Black Rock Cider Review

[TonyT40]

Set the kit off as per instructions. At 14 days it was still going strong so I had to leave it an extra week whilst I was away. After 22 days the SG had dropped to 1002 and it was pretty clear (better than I expected). I bottled with 1 teaspoon of sugar in brown pet bottles with Crown Caps (42). Bottles inverted 4 times as per can and stored in our attic room (generally 20 to 24 degC) until next weekend. I will then move somewhere cool.

I will update later. :thumb:

 

[Stanleythecat]

Set the kit off as per instructions. At 14 days it was still going strong so I had to leave it an extra week whilst I was away. After 22 days the SG had dropped to 1002 and it was pretty clear (better than I expected). I bottled with 1 teaspoon of sugar in brown pet bottles with Crown Caps (42). Bottles inverted 4 times as per can and stored in our attic room (generally 20 to 24 degC) until next weekend. I will then move somewhere cool.

I will update later. :thumb:

Thanks Tony

Be interested to hear what you think. I read about this kit before I was persuaded to try a well aged turbo cider on this forum! I did do the kit but followed some tweaks that I read about. I brewed short to 18 litres, added 3 sliced Bramleys and substituted some of the water for juice from concentrate and adjusted the sugar accordingly. Also added a small amount of lactose to sweeten slightly. Have to say the one thing I did forget was to adjust the recommended sugar for the reduced volume (18 litres)! oops. Have bottled now and waiting for the fizz...

Leo

 

[TonyT40]

Day 33. Now moved to cool room for conditioning. I did bottle 2 in clear bottles. The cider is very clear with minimum sediment. The PEt bttles have now become quite firm. So far so good! :pray:

 

[TonyT40]

Well today was the day the instructions said it would be ready! I opened a bottle. It is very clear, pretty flat (or is lightly carbonated the correct term ?), doesn't have much flavour an a slight yeast smell. I think I will leave it a bit longer but not sure about the lack of fizz :?

 

[TonyT40]

Update. Had a few more bottles. Tastes good - although a little more flovour would had been better. All bottles completely flat so far . I had to leave it an extra week or so in the FV as I was on holiday and assume the yeasties died. I prefer mine carbonated so am a little disappointed as this was my first ever kit.

 

[Treacle]

I know it's been years since anyone's commented on this review but I wondered if you guys know what the starting gravity for the black rock should be? I've checked on loads of websites but can't find the info anywhere.

I was also thinking about adjusting the volume and also maybe the sugar/juice so I'd find it handy to know. Dont suppose you logged it anywhere did you? No worries if not - cheers

 

[Treacle]

Update. Had a few more bottles. Tastes good - although a little more flovour would had been better. All bottles completely flat so far . I had to leave it an extra week or so in the FV as I was on holiday and assume the yeasties died. I prefer mine carbonated so am a little disappointed as this was my first ever kit.

Well I brewed mine only slightly short by 500mls and used 3lt Asda apple juice. I clocked the SG at 1.040. After 3 weeks in the bucket the sg was down to bang on 1.000. I'd been on holiday too so I hope it carbonates! I was quite pleased with it this low as I like a dry cider but let's hope it's not too thin and tasteless!

I'll update in a few weeks when HOPEFULLY it's got some fizz in it!