Back sweetening DB

[DaveL]

OK So as not to hijack an earlier thread, to what SG do you back sweeten your dragons blood? My first 2 batches of db were taken to a 1.04 =/-.01 after fermenting dry. Very popular.
My brother, who I've corrupted, likes his a bit drier.
My hypothesis is a little drier tends to make it more appealing to those red wine snob types. Agree or disagree?

 

[Tess]

I back sweeten with 4 cups of sugar

 

[Julie]

Backsweeten it to 1.010 and leave it sit for a few days and try that. To be honest 1.040 would be on the syrupy side.

Tess adding 4 cups of sugar is not going to give you a consistent sweetening level. You really need to sweeten to a hydrometer level.

 

[Tess]

To be honest 4 cups works for me because it dont last that long

 

[Tess]

I do understand what your saying though

 

[Thig]

Did I miss the volume here, are we talking about 5 gallons. I have found that if a wine goes dry then about 1/2 cup of sugar per gallon works for me.

 

[Tess]

Im usually at 6 gals fig but its all up to what the individual likes if you like 6 cups add it!!

 

[Tess]

As long as you let it go dry you add what is your taste. this will never stay in my wine rack a year!! Im already out and working on a new batch

 

[Tess]

I know Im gonna get hammered for this. Maybe even banned but it is what it is. Most wines I agree with sticking with the wine rules but this is a DB. Its simple, not pretentious. Follow the recipe and add 4-5 cups to back sweeten to taste. Im telling you it works!! I hate that Im afraid to speak my mind with out having the wine world fall on me but it is what it is!!

 

[cedarswamp]

I add a bit at a time and go by taste, when I get to the point I think it could use just a little more I stop without adding that little bit more, usually winds up perfect...1.015-1.020 for me. When I've added that little bit more it usually winds up too sweet later.

 

[cedarswamp]

I know Im gonna get hammered for this. Maybe even banned but it is what it is. Most wines I agree with sticking with the wine rules but this is a DB. Its simple, not pretentious. Follow the recipe and add 4-5 cups to back sweeten to taste. Im telling you it works!! I hate that Im afraid to speak my mind with out having the wine world fall on me but it is what it is!!

That's why I don't drink wine while on Wine Making Talk.

 

[Tess]

That's why I don't drink wine while on Wine Making Talk.

really!!that's sad when there is no challenge!!

 

[cedarswamp]

really!!thats sad!!

But prudent.

Seriously though, I don't see anything wrong with what you posted, there's many ways to reach the finish line.

 

[Tess]

yeah ......................ok thats all I live for!!

 

[Tess]

But prudent.

Seriously though, I don't see anything wrong with what you posted, there's many ways to reach the finish line.

You r right!! that's exactly right!!. There is!! Especially with DB

 

[Tess]

You r right!! that's exactly right!!. There is!! Especially with DB

I love the original recipe!! Sticks to it newbie!!

 

[Elmer]

I am in the " no hydrometer " club.
I usually follow the following formula for sweetening: 1 cup of sugar per gallon minus a half cup!

I had a 5 gallon batch I used 3.5 cups of sugar and it was still dry. The flavor really came through but it was not sweet enough.

Another 5 gallon batch I used 4.5 and the flavor came thru with a really nice blend of sweetness.

I follow the same thing for pee ( just tonight).
Seems to work for for me
So 5 gallon would be 4.5 cups.

Just eye ball it and drink up!

 

[Julie]

I understand it is DB and it is not going to last, but I also believe in consistency. I do not care what wine I am making. If I like a certain sweet level I want to know what sg that is not depend on my tastebuds.

Tess, I do not recall anyone hammering you or being banned because you posted an opinion.

 

[jamesngalveston]

I totally disagree with all of you. LOL
I use not hydrometer to use as a gauge for sweetening, are a pre defined amount.
I use my tongue and taste buds...i add simple syrup 1 cup at a time until it taste good. (to me)....

 

[Elmer]

I also use my wife.
I randomly hand her glasses of liquid and ask her if it is too sweet.
She has a sweet tooth and if it is too sweet for her, I am have a flushable wine!

I only sweeten SP, DB and fruit wines. All other reds I may stay dry. If anything I may add 1 cup for 6 gallons to take the cotton ball effect out of the dryness of a wine.

However when sweetening DP and SP. I am Unscientific and a cretin!
I just dump, stir, guzzle, repeat!