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Just over a week ago I started a mist-type kit that I've had for a year or so. The included yeast (Super B or something like that?) had a BB date of November 2015. I knew I might be pushing my luck, but I pitched it anyway. Starting SG of 1.060, temp 72F. Day 3 I had good, foamy fermentation at...

I pitched the yeast (included EC-1118 ) on 5/13 with a SG of 1.130. The temp has been consistently in the mid-70s. Fermented pretty strong in the beginning, but there's been no change in SG for the last week. Thursday I added yeast energizer... Yesterday I added nutrient. Besides stirring, I...

I started the WineXpert Eclipse Stag's Leap Merlot kit on May 2. This is my first premium kit, and also the first kit I plan to bulk age for any significant period of time. I plan to bulk age for 12 months. But in trying to follow the instructions, I find myself a little confused. I know the...

I have a special occasion coming up that I'd like to mark by making my first premium kit - a red from the Eclipse line. I'd like something I could start this year, bulk age and bottle at one year, and enjoy for at least 5 years. I usually don't use glass carboys (because of the weight), but I...

I'm doing the Vino Italiano Riesling kit for the first time. I degassed it and added the finings on 4/19, but it's not clearing. I'm fairly new to this, but I've never had a kit take this long to show signs of clearing. I did tweak this kit buy adding some golden raisins and a banana (I think...

The LHBS I usually shop at carries LD Carlson corks. I usually buy #8s for skeeter pee or mist kits & #9s for everything else. Yesterday I visited a different LHBS and picked up some corks while I was there. They're Crosby & Baker and they say they are 1 3/4" but they're definitely shorter than...

I'm doing a Vino Italiano Riesling kit. I've added 24oz of golden raisins and 2 peeled/sliced bananas to a mesh bag in the primary. The added fruit will increase the sugars some, right? Should I let it sit (must + fruit bag) overnight so I can get a more accurate starting SG reading before...

I'm doing a Diamanti Dark Chocolate Orange Port kit. I think it's a Paklab kit (it's listed on the Paklab website), but I don't actually see "Paklab" anywhere. It says "Advintage." Sorry if this post isn't in the right place :) My question(s) is... I don't know the volume of the wine from the...

I've got my nylon straining bags sitting in a sealed 1gal ziplock with about 3/4 cup k-meta solution. One bag is brand new, one has been used once and then washed well. (I don't have a way to test my k-meta, but I mixed it in the last 3 weeks and it almost took my head off when I opened the...

I'm so excited about bottling my first batch! Just wanted to share with you guys. I know it wouldn't have turned out so great if I hadn't learned so much along the way from the experienced people on this forum! It's Apple Pie Cider & it tastes great. I plan to surprise my friends and family at...

I have the forum app on my phone and I find myself on it everyday (multiple times a day!!)... reading, learning, & soaking up the tremendous knowledge that you guys have! I've been "lurking" for a month or so & decided I should say "hi" =) I started my first batch ever on 10/2/12. So far I...

I'm brand new to winemaking, but quickly becoming addicted =) I've been lurking on here devouring as much info as I can (many thanks to all of you!!). Things are going pretty good, but I think I've come across something I can't search the answer to... Here's what I have going: 6 gallon batch...