Recent content by kboroff

I used to steam my corks in water with a little K-meta. It helped get them in the bottle easier when I use a lever corker. I stopped when I purchased a floor corker which inserted them much easier. Lately though I have pushed a few corks into the bottle when opening them. I store them on their...

Question on using charcoal to clean up the EC.. Does the filtering reduce the ABV?

I made a batch of Dechaunac (sp?) from fresh juice that turned out pretty good but had a flavor that would make a very good port. My friends and I took a small sample and added some raspberry syrup, creme de cocao and a little brandy. After several variations we came up with a good mix. However...

Thanks for the comments. They have been very helpful. The batch was 5g of juice form California. I ferment in my basement which is cooler in the winter months but should have been no colder than mid 60's. We generally add sugar based on taste when racking and could have added some between Feb...

Thanks for the quick responses. I'll give you a timeline on the White Zin. 9-19-10 started SG 1.082 10-23 SG 0.990, racked, added sugar 12-01 racked 1-03-11 racked, SG1.012 2-10 racked 5-3 racked, added sugar to SG 1.008, 1 1/2 t pot. sorbate 6-26 SG 1.008, bottled...

We have been making wine from juice for a couple years and have been pleased with the result. However, over the last year we have had two batches go bad in the bottle. They were good flavor and clear at bottleing. We like our wine off-dry, 1.010SG, so we added potassium sorbate at bottling...

How long should it take? I am degassing with a vacuum for the first time. At about 18" I was still getting small bubbles after about 45 minutes. Not a lot of action but a little ring of bubbles around the top. My wine is just above the shoulder of the carboy. I stopped the vacuum because I...

We are getting some fresh fruit together to make a coulple batches. I have checked the internet for recipies. Many out there include raisins. Others are about the same but do not have raisins. Why add raisins?

I use a 3/8" clear poly siphon tube for racking and bottling. I have two problems. How do you clean the darn thing? Related to that, after rinsing thoroughly it takes literaly days to dry. The warm and humid days are coming soon and I am worried about the possibility of mildew. Does anyone have...