Berry cider fermentation

[thomas97]

After 12 days it has dropped from 1.046 to 1.012 giving a reading of roughly 4.5%, I racked it from the lees to a second DJ. Now the bubbler isn't bubbling at all and has nearly levelled out. Have I completely messed this up?

 

[NorfolkBrew]

Sounds like its almost done anyway. Try taking a daily reading for about 3 days and if the FG doesn't change then you're finished with fermentation. The airlock only really shows vigorous fermentation and always stops bubbling before the yeast have actually worked through all the sugar.

Hope this helps!

 

[NorfolkBrew]

Just out of interest, what kind of berries are you using and how much? I'd like to give a berry cider a go!

 

[thomas97]

Ahhh okay that makes sense, was just a little worried about oxygen getting in ect. Will taking testers ecceft it like that? didnt want to mess around too much! I used for 4.5L, 3 litres of apple and raspberry juice, then 1.5L of Blueberry and Cherry Juice, there was more Blueberry in there than Cherry. I also used a cider yeast with sweetener, tastes good so far!

 

[NorfolkBrew]

Ahhh okay that makes sense, was just a little worried about oxygen getting in ect. Will taking testers ecceft it like that? didnt want to mess around too much! I used for 4.5L, 3 litres of apple and raspberry juice, then 1.5L of Blueberry and Cherry Juice, there was more Blueberry in there than Cherry. I also used a cider yeast with sweetener, tastes good so far!

It depends on the FV you're using. If it's a bucket then you can just gently place the (sterilised) hydrometer in there and take a reading. If you're using a demijohn which I imagine you are for a 1 gallon batch its a little more tricky you;d probably have to siphon some out. There is a layer of CO2 just above the liquid that protects it from getting oxygenated so just try to minimise the disturbance but to be honest after 12+ days it's very likely to be finished with fermentation by now.

Sounds like a great recipe! I've not tried cherry juice you'll have to let us know how it turns out!

 

[thomas97]

Thanks, is oxygenation not such a problem after its fermented? I know you dont want to leave it open for too long, as it can go "off". Will do, depends how long it'll last before I cant wait any longer :lol:

 

[NorfolkBrew]

Oxygenation is a problem after its fermented and should be minimised at all costs before bottling as it'll do weird things to the taste while its conditioning. Often people report a 'cardboard' taste if the brew has been oxygenated.