This post is going to be short.

I’m continuing my experimentation with apple cider, and decided to make a double batch of v.2.1, but this time I used Publix GreenWise brand filtered organic apple juice as the base. Here’s the rundown for a single batch…

Simple Apple Cider v2.1.1

• One Gallon of Filtered, Publix GreenWise brand, Organic Apple Juice
• 1/2 Can of Frozen, Organic Apple Juice Concentrate
• 1/2 Packet of Nottingham Ale Yeast

After Fermentation

• 100g (roughly 1/2 cup) of Brown Sugar, Dissolved into a Simple Syrup for Priming and Sweetening

Process: 2 weeks primary, 4 weeks secondary, 4 weeks bottle conditioning

Notes & Stats

The color on this batch was great! Out of the fermentor it was a deep translucent golden color, which turned into a light amber color with the addition of brown sugar for back sweetening.

It’s great poured over ice!

The apple flavor was certainly less noticeable in this batch than it was in v2.1, which allowed for the flavors of the yeast to be more profound. The yeast produced flavors that I would describe as “bread-like”, and I found it to be unappealing in the cider. However, overall the cider was well received!

For future batches, I would like to continue using the filtered apple juice, as the end product looks more appealing. However, I would like to find a way to impart more apple flavor on the final product. I may try to add natural apple flavoring to the next batch, as many commercial cider makers use natural flavorings. Additionally, I would like to switch back to a wine yeast, like I used in my first cider (brew #2). I know I had issues with the carbonation levels, but I believe that can be resolved with a healthy pitch of yeast, brown sugar for back sweetening, and plenty of time to condition.