National Homebrew Club Ireland

Last year I bought 75 litres of apple juice from Con at the apple farm in Tip, http://www.theapplefarm.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5BVzGkHkxM

This year again he is offering juice with 90% cider apples 10% Cookers. Normally the ratio is roughly 70:30 Sweet to sharp but because his cider apples are a bit sharper to get ph correct he doesn't need as many cookers.

Cost is €25 for 25 litres + €6 for the 25 litre drum (1.24/litre) one of which from last year I converted into a fermenter.
I know its more expensive than my last all grain and certainly more expensive than cloudy from Lidl, but its this years harvest, pulped the day before I collect and sold by a man who knows his apples ;D 

Anybody that is seriously interested put your name below and depending on the numbers will determine if I push this into a group buy. There is no further discount on the above numbers however as I now feel its time to give something back to NHC, I will offer to collect and deliver in the same week(I am on the road for a living but may regret this  :)) to you at no additional cost.
I will close this offer by close of play on the 7th and hope to collect/deliver the following week.

1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l )

1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l )
2. Tube ~ 25L
3. Jacob 50l

Quote1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l )
2. Tube ~ 25L
3. Jacob 50l

4. Damo 50l

1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l )
2. Tube ~ 25L
3. Jacob 50L
4. Damo 50L
5. Dr Jacoby 25L (possibly 50L if a friend comes on board)

1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l )
2. Tube ~ 25L
3. Jacob 50L
4. Damo 50L
5. Dr Jacoby 25L (possibly 50L if a friend comes on board)
6. NewToBrew  25L

1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l )
2. Tube ~ 25L
3. Jacob 50L
4. Damo 50L
5. Dr Jacoby 25L (possibly 50L if a friend comes on board)
6. NewToBrew  25L
7. MAF 25L (provisional; may be getting some locally)

1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l )
2. Tube ~ 25L
3. Jacob 50L
4. Damo 50L
5. Dr Jacoby 25L (possibly 50L if a friend comes on board)
6. NewToBrew  25L
7. MAF 25L (provisional; may be getting some locally)
8. ColinC 25L

Hi Guys, great response so far.

MAF I don't want to be a meanie but I'd prefer you to commit eitherways as I will be trying to set a new NHC record for shortest time interval between receipt of funds and final delivery 8-).

1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l )
2. Tube ~ 25L
3. Jacob 50L
4. Damo 50L
5. Dr Jacoby 25L (possibly 50L if a friend comes on board)
6. NewToBrew  25L
7. ColinC 25L

1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l )
2. Tube ~ 25L
3. Jacob 50L
4. Damo 50L
5. Dr Jacoby 50L (my friend came on board  :D)
6. NewToBrew  25L
7. ColinC 25L

Quote

QuoteI will be trying to set a new NHC record for shortest time interval between receipt of funds and final delivery 8-).

Oo, sounds like a challenge. When do you think you'll be picking these up?

I would like to work to the original schedule Timelines

Offer closes night of the 7th

At that stage I would ask those interested to paypal me before close of play on the Sat.
If you don't have paypal but are definitely interested I will accept COD.
To keep the product as fresh as possible I will ask Con to press on Monday the 12th and to envisage that everyone will have their juice by Wednesday 14th PM. 
Dublin Area Drop-off first.
Between collection and delivery I will keep the juice chilled overnight in the shed, at least then you can then decide if you want to add yeast or let it naturally ferment.

1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l )
2. Tube ~ 25L
3. Jacob 50L
4. Damo 50L
5. Dr Jacoby 50L (my friend came on board  :D)
6. NewToBrew  25L
7. ColinC 25L

Looks like MAF got accidently dropped from the list

So far 0.275 of a tonne! ( aka 275 L )

Cheers Will

( Now starting to practice a Summerset/Herefor Cider accent )

Having just re-scanned the posts it looks like MAF took himself off

BTW:

If about 7 of us are all starting from same base juice do I detect a competive element here?

Would be great to meet up say round Paddys day to taste the ciders??

Will

QuoteHaving just re-scanned the posts it looks like MAF took himself off

Yep. Originally put myself on the list as I thought I had til the 7th to confirm. I'm not a million miles from that apple farm anyway, so can pick up my own if my local source doesn't work out.

Quote

QuoteHaving just re-scanned the posts it looks like MAF took himself off

Yep. Originally put myself on the list as I thought I had til the 7th to confirm. I'm not a million miles from that apple farm anyway, so can pick up my own if my local source doesn't work out.

Hi MAF I feel terrible now :-[ you do have until close of play on the 7th but I really don't want things to drag on and on and want to get people to commit rather than maybes.
Put your name back up, you can always take it off on the 7th if you are unsure.
You can always order yourself in any case.
The only thing is Con uses a very large press and I'm not sure what his min qtys are.

1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l )
2. Tube ~ 25L
3. Jacob 50L
4. Damo 50L
5. Dr Jacoby 50L (my friend came on board  Cheesy)
6. NewToBrew  25L
7. ColinC 25L
8. Padraic 25L

I'm looking forward to some nice Christmas Cider!

Right, I'm in on this but never made cider before. Do we need to add yeast or anything else or just leave it alone to do its thing??

Paddy's Day scrumpy session sounds good! :o

Quote

Quote

QuoteHaving just re-scanned the posts it looks like MAF took himself off

Yep. Originally put myself on the list as I thought I had til the 7th to confirm. I'm not a million miles from that apple farm anyway, so can pick up my own if my local source doesn't work out.

Hi MAF I feel terrible now :-[ you do have until close of play on the 7th but I really don't want things to drag on and on and want to get people to commit rather than maybes.
Put your name back up, you can always take it off on the 7th if you are unsure.
You can always order yourself in any case.
The only thing is Con uses a very large press and I'm not sure what his min qtys are.

it's no bother, no need to feel terrible  ;) As you say, you want definitesand not maybes, so if I'm more definite towards the 7th I'll jump back on.

QuoteRight, I'm in on this but never made cider before. Do we need to add yeast or anything else or just leave it alone to do its thing??

Paddy's Day scrumpy session sounds good! :o

I personally use a white wine yeast;

Either a packet of dried yeast/nutient ( from a 5 gallon wine kit )

or the trub from a gallon of wine after about 3 or 4 weeks

If using the natural yeasts in the juice then it is recommended to add camden tablets to acidify the must sufficiently to suppress bacteria. For this you need a pH meter and a good book ( or this web-site - I can always look it up for you ).

Much better to add a load of healthy wine yeasts that will out compete the bacteria

Caveat Cervesarius

Will

HTH

Will

QuoteRight, I'm in on this but never made cider before. Do we need to add yeast or anything else or just leave it alone to do its thing??

Paddy's Day scrumpy session sounds good! :o

It will naturally ferment, but I either use Champagne or cider yeast will kick it off.
The other big variable is brewing temperature. A long cool fermentation period will produce completely different results to a short sharp warm fermentation.
Just changing where you place your brewing may be all that is required to completely change the taste of your finished cider.

QuoteRight, I'm in on this but never made cider before.

My first cider I did 3 years ago and followed this to the letter and it worked really well
http://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/cider-kit-for-cider-from-apples-p-970.html?zenid=8e305e42dcf53888e27daaeb7ca7959e

Have a quick read of this, you can over play ingredients and adjuncts, I just keep it simple.
http://www.wineworks.co.uk/content/cider-making-made-easy/

1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l )
2. Tube ~ 25L
3. Jacob 50L
4. Damo 50L
5. Dr Jacoby 50L (my friend came on board  Cheesy)
6. NewToBrew  25L
7. ColinC 25L
8. Padraic 25L
9. Blackbrew 25L

Folks I should have also said if anybody wants Pectic Enzyme or Cider Yeast for this juice, let me know as I will be collecting some from HBC for one of my batches (some of my pals likes clear) or if you need anything else there you can prepay them and mark it for collection by John I will be there Friday 9th and will deliver it with your Cider Monday/Tuesday.
Out of NHC forum access Thursday/Friday :'( so let me know before then.

List your good self on the NHC express thread and let fellow brewers know your travel plans.

So when can we expect the juice?

How do we pay?

Where's it being delivered to?

Looking foreward to getting going as we are expecting a cold winter - ideal for lagering the cider!!!

The March B&C meet around Paddys day should be an informal cider night!!

Will

QuoteSo when can we expect the juice?Collection Monday 12th, and really I want to get it to you within max 48hrs for freshness so you can decide if you want to use natural yeasties present or Yeast packet.

How do we pay?    By Paypal preferably (As I will be paying Con on Thursday AM by CC)or Exact Cash Please on on Delivery

Where's it being delivered to?   To your home address, I will PM on Wednesday and will also need a mobile

Looking foreward to getting going as we are expecting a cold winter - ideal for lagering the cider!!!

The March B&C meet around Paddys day should be an informal cider night!! :)

Will

Definitely interested in this, but just wondering how it is being distributed and to where?

QuoteQuoting Ciderhead

To your home address, I will PM on Wednesday and will also need a mobile

Okay, when I saw that I thought maybe it was just to that individuals address, as a main delivery point.

1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l )
2. Tube ~ 25L
3. Jacob 50L
4. Damo 50L
5. Dr Jacoby 50L (my friend came on board  Cheesy)
6. NewToBrew  25L
7. ColinC 25L
8. Padraic 25L
9. Blackbrew 25L
10. Taf 50L

Taf you make a valid point so to help me plan my route Monday/Tuesday next week please put beside your order location.

I will PM each of you in the coming days with paypal details and looking for an address and contact number.


1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l ) Malahide
2. Tube ~ 25L     Leixlip 
3. Jacob 50L       Swords
4. Damo 50L     Bray
5. Dr Jacoby 50L Naas
6. NewToBrew  25L   Waterford
7. ColinC 25L      Clondalkin
8. Padraic 25L       Dublin 1
9. Blackbrew 25L     Cork
10. Taf 50L        Blarneyish

QuoteOoops, I took the liberty of editing your post, which I hope you don't mind. But it was to just fill in the blanks.

That really helps thanks ;), all have PM now so just confirm if you want to proceed and FULL address contact details for direct delivery (mobile also please), not sure on exact timings but if you aren't at home during the day please advise details as to how I can drop off, at Mammys around the corner?, money in envelope under bin etc :D

Monday 12th Delivery
9. Blackbrew 25L     Cork
10. Taf 50L        Blarneyish
6. NewToBrew  25L   Waterford
5. Dr Jacoby 50L Naas
7. ColinC 25L      Clondalkin
8. Padraic 25L       Dublin 1
4. Damo 50L     Bray


Tuesday 13th Delivery
2. Tube ~ 25L     Leixlip
1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l ) Malahide
3. Jacob 50L       Swords
If timing goes well these may happen late Monday night

To remind all I am also in HBC in Mountmellick on Friday if you want anything ordered for a "collection"

QuoteDefinitely interested in this, but just wondering how it is being distributed and to where?

Taf, read the previous posts :)


Oops just relised I was looking at some older messages :'(

Will

Ciderhead I have paid for 25 but can I increase to 50 litre or am I too late?

Thanks for the great response so far guys  [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]and I have confirmed payment/delivery details for those with strikethrough on this list
The 4 remaining have until Midnight on the 7th.


Monday 12th Delivery
9. Blackbrew 25L     Cork
10. Taf 50L        Blarneyish
6. NewToBrew  25L   Waterford
5. Dr Jacoby 50L Naas
7. ColinC 25L      Clondalkin
8. Padraic 25L       Dublin 1
4. Damo 50L     Bray


Tuesday 13th Delivery
2. Tube ~ 25L     Leixlip
1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l ) Malahide
3. Jacob 50L       Swords

Just to remind all again I'm in Homebrew Company Mountmellick Friday this week if you want anything collected.

updating the list - adding another drum to my order - thanks John !

