Writer: Jason Phelps
Apples to Apples! New cider adventures
Digital and Plus Members OnlyMaking hard cider can be an exciting new venture for a homebrewer, but after a few seasons some may find themselves stuck in a cidermaking rut. Get pointers on taking this year’s harvest in a different direction.
Hello World (Graf)
Digital and Plus Members OnlyA graf can represent many different expressions of more or less apple and malt flavor with a little hops
The Olde Country (New England-style Cider)
Digital and Plus Members OnlyIf a little creative inspiration is what you are looking for, look no further than the New England-style cider. And no, that doesn’t just mean it’s a hazy.
Baked Apples (New England-style Cider)
Digital and Plus Members OnlyIf a little creative inspiration is what you are looking for, look no further than the New England-style cider. And no, that doesn’t just mean it’s a hazy.
A Harmony of Fruit and Honey
Digital and Plus Members OnlyMeads containing fruit are a perpetually hot topic amongst home meadmakers as well as being a huge part of the commercial mead conversation. Taking what we know about making mead from just honey and then adding fruit doesn’t seem to be all that complex of a leap, but I assure you that the adventure of
Ancient Fire Mead & Cider’s 60% Of The Time clone
Digital and Plus Members OnlyAncient Fire Mead & Cider’s 60% Of The Time clone (5 gallons/19 L, bottled under cork)OG = 1.152 FG = 1.028ABV = 16% Ingredients16 lbs. (7.3 kg) wildflower honey2.5 gallons (9.5 L) 24 °Brix Black Muscat grapes2 Tbsp. pectic enzymeWater to 5 gallons (19 L)20 g Lalvin KV1116 yeast10 g Fermaid-K2.5 g di-ammonium phosphate (DAP)1.67 g potassium
Ancient Fire Mead & Cider’s Leaping Off The Ledge clone
Digital and Plus Members OnlyAncient Fire Mead & Cider’s Leaping Off The Ledge clone (5.25–5.5 gallons/20–21 L, keg carbonated)OG = 1.058 FG = 0.997 FG = 1.010 (after backsweetening)ABV = 7% Ingredients8 lbs. (3.6 kg) orange blossom honeyWater to 5 gallons (19 L)10 g SafAle US-05 yeast7.5 g Fermaid-K2.5 g di-ammonium phosphate (DAP)1.67 g potassium metabisulfite4 g potassium sorbate1.75 oz.
Ancient Fire Mead & Cider’s Granola Bar! clone
Digital and Plus Members OnlyAncient Fire Mead & Cider’s Granola Bar! clone (5 gallons/19 L, bottled under cork)OG = 1.131 FG = 1.020ABV = 14.5% Ingredients18 lbs. (8.2 kg) buckwheat honeyWater to 5 gallons (19 L)20 g Lalvin 71B-1122 yeast10 g Fermaid-K2.5 g di-ammonium phosphate (DAP)1.67 g potassium metabisulfite4 g potassium sorbate2.5 lbs. (1.1 kg) dried zante currants/corinthian raisins Step by
Meads of the Season
FREESeasonal drinking traditions are a really interesting subject to delve into, as holiday parties and family gatherings often open people up to new beverages that aren’t available or of interest during other
I’ll Have The Pie
Digital and Plus Members OnlyI’ll Have The Pie (5 gallons/19 L)OG = 1.138 FG = 1.025ABV = 14.5%, est Ingredients16 lbs. (2.3 kg) honey3–4 gallons (11.5–15 L) fresh-pressed cider25 g 71B-1122 wine yeastYeast rehydration agentYeast nutrientsStabilization additivesPeels of two large oranges5 cinnamon sticks10 dried berries of allspice (roughly crushed)3 whole cloves3 vanilla beans (split and scraped) See more on
Pear & Grape Cocktail Mead
Digital and Plus Members OnlyPear & Grape Cocktail Mead (6 gallons/23 L)OG = 1.067 FG = 0.997ABV = 7%, est (final, 9% after ferment) Ingredients6.4 lbs. (2.9 kg) honeyWater to 4.5 gallons (17 L)12 g QA23 wine yeastYeast rehydration agentYeast nutrientsStabilization additives12 lbs. (5.4 kg) pears (cored and chopped)0.3 oz. (8 g) dried elderflower 18 fluid oz. (30 mL) Chardonnay
Spiced Orange Mead
Digital and Plus Members OnlySpiced Orange Mead (3 gallons/11.5 L)OG = 1.127 FG = 1.020ABV = 14%, est Ingredients10.5 lbs. (4.8 kg) mix of clover and basswood honeys12 g Côte des Blancs wine yeast3 orange peels 1 fresh sprig of thyme3 tsp. peppercorns (roughly cracked)6 bay leaves3 lbs. (1.4 kg) golden raisinsYeast rehydration agent Yeast nutrientsStabilization additives See more on the