not want to fill to the top just yet). Hydro reading is 1050. Added Youngs cider yeast (about 1/3 pack). Apple juice is 100g sugar per litre. </p> <p>The yeast just sank to the bottom.</p> <p>Shook and fitted airlock - same result</p> <p>All the kits I have made from so far the yeast has always stayed at the top (I think - have never used glass before)</p> <p>Should I be </p> <p>a) worried<br /> b) patient</p> <p>Cheers<br /> JH </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/finlandia-applepear-cider-kit#post-4557 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:32:03 +0000 jharper 4557@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>aha I don&#39;t actually have any apple trees at home but am lucky enough to have friends that do. Yes think it may be a late harvest this year.. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/finlandia-applepear-cider-kit#post-4555 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:23:59 +0000 Greg 4555@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>How are your apples looking? My tree looks a little bare at the moment. </p> http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/finlandia-applepear-cider-kit#post-4551 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 18:09:24 +0000 jharper 4551@http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/ <p>Is &#39;ok&#39;. bottled at 5.1% Too sweet for me but the wife likes it. Cannot wait to try the windfalls with that press &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/bb-plugins/default/icon_wink.gif&quot; title=&quot;;-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> <p>Good article on countryfile today about making perry. iplayer is your friend... </p>