One of the main things I have read that is vital to the process is cleaning and sterilizing. I got some Wizz Oxy Stain Remover for cleaning, which was done in the batch and equally important is to make sure its well rinsed.
Then the sterilizing process, which needs a bit of planning to ensure everything is completely free from any bacteria that might make your brew go horribly wrong. I soaked everything in the sterilizing solution and then rinsed it in preparation for the mixture.
Soaking of the equipment in sterilizing solution
Then it was time to mix the cider kit by carefully following the instructions on the kit and cross checking on the Home Brew Forum and in particular THIS thread by Calumscott so many thanks to him for doing that guide.
It is pretty much mixing in the kit with sugar and hot water then stir well till it is all well mixed in. Then top up to the 40 pints (23 litres) with cold water and mix well. Then you add the sachet of yeast (also supplied in the kit)
The mixture once all the ingredients have been added
Yes it looks disgusting at the moment, though doesn't smell to bad at the moment. Certainly not for consumption at this stage.... patience is a key to this process.
The photo below left is the mixture ready for fermentation, this should stay like this now for around 7 days to allow fermentation to take place.
The photo on the right is the testing of the gravity of the mixture which starts off at 1.040.
After the 7 days are up, I will take another reading with the hydrometer and then again the day after. Once the readings remain the same, it will be time to move onto the next stage which is preparation for bottling.
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