Monday 12th Delivery
9. Blackbrew 25L     Cork
10. Taf 50L        Blarneyish
6. NewToBrew  50L   Waterford
5. Dr Jacoby 50L Naas
7. ColinC 25L      Clondalkin
8. Padraic 25L       Dublin 1
4. Damo 50L     Bray


Tuesday 13th Delivery
2. Tube ~ 25L     Leixlip
1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l ) Malahide
3. Jacob 50L       Swords

Updating the list

Monday 12th Delivery
9. Blackbrew 50L     Cork
10. Taf 50L        Blarneyish
6. NewToBrew  50L   Waterford
5. Dr Jacoby 50L Naas
7. ColinC 25L      Clondalkin
8. Padraic 25L       Dublin 1
4. Damo 50L     Bray


Tuesday 13th Delivery
2. Tube ~ 25L     Leixlip
1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l ) Malahide
3. Jacob 50L       Swords[/quote]

Updating the list

Monday 12th Delivery
9. Blackbrew 50L     Cork
10. Taf 50L        Blarneyish
6. NewToBrew  50L   Waterford
5. Dr Jacoby 50L Naas
7. ColinC 25L      Clondalkin
8. Padraic 25L       Dublin 1
4. Damo 50L     Bray


Tuesday 13th Delivery
2. Tube ~ 25L     Leixlip
1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l ) Malahide
3. Jacob 50L       Swords

QuoteOoops, I took the liberty of editing your post, which I hope you don't mind. But it was to just fill in the blanks.

Metinks there is a bit of a school teacher in you. :D :)

Quote

QuoteOoops, I took the liberty of editing your post, which I hope you don't mind. But it was to just fill in the blanks.

Metinks there is a bit of a school teacher in you. :D :)

Funny that you say that my Missus is a secondary school teacher and she would have it like this  ;D

Monday 12th Delivery
9. Blackbrew 50L     Cork
10. Taf 50L        Blarneyish
6. NewToBrew  50L   Waterford
5. Dr Jacoby 50L Naas
7. ColinC 25L      Clondalkin
8. Padraic 25L       Dublin 1
4. Damo 50L     Bray


Tuesday 13th Delivery
2. Tube ~ 25L     Leixlip
1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l ) Malahide
3. Jacob 50L       Swords[/quote]

Quote

Quote

QuoteOoops, I took the liberty of editing your post, which I hope you don't mind. But it was to just fill in the blanks.

Metinks there is a bit of a school teacher in you. :D :)

Funny that you say that my Missus is a secondary school teacher and she would have it like this  ;D

Monday 12th Delivery
9. Blackbrew 50L     Cork
10. Taf 50L        Blarneyish
6. NewToBrew  50L   Waterford
5. Dr Jacoby 50L Naas
7. ColinC 25L      Clondalkin
8. Padraic 25L       Dublin 1
4. Damo 50L     Bray


Tuesday 13th Delivery
2. Tube ~ 25L     Leixlip
1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l ) Malahide
3. Jacob 50L       Swords

Oops, I get the bold red pen now...  :-[

Sorry for the delay, just PM'd you back there Ciderhead & thanks for looking after all of this.

Ok chaps this is good to go I will go ahead and order now,
Padraic you can pm me if you want to pass not an issue eitherways.


Monday 12th Delivery
9. Blackbrew 50L     Cork
10. Taf 50L        Blarneyish
6. NewToBrew  50L   Waterford
5. Dr Jacoby 50L Naas
7. ColinC 25L      Clondalkin
8. Padraic 25L       Dublin 1
4. Damo 50L     Bray


Tuesday 13th Delivery
2. Tube ~ 25L     Leixlip
1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l ) Malahide
3. Jacob 50L       Swords

Hi Folks just been advised we might be delayed a day or two now, will keep you posted, on the plus side its fresh :)

-----Original Message-----
From: John O' Connell [mailto:joctcl@gmail.com]
Sent: 06 November 2012 17:21
To: 'Cornelius Traas'
Subject: RE: Cider for Apple Juice

Hi Con,
Oh, Ok I will advise recipients, when do you think you will be ready to go please keep me in the loop.
Best Regards,
John

-----Original Message-----
From: Cornelius Traas [mailto:con@theapplefarm.com]
Sent: 06 November 2012 17:15
To: John O' Connell
Subject: Cider Apple Juice

Hello John,
I am not quite sure if I will have apples in by Monday as there is a delay with harvest. I will confirm towards weekend.
Con Traas

The Apple Farm,
Moorstown, Cahir, Co. Tipperary.
Tel: 052 744 1459

QuoteOk chaps this is good to go I will go ahead and order now,
Padraic you can pm me if you want to pass not an issue eitherways.


