Batch 6-004: Kokopelli

Today was another busy day in the cider! I racked 6-005 the pumpkin cider (OG: 1.050; SG: 1.004; ABV: 6.1%) and I added 5 cinnamon sticks (crushed) and 2 vanilla beans to the secondary. I really hope that it tastes like pumpkin pie! Mmm... pumpkin pie...

I also bottled Kokopelli, 6-004 the habañero cider (OG: 1.050; FG: 1.002; ABV: 6.4%). I can not believe how quickly these ciders clear! The color is a clear gold and the apple flavor coupled with the habañero burn... oh, so tasty! This should be a crowd pleaser on a cold, autumn evening around the bon fire.

Finally, I am preparing my entries for The Hoppy Halloween Challenge 2010. I am sending The Prickly Pecker and the Kokopelli--even though it is so young. I can't wait to see how the are rated!

Wassail!

-Safari Bob

6-005: Hard Apple Pumpkin Cider

Today I brewed another batch of hard cider but this time I added pumpkin. I am really enjoying the hard ciders here lately and they are easy to make. Ah fall! I do love this time of year even though I live in West Texas where fall usually doesn't appear until mid November--and then only for 1 week. Still, we do have a local apple orchard that also keeps bees. Mmm... local honey for mead... Anyway, here is the recipe:

6-005

• 5 gal apple cider (mixed; no preservatives)


• 15 oz (1 can) Libby's All Natural Pumpkin


• 5 tsp yeast nutrient


• 3 tsp pectin enzyme


• 1 pkt EC-1118


• OG: 1.050

Secondary

• 4-6 cinnamon sticks (crushed)

Wassail!

-Safari Bob