Question 1

Is this an overwhelming cherry flavor or just a subtle hint with a traditional (apple) cider base? I'm curious to try but a little skeptical.

Accepted Answer

I have not made this particular kit yet.  These come with a sweetner that is added at beginning of fermentation...the amount added will leave the base cider from dry to semi sweet to sweet (depending on amount added).  It will also have a flavor pack to add at bottling (this will add to and intensify the cherry notes).  In the past, I have also added this packet to flavor.  In my opinion, you have quite a bit of "wiggle room" with the Brewers Best Cider kits.Cheers,DIY Craft Beverage

Question 2

If i add the 2lbs of dextrose, do i also add carbonation drops during bottling? or does dextrose count as "priming sugar?" making this for 1st time.

Accepted Answer

Brewer's Best Cider House Select kits have some basic instructions printed on the outside package to serve as a guideline for needed fermentation equipment and added dextrose prior to cutting open the package.  Once ready to make the cider, if you carefully cut open the top of the package, you will find more detailed instructions, yeast pack, sweetner/flavoring pack in an inner pouch.  I will typically use only 1/2 to 1 lb of dextrose and make a 5 gal batch of cider instead of the 6 gal per the instructions.  The cider comes out lower ABV and less boozy.  When bottling, it depends on whether you want a "still" (uncarbonated) or a carbonated cider.  5 gallons will yield 48 bottles of 12 oz size.  Addition of 1 carbonation drop inside each bottle or approximately 5 oz of dextrose to the entire batch at bottling will achieve an adequate carbonation level.  A "still" cider means no dextrose or carbonation drops are added at bottling.Cheers,DIY Craft Beverage

Brewer's Best Cider House Select Cherry Cider Kit

Description

Common Questions