Monday 12th Delivery
9. Blackbrew 50L     Cork
10. Taf 50L        Blarneyish
6. NewToBrew  50L   Waterford
5. Dr Jacoby 50L Naas
7. ColinC 25L      Clondalkin
8. Padraic 25L       Dublin 1
4. Damo 50L     Bray


Tuesday 13th Delivery
2. Tube ~ 25L     Leixlip
1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l ) Malahide
3. Jacob 50L       Swords

PM sent, sorry about the delay!!

Ok Chaps as soon as I get confirmation back from Apple tree farm, we are good to go and at this stage I am still working to Monday.
I will post more info here when I have it Thurs/Friday about the collection and as previously advised am in Home Brew Company on Friday PM if you want anything collected and delivered with your juice?   

Monday 12th Delivery
9. Blackbrew 50L     Cork
10. Taf 50L        Blarneyish
6. NewToBrew  50L   Waterford
5. Dr Jacoby 50L Naas
7. ColinC 25L      Clondalkin
8. Padraic 25L       Dublin 1
4. Damo 50L     Bray

Tuesday 13th AM Delivery
2. Tube ~ 25L     Leixlip
1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l ) Malahide
3. Jacob 50L       Swords[/quote]

Hi John

I called in an order with the HBC today.

should we now start a HBC order list?

1.  Damo

Again, thanks for this!

Well and above the call of duty

Monday 12th Delivery
9. Blackbrew 50L     Cork
10. Taf 50L        Blarneyish
6. NewToBrew  50L   Waterford
5. Dr Jacoby 50L Naas
7. ColinC 25L      Clondalkin
8. Padraic 25L       Dublin 1
4. Damo 50L     Bray

Tuesday 13th AM Delivery
2. Tube ~ 25L     Leixlip
1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l ) Malahide
3. Jacob 50L       Swords[/quote]

11. Lars(Richard C)~ 25L Moynalvey/summerhill Meath
Hope I'm not too late for this?

QuoteHi John

I called in an order with the HBC today.

should we now start a HBC order list?

1.  Damo

Again, thanks for this!

Well and above the call of duty

Can do if you like, a few have Pm'd me Mick and Elaine in HBC know me and I am collecting on Friday

Ok Lars as you expressed an interest yesterday will pm you.
OFFER NOW CLOSED for anybody else


Monday 12th Delivery
9. Blackbrew 50L     Cork
10. Taf 50L        Blarneyish
6. NewToBrew  50L   Waterford
5. Dr Jacoby 50L Naas
7. ColinC 25L      Clondalkin
8. Padraic 25L       Dublin 1
4. Damo 50L     Bray

Tuesday 13th AM Delivery
2. Tube ~ 25L     Leixlip
1. Will_D 2 off ( 50l ) Malahide
3. Jacob 50L       Swords[/quote]
11. Lars(Richard C)~ 25L Moynalvey/summerhill Meath

QuoteThanks a million John. This is en epic group buy!  8-)

Thank me when the sun is cracking the rocks next summer and you are all half cut on your own lovely homebrew cider [smiley=beer.gif]

Hi Folks
Would anybody who wants me to collect stuff on Friday and deliver with next weeks cider run just confirm on the list below.

YOU are paying Homebrew company directly and marking the collection for my attention.

1.  Damo



Still waiting to hear back about confirmation of go for Monday, will post here of progress.

QuoteHi Folks
Would anybody who wants me to collect stuff on Friday and deliver with next weeks cider run just confirm on the list below.

YOU are paying Homebrew company directly and marking the collection for my attention.

1.  Damo
2.  Lars



Still waiting to hear back about confirmation of go for Monday, will post here of progress.

Hi Folks
Would anybody who wants me to collect stuff on Friday and deliver with next weeks cider run just confirm on the list below.

