First Cider

[MarcJ]

Hi Guys,

I've just bottled my first brew which was a lager but have picked up a on the rocks cider to do next, I was just wondering (as I found out quickly with the lager not to follow the instructions) are there any key thinkgs I should know i.e temp to keep fv at, should I use brewing sugar or enhancers etc ?????/

Any hints and tips appreciated.

Thanks
Marc

 

[RobWalker]

not much to cider from a kit really, just make it up to instructions and have a lot of patience with it. finings are a wise move too, i wouldn't leave it in the FV for an extended period of time but it's better to rack it/bottle it/keg it bright if possible. :thumb:

 

[MarcJ]

what do the finnings do? sorry but not got a clue about them.

I came across a review of the kit on here which had few adjustments to it so followed that ( replaced 4 ltr water with apple )

Was planning to keep in primary for 2 weeks and then bottle, is that too long?

 

[oldbloke]

Finings grab anything causing a haze and sink it. Might be needed with your kit, almost never needed with turbocider.
Replacing the water with apple will up the ABV a good bit but also get a bit more flavour.
2 weeks ought to be enough - if it's obviously clear or the hydrometer says the same thing 2 days in a row, bottle/keg it; if not, wait a bit.

 

[Manitude]

I've used an On The Rocks kit before and didn't need any finings: it cleared up beautifully with time (and a bit of pectolase, though I'm not sure if this was entirely necessary)
I did leave it for several months in the FV though. Tasted pretty good*, but as someone recommended above, adding a few litres of apple juice instead of water could be a good move. It was a bit watery.

*one of my housemates commented that if he'd paid £3 in a pub for it he wouldn't be at all disappointed.