Brewing Full Blast

2/02/2011

Well, today I got all the supplies I will need to do up to 5 one gallon batches with 1 one gallon jug free. If I feel I need to do more I will go back to the brew supply store and get more. I blew a lot of money. To get totally set up with all the chemicals, jugs, plastic hoses, hydrometer and everything else came to a little over $200.00. Yeah, OUCH! I will have to make a lot of wine to make this worth while. Now that is not a problem. I toughly intend to do just that. Make a LOT of wine. Otherwise why would I even get started in this? I think if you are going to do it you need purchase everything you will eventually use. Why only go at it half assed? You don't.

I have already stated a new batch of wine. Well, a hard cider. I added a little cinnamon and right now it smells like apple pie. I know it will probably not taste that way but I am praying. I used Red Star Premier Cuvee yeast again. This is all is about making some rock hard apple cider. This is something I want to break out for the guys that think wine is for girls. That would be my brother David. Ok, I know he was joking but now he has it coming. I think a 30 proof beverage that has good flavor will be more than enough to get him off my back about making some beer. At this point I have no interest in making beer. I tried that about 16 years ago and I really didn't like it. Probably why I didn't do it again. I used some yeast nutrient and some acid blend to give it a little kick in taste. Well, since I have no reference I hope it will add a little kick. Who knows. The yeast has been pitched and the fermentation lock is in place. Now I wait for the bubbles to start. Wish me luck. :)

It was nice to use a hydrometer on this batch. Unlike the last batch where I just guessed and now I pray. That batch, the mead, is still bubbling away and shows no sign of slowing. Let's hope I hit the maximum alcohol levels. Yes on the first two batches I am going for broke.

Tomorrow I am going to start an apple cranberry mix. 2 parts apple to one part cranberry. I will not be going all out hoe to get as much alcohol out of that. I will be using a different yeast entirely and probably less sugar. This one is for my wife. I would like a nice smooth wine with a better flavor for when she gives birth to our fifth and last child. Something for us to quietly celebrate our new arrival later this year. :)

Until next post, keep the bubbles bubbling.
Chuck