Adventures in Homebrewland (image heavy - you have been warned!)

Jabberwock

Hi Silvercharming,
glad I could be of some help.
I've made the Young's Elderflower a few times now and it's normally ready for drinking in approx 3 weeks, so it looks like you could be on track for a "merry" Christmas;).
Don't worry about the flights, I'm more than happy to share a virtual glass (or 5!!) with you:beer::D
Have fun
Jabberwock

gravitytolls

We've been given some demijohns from freecycle, and were hoping to use some fast brew wine kits so we might have some in time for Christmas, but where's the best place to be getting them, and the associated equipment?

Jabberwock

Hi Gravitytolls,

If you have a Wilkinsons locally they stock a limited supply of brewing equipment covering all the basic needs and have the Young's country definitive wines which take around 3 weeks from start to drinking, I've only tried the Elderflower and Black Cherry varieties and really enjoyed them both however have heard good things about the peach and strawberry versions too.
I'm not fortunate enough to have a brewing shop locally so have to buy my equipment and kits online and can recommend http://www.mayandbrett.co.uk/ they have a pretty comprehensive website, great customer service and speedy delivery too.
Having said that, if you are able to find a brewing shop in your area it might be worthwhile giving them your business as they tend to be worth their weight in gold when it comes to help and advice.
Hope this helps:beer:
Jabberwock

MartialAnt

I already make my own Turbo Cider. Ive become a bit of a hardcore brewer as its so easy to make. Now realised demijohns arent big enough to keep up with my consumption. Especially now xmas is nearly upon us. So its now fermenting vessels.
If anyone needs help or more info on making it then the brewers at http://www.jimsbeerkit.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=13 will be glad to help.

Compare the prices of cider -
Scrumpy Jack 79p per pint (when buying a case of 24 cans).
Gaymers original 67p per pint (when buying a case of 24 cans).
Olde English 67p per pint (when buying a case of 24 cans).
Or
Aldi Apple juice 49p per litre = 28p per pint.
Also dont throw away the sludge from the bottom of your demijohns. Thats active yeast. Just pour on more apple juice & away it goes.

When its had a few weeks to clear & mature it tastes as good as any commerical cider & i'll take the Pepsi challenge any day of the week against the big brands.

Primrose

MartialAnt - Thanks for your tip about saving the yeast in the bottom of your demijohns and adding apple juice. Are kicking ourselves because we recently racked off two gallons of wine from home grown grapes and had lots of yeast left to which we could have added fruit juice to make more wine. Next harvest we'll be a little more savy.

Larumbelle

I've got some of those huge fermentation vessels off freecycle. One has a tap, one doesn't. Is there any special reason for having a tap or not?

MartialAnt

silvercharming wrote: »

I've got some of those huge fermentation vessels off freecycle. One has a tap, one doesn't. Is there any special reason for having a tap or not?

When siphoning you shouldn't suck the siphon tube as you might contaminate the alcohol. (But how would you get the siphon working otherwise). Where as a tap is easy. Turn it on , turn it off.

yorkiebar

silvercharming wrote: »

I've got some of those huge fermentation vessels off freecycle. One has a tap, one doesn't. Is there any special reason for having a tap or not?

Having a tap means you can empty the contents without having to syphon.

Bongedone

silvercharming wrote: »

I've got some of those huge fermentation vessels off freecycle. One has a tap, one doesn't. Is there any special reason for having a tap or not?

Or you can just put your mouth below the tap and save on washing glasses

Jabberwock

Bongedone wrote: »

Or you can just put your mouth below the tap and save on washing glasses

:D:D:D
:beer: