I can't wait until our apples are ready, they make beautiful cider. Should really get soe wine going too,
got loads of black currants and loganberries ready. Nice job for the weekend methinks. Thanks for reminding me.
(
skeltonator Needs some new daps., Fri 3 Aug 2012, 12:50,
Reply)
Never attempted wine before
So it should be a larf! Though I did do a cider once years ago. It went wrong. I made my Brother drink it. I am a cruel sibling.
(
Fadgebadger Sweaty sumo wanks for everyone!, Fri 3 Aug 2012, 13:22,
Reply)
Ooof! your poor brother! I used to have a six foot screw beam press in the back garden, we made 500 gallons one year,
Got invited to an awful lot of barbeques, donated that to the town orchard though, it is quite a silly amount of cider to have kicking about. Just got a small press now, home made from a car jack, threaded bar, some oak and an old washing machine drum. It works beautifully. Wine is a bit more difficult to do than cider, Just make sure everything is nicely sterile, get your yeast going first and don't forget the sugar, In fact ask amadeus, he seems to be very sage in these matters. Most of all have fun!
(
skeltonator Needs some new daps., Fri 3 Aug 2012, 13:30,
Reply)
*nods sagely*
Make sure every things clean.
I use VWP as it rinses nicely and doesn't leave a taste.
Once yeast is going you'll get a nice CO2 layer that will protect the brew from infections so long as no foreign bodies get in.
Unless you own a vineyard don't be a snob about making "prison brew"
I've made very nice brews using white grape juice from supermarket and fruit tea bags.
Dissolve suger in boiling water until clear before adding to the mix.
Only add the yeast when the temp is in the mid 20's or you'll just kill it.
Don't go mad and add twice as much sugar as required. You'll just get a very sweet wine.
Yeast generally dies at around 17% proof with a few going to 22% but don't taste that good.
Praise the yeast organism for the wonder it is.
This little feller gobbles sugar, pisses alcohol and farts CO2.
When it comes to clearing you have a choice. Leave things to settle by themselves over a couple of weeks or add some isinglass.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isinglass
This is why most wine is not vegetarian btw.
(
Cerebus Sticky! Sticky! Stick! Stick!, Fri 3 Aug 2012, 13:44,
Reply)
If you are a veggie, settle, rack, settle, rack the more times you do it the clearer it gets.
(
skeltonator Needs some new daps., Fri 3 Aug 2012, 13:49,
Reply)