r/cider • u/lifes_a_lemon • 1d ago
Recommendation?
First batch of cider got started 4 days ago. Just fresh juiced apples from the neighbor's yard and lavlin 71b wine yeast. It started off bubbling vigorously within a few hours, slowed down noticeably yesterday but still had visible rising bubbles, and today isn't producing much at all. Airlocks are on order so i started it with a balloon over the top with a single pinprick. The balloon is deflated and sad-looking, while the mead i started at the same time with the same yeast is going strong. Suggestions from here? My house is in the 75 degree range and not likely to get cooler for a while. Does it need another round of yeast? Yeast nutrients?
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u/HarryTelemark 1d ago
My guess is that it is still fermenting, and you got a little leak or something. But if you are sure it has stopped you could try to stir In it and or heat it up.
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u/f_for_GPlus 1d ago
Like the others said, just give it time. With a balloon airlock you never really know. But as long as bubbles are visible it’s still fermenting. It’s also possible it’s out of sugar. Did you add any sugar or just use apple juice?
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u/lifes_a_lemon 1d ago
I did not add sugar. I just took a specific gravity and it went from 1.050 on day 1 to 1.000 today. I shook it up and covered it again. Think i should add sugar?
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u/redittr 1d ago
I wouldnt. You are at 6.5% alcohol already. Adding sugar will increase that, but it wont taste as good.
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u/lifes_a_lemon 23h ago
So it just needs more time? If it's not bubbling anymore and it's already at 1.000, how do i know when to bottle it?
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u/redittr 17h ago
You could probably bottle within a week if you really want to, but itll taste better with patience. Final gravity being in the expected range is a requirement, And 1.0 is possibly as low as itll go. But that doesnt mean it is done completely, itll taste pretty green if you have a sip.
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u/redittr 1d ago
Leave it sit I think. Swap the airlock when it comes in, then wait 4-8 weeks before bottling.