YOU are paying Homebrew company directly and marking the collection for my attention.

1.  Damo
2.  Lars
3. ColinC

Quote
Tuesday 13th AM Delivery

What time will it be approx?

Sorry No idea at this time until I know for sure I am collecting Monday.
Please keep an eye on the post to see if I have collected and I promise to call all of you a couple of hours before arrival if thats ok

Great idea. Can collect from Will after work if wont be at home in the morning.

Update;
The Apple Farm tonight advises that they will probably have Juice for me Monday AM and I am to txt Sunday Night so looks like we are back on track :). I will keep posting here with updates.
And tomorrow afternoon will be collecting for those that required products from Home Brew Company.

Hi Folks
Would anybody who wants me to collect stuff on Friday and deliver with next weeks cider run just confirm on the list below.

YOU are paying Homebrew company directly and marking the collection for my attention.

1. Damo
2. Lars
3. ColinC
4. Padraic

Just sticking my name on the list for collection from the homebrewing company, thanks for sorting this out for us John!!

Hi Folks
Would anybody who wants me to collect stuff on Friday and deliver with next weeks cider run just confirm on the list below.

YOU are paying Homebrew company directly and marking the collection for my attention.

1. Damo
2. Lars
3. ColinC
4. Padraic
5. Taf

Also sticking my name on the list for items to collect from HB company.

YOU are paying Homebrew company directly and marking the collection for my attention.

1. Damo
2. Lars
3. ColinC
4. Padraic
5. Taf

Also sticking my name on the list for items to collect from HB company.


Collected  :)

QuoteGreat idea. Can collect from Will after work if wont be at home in the morning.

Sure no problem Jacob

I will PM you my details

Will

Update
Apples supposed to arrive sat wont arrive until Monday morning now and I will be watching them get pressed :)
This may delay thing by a few hours, you will all get a call 2-3 hrs before delivery as some deliveries may run late Monday or into Tuesday

Juice collected   :)

Hi Guys just to let u all know work commitments means these all have to dropped tonight!!
Leave back door on latch  :)

got mine an hour or two ago !! thanks John ( top bloke !!  )

Just got mine. If anyone else is tracking Ciderhead a-la Santa on Xmas eve I think he's heading to Tube next!

Fair play for doing all this John. Top bloke!! ;)

I had no homebrew but gave him a few nice craft beers for all his effort!!

Juice collected! Thank you very much for home delivery!
Very tasty stuff. OG: 1.044

Have just posted my analysis on the "What to do with CH juice" thread.

Will

Hi Chaps we all got there in the end thanks to your help and directions and for your beers looking forward to sampling them.
I saw myself the apples come off the truck this morning at 9, tipped into pulper and into massive Hydaulic press and will the last delivery at 11 tonight it doesn't get any fresher and for proper cider you need to start within that time frame.
Just to let you know what we got was 90% Dabinette and 10% Bramley, to bring up PH I guess and give it more of an edge.
I feel we got a great group deal here considering the quality of base ingredients and best of all supporting an Irish producer in what was a terrible year for growing apples.
Thanks to Jacob and Will for the stats, the PH and OG are just where we want them.
I am really looking forward to this one, and please keep posting as to how your cider is turning out.  :)

Thanks for organising this John. I've pressed my own juice in the past, so I appreciate the effort that this buy has saved us. I also appreciate the cost, as I had considered buying juice from David Llewellyn, and it was expensive and difficult for me to collect.

I've nothing in bottles at the moment, as otherwise would have left you something, but will try and sort you out in the future. Any interest in hop plants?

Dabinette is one of the very few cider apples recommended for a single variety cider. As its low in acid they blend in some Bramleys.

BTW: That link didn't work

Will

QuoteAny interest in hop plants?

The one thing I realised knocking out that cider is that all on NHC are really a decent bunch of folks  :)

Very much interested in growing hops for 2013,  happy to drop again as part of a group buy if required!
Currently being interviewed by Tube as official North-South courier for NHC express ;D

QuoteDabinette is one of the very few cider apples recommended for a single variety cider. As its low in acid they blend in some Bramleys.

BTW: That link didn't work

Will

Thanks Will for the description, I also removed the link.

Can't believe I missed out on this. :(

Thanks. :)

Yeah I had planned on building a press and making my own cider this year but it didn't work out so this would have been ideal. Ah sure next year.

Quote

QuoteAny interest in hop plants?

The one thing I realised knocking out that cider is that all on NHC are really a decent bunch of folks  :)

Very much interested in growing hops for 2013,  happy to drop again as part of a group buy if required!
Currently being interviewed by Tube as official North-South courier for NHC express ;D

I'll sort you out with a few plants in the spring so! North South Courier sounds good alright, as sometimes tricky to get items down this direction.

Hmmmm 48h after adding 2 crushed campden tablets per barrel wild yeasts decided to start fermentation any way...
Added cider yeast to the mix. Hopefully wont end up with a cider vinegar :/

QuoteHmmmm 48h after adding 2 crushed campden tablets per barrel wild yeasts decided to start fermentation any way...
Added cider yeast to the mix. Hopefully wont end up with a cider vinegar :/

The dosage is between 1 and 3 tabs per gallon. I added 12 to each 5 gallon batch!

At pH 3.8 the books recommend 3 pG I reduced to 3!!

Will

Ok, It's possible then that I've misunderstood John 'slightly' when we was talking about adding 2 tablets. Maybe he ment 2 per gallon ... Well, it's too late now, cider is already fermenting.

I only added 2 to the 5 gallons as well  :-/

I only added 2 as well!!! 2ish teaspoons Pectic enzyme addedyesterday morning and pitched champagne yeast yesterday evening so too late to do anything else with it

Sorry chaps missed comments last couple of days
Just to be clear its 2 tablets per gallon, please see attached, http://www.cider.org.uk/sulphite.html
My liquid campden tablet addition did the trick for me in the shed and no sign of fermentation?

That sounds like a lot of sulphite to add, also sounds like the cider will need a while bulk aging to offgas the sulphite to get rid of flavours and also headaches...... it actually sounds like a winemakers amount....does that imply the same aging times?

QuoteThat sounds like a lot of sulphite to add, also sounds like the cider will need a while bulk aging to offgas the sulphite to get rid of flavours and also headaches...... it actually sounds like a winemakers amount....does that imply the same aging times?

Hi Eoin I tend to agree but at 2 per gallon with our pH thats only a partial kill of the natural yeast as per article in that link.

I have 4 x 25 litre batches on the go this year
1 Pectic Enzyme and 10 Tablets + Yeast
1x 10 Tablets and Yeast
1x Just Yeast
1 x Au Naturel with nothing added

As an absolute worse case scenario I will get 50 Litres and probably 75

The last one is just a complete flyer and not recommended unless you are prepared to pour it down the drain.
4 weeks in primary and 3-4 months in glass.

For cider virgins 2 tabs is the bare minimum or you will be putting it on your salad ;)

2 tabs for me aswell but as I'm away the misses took care of it for me so probably didn't follow any of my instructions anyway, somehow think it will all be fine as she probably over pitched the yeast  :) if its bad I can blame her if it good then we can share the credit  ;D

Quote1x Just Yeast

Interested to hear how this one turns out. This would be my preference for a cider brew. I don't like the idea of adding sulphites if I can avoid them.

QuoteI'll be banging this in the 'fomenter this afternoon after Moncrief. How long at 18°C can I expect it to take?

3-4 weeks primary mine will be 15-18 and then as everything in life slow and steady, cranked one of mine from last year, and a few aaaarrrhhss, oorright my dear and boot a fuls slipped out :) :) :)

So my two fermenters are bubbling away nicely. Started out at 20C to get the initial ferment going ( about 36 hours ) Now in garage ( garage is at 13C at mo. ) fitted with brew belts set to 16 C on the STC-1000. The symphony from the airlocks is my sort of melody!

Will

The naked version now is just as active as the rest, I hope they are all friendly yeast and do what they are supposed to.

