Recent content by CheerfulHeart

I have learned from copious experience that hydrometers don't bounce. Not when you drop them on concrete, granite, kitchen mats or even shag carpets (don't ask). I have learned to keep at least 2 new ones waiting in their padded tubes.

Yesterday I started 2 gallons with 4 pounds of sugar. Used Montrachet yeast. No 1118 left in my yeast stash and I'm not patient enough to wait for the online order to arrive next week. ;) The local temperatures have been a bit cool lately so I added 2 teaspoons of yeast nutrient just for good...

@globell...I haven't tried Strongbow Gold yet but I hope to do soon. I would say this cider is about as sweet as Angry Orchard but smoother with a more intense flavor. I definitely plan to start another batch of Pappy's Cider in a couple of weeks and add some cinnamon sticks or Martinelli's...

Just opened a bottle from a year ago. This is really smooth stuff!

Strawberry-banana is my favorite Jello ever. :ban: That's why your recipe caught my attention. And the creative name of course. :D I probably need to watch the videos again to see the answer to my question but... Does Blushing Monkey mature well? I am planning to make a batch and bottle...

Not sure if you have tried it yet but the candies will dissolve nicely in alcohol. I have made "Red Hot" infused vodka several times. Just dump the candies in the alcohol of your choice in a jar and let it sit overnight or for a couple of days. Just shake or stir it once in a while. Also...

Secretary

+5 = 215

Yesterday I bottled my first batch of Pappy's Pub Cider, started in October. I chose this recipe because it was uncomplicated and the directions are well-written, important details as this was my first-ever attempt. The cider turned out very smooth, and by Autumn of this year it ought to be...

Great article! My interest in brewing began in 1998 when I was hired as a bartender for a brewery. A coworker with a lot of patience allowed me to help him with producing batches of his special ale creations. After I married and moved, I stopped home brewing until last year when I came across...

my husband offered to remodel his workshop so I could move my brewing equipment out of the kitchen :) He is even going to insulate the ceiling and install a small air conditioner so the temperature will be more constant in Summer. (For the record, I am a female :D). Happy Brewing to all!

Thank you, FloppyKnockers! You brightened my day considerably! :D

I typed "easy cider" into Bing and Paps's recipe for Pappy's Pub Cider came up. I checked out the forums and have enjoyed it so far. My first ever batch of hard cider is in primary right now.

My batch has been in primary for about 5 weeks and still has a bubble in the airlock once in a while. I was beginning to think I might have botched it somehow. After reading this post, though, I'm feeling more confident. I'll just let it set until there's no blips in the airlock then rack it...

Oops! I meant to add that I bought mine in Los Angeles.