Treat me like I am stupid....

Discussion in 'The GC 'Buttery'' started by Fat Controller, Jul 17, 2016.

  1. Fat Controller

    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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    The ginger wine episode didn't really go too well, almost certainly because I jumped in with both feet without a clue what I was trying to achieve (other than make some el-cheapo alcohol :snork:); the net result is that it all ended up down the sink.

    So, I am wanting to give it a shot once more, but this time I want to do it right and would be grateful if those of you in the know could guide me through the process, and of course anything that I need. I am not interested in making beer at the moment, so looking at fruit based wines (soft fruits?)

    As per the thread title, please treat me as though I am stupid (fairly easy! :biggrin:), as I really am a complete novice.

    As it stands, I have the following equipment:

    4 x 3ltr plastic demi-johns
    4 x plastic air-locks
    1 x syphon kit (unused)
    1 x wine & beer hydrometer (unused)
    1 x 25 litre food grade bucket with lid

    Yeast (probably wants chucked and renewed as it is at least a year old)
    Pectolase (again, probably wants renewed)
    Campden tablets (again, probably wants renewed)

    Now, I fully accept that the plastic demi-johns and air locks are a bit crappy, but would they be OK for me to give this a shot?

    Is there anything else I need to get before I start?

    Will screwcap bottles such as old whisky bottles be OK for the finished product?

    To clean/sterilise everything before I start, is a solution of thin bleach suitable?

    And finally, anyone got a suggestion for a good recipe and guidance to get me started?
     
  2. "M"

    "M" Total Gardener

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    Oh ok then, if you insist ... [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] :pathd: :cmonhug:
     
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    • Phil A

      Phil A Guest

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      Nothing wrong with plastic kit as long as it's food grade polythene.

      Although i'd be using 5 litre ones as its easier for quantities.

      Yep, bleach is fine for sterilising.

      Pectolase lasts ages. Yeast should be fine.

      Simple one to get you going.

      2 litres of Morrisons Apple, grape and Raspberry juice.

      I kg unrefined sugar.

      Heat the juice up stir the sugar in, top up to 1 gallon with water, lob yeast in and fit airlock.

      Job done :phew:
       
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      • clanless

        clanless Total Gardener

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        Heck - I might have a go at making the apple, grape and raspberry wine - it sounds fab-u-lous.:dbgrtmb:
         
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        • Fat Controller

          Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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          Does the juice need to be not from concentrate or anything?
           
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          • Phil A

            Phil A Guest

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            This one
             
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            • Phil A

              Phil A Guest

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              Only just started making it, as they withdrew their own brand prune juice and introduced this one instead.

              Made 10 gallons of it to see if I like it :snorky:

              Had a little taste last night, not ready yet but tastes good :spinning:
               
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              • Fat Controller

                Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                What about cranberry juice @Zigs? I have 5 litres of Ocean Spray Cranberry Classic in the kitchen
                 
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                • Phil A

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                  Don't see why not, as long as it's juice and not a juice drink :spinning:

                  Would imagine cranberry might make a dry wine smiley-eatdrink058.gif
                   
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                  • Fat Controller

                    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                    Ah, its a juice drink - no good.

                    I will take a look in Sainsburys next time I am in - my nearest Morrisons is miles away.
                     
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                    • Phil A

                      Phil A Guest

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                      Most supermarkets only have 5 or so actual juices, all the rest are juice drinks, proper rip off :th scifD36:

                      If I wanted cordial i'd buy cordial :doh:

                      Sainsbury's do an apple and raspberry :)
                       
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                      • clueless1

                        clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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                        My uncle used to make wine from all sorts of foraged stuff, as well as some most unlikely household staples like potato, tea, coffee etc.

                        He had the odd disaster but most of it was quite divine.
                         
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                        • Fat Controller

                          Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                          How much yeast would I add to that @Zigs?
                           
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                          • Phil A

                            Phil A Guest

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                            Heaped tea spon a gallon and a spon of yeast nutrient if you got it :spinning:
                             
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                            • Jack McHammocklashing

                              Jack McHammocklashing Sludgemariner

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                              Great to see this thread again, along with the useful replies

                              For bottles, I would just go to the nearest Pub and ask, they have dozens each day to get rid of
                              check they are for corks not screw top
                              Speaking of which you will need to buy a corker device, and some corks

                              A question
                              Do you need a heated base mat, and a warm airing cupboard to make wine, though I have seen people with it in the living room bubbling away

                              Jack McH
                               
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