Just got back from a week away and have 50 litres bubbling away, thanks cider head for sorting this group buy! It's epic! Think those containers might do for no chill as well

QuoteThink those containers might do for no chill as well

For about 1/2 retail price the containers are brill.

Looking foreward to next year!

Will

mine is little like meself - a bit slow to get goin !
hey Blackbrew good call on the no chill - I knew there was a reason I was reluctant to  drill the Cap !!!!

spesking of no chill - you've don it with the woodies ones right ? - how did the beer turn out in the end ?

Quotemine is little like meself - a bit slow to get goin !

Hope we all keep posting here of status of fermentors.
I'm at 17 Degrees constant all are cracking on nicely and Au Natural version I did is fairly lively now and has interesting Krausen, maybe there was enough natural yeasts in it after all, if its drinkable, I promise a bottle to all that participated in the purchase for comparison purposes.   [smiley=beer.gif]

We'll hold you to that Ciderhead!!

Does anyone else's fermenting cider absolutely stink? Went out for dinner earlier and the missus nearly killed me when we went home. The bang of it in the house was rank!

Yep!

Was asked to kindly move it.  Only not in such a nice way.

I reckon a week in utility and then up into the attic for a few months.

QuoteWe'll hold you to that Ciderhead!!

Does anyone else's fermenting cider absolutely stink? Went out for dinner earlier and the missus nearly killed me when we went home. The bang of it in the house was rank!

By stink I am sure you mean that you are enjoying the pleasure of solid fermentation ;)
Then yes I am also enjoying socks from my yeast versions and rotting apples from Au Natural version.
Have you never had this with beers? you haven't lived!

I had mine out in the garage, but it was too cold, and my brewbelt was in use, so it was brought in under the stairs, craftily I thought. My wife was not in the house 2 seconds, and she's like wtf is that? Cider I answered bluntly, putting an end to that particular conversation! There's a appley yeasty smell, which I don't think is too bad. I'll move it back out to the garage once initial fermentation dies down.

Quotemine is little like meself - a bit slow to get goin !
hey Blackbrew good call on the no chill - I knew there was a reason I was reluctant to  drill the Cap !!!!

spesking of no chill - you've don it with the woodies ones right ? - how did the beer turn out in the end ?

Yes, beer had chill haze but it cleared eventually in the keg. am going to try again with a dark beer, porter or stout as the haze wont be as big a problem.

QuoteWe'll hold you to that Ciderhead!!

Does anyone else's fermenting cider absolutely stink? Went out for dinner earlier and the missus nearly killed me when we went home. The bang of it in the house was rank!

Bit of a sulphur smell but not too bad as yet.

How much pectic enzyme did people add if they used it?  Can I add some later if its not clearing or does this need to happen pre fermentation?

Mine is currently past the initial phase and I can see the cider is kinda orange colour and cloudy..

Mine bubbling away nicely at 16c.

No sulphur smells to speak of!

Will

Update:

Its been fermenting a week now ( 1  day at 22C to get yeast going ) and then 6 days at 16C on a white wine yeast.

Gravity now at 1008 and tasting and smelling not bad. Obviously a few odd flavours but nothing to worry about.

Will rack off tomorrow or so then its off outside to mature.

I also need the space for other things.

Will

Just read this thread for the first time - Fair play John! Raging I wasnt on board - im a bit jealous im not part of the club!!

QuoteLooks like our source of juice just won an award!

Good Food Ireland [ch8207]@GoodFoodIreland
#gfiawards 'Come & see' Producer of the Year goes to @theapplefarmer from Co Tipperary - Con Traas

Good Spot!

QuoteUpdate:

Its been fermenting a week now ( 1  day at 22C to get yeast going ) and then 6 days at 16C on a white wine yeast.

Will

Wham bam ;)
I won't touch mine for another 2-3 weeks,still solidly bubbling

Quote

QuoteUpdate:

Its been fermenting a week now ( 1  day at 22C to get yeast going ) and then 6 days at 16C on a white wine yeast.

Will

Wham bam ;)
I won't touch mine for another 2-3 weeks,still solidly bubbling

I didn't really: just opened the tap at bottom of fermenter!!!

Will