version 3.0: born 06-06-01

for this batch, 1.5 lbs of raspberries and a cup of honey were added to the cider, along with some cran-raspberry juice

due out later this summer, probably mid-august

this is the latest version, ready for consumption... well, any time. Version 2.0 never really turned out; flavor was fine, strength was fine, but it never became carbonated. Hopefully, that won't happen with this version.

Jake 08-27-02

So as you may or may not know, the infamous original version of Getherdrunk Cider was carefully made with fresh apple cider and a pound of cranberries, which were simmerred for 30 minutes and added to the fermentor after it was "racked" (transferred from primary to secondary fermentor, leaving behind much of the sediment) 2 weeks into the brewing process. Then it was left to sit in a cool area (below 60 F) for 2 months. Of course, what made it "infamous," and led to no-one suggesting any sort of false-advertising in regards to the name, was that champagne yeast was used. This was intended to give the cider a "dryer" taste, and yes, boost the alcohol %. In fact, it worked to well; champagne yeast can survive up to 18% alcohol, much higher than typical cider/ale yeasts, and will ravenously cosume any and all complex carbohydrates it can get it's grubby little single-celled hands on -- including those carbohydrates contributing flavor.

That isn't to say some people didn't like it... but it wasn't as "cider-y" (i.e. sweet) as I was hoping, and my careful addition of cranberries for added flavor was all for naught, thanks to our yeasty friends. It also bears worth re-iteration that the end product was VERY strong -- in fact, dare I say, knock-you-on-your-ass-strong (and you can ask Angie about that!).

However, I wasn't satisfied, and set out to make a far more drinkable batch this time. Hopefully, it will work. I opted for a cider yeast this time (i.e. one specifically cultivated for ciders) which won't mean as high an alcohol % but mean more actual cider flavor (and don't fear, the Alc. % should still be pretty high!) and instead of whole cranberries, I chose instead to add cranberry-raspberry juice (good ole' Costco brand!).

We'll see what happens, but hopefully, we here at the Brewery are closer to our goal of brewing the perfect hard cider!

Jake -- 05-06-02