DavesWine
Member
Which one has the better port kit? Thinking about the new Winexpert bourbon vanilla port but I’ve heard people really liking some of the RJS kits.
Other RJS or Winexpert Port
- Thread starter DavesWine
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I mainly have experience with the RJS dessert wines (2 Coffee, 1 Raspberry Mocha and 1 Caramel)--all of them are excellent. I've done one WE Apres, and it tastes very close to the RJS Coffee--with the edge going to RJS Coffee, but I wouldn't hesitate to do the Apres again. Others can chime in with their opinions but my guess is that any of the major brands would taste good.
Kross
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When doing the dessert wine kits what size of carboy do you use?
I use 3 gallon (12 liter) carboys. If the carboy is short, I top with dry red wine.
DavesWine
Member
I've been using 3 gal glass carboys for secondary and aging. I ferment in a 5 gal fermenter.
DavesWine
Member
One reason I asked this is that Winexpert has a new Vanilla Bourbon dessert wine that sounds interesting. But a lot of people talk about the RJS kits being really good. Haven't tried one of those.
Follow your interest. You won't be disappointed with either brand.
I also use 3 gallon carboys for these dessert wines. There is always some headspace for me but @joeswine said no need to top up if you bottle close to their time frame. I've followed his suggestion on all of my dessert kits and all have turned out tasty. I think these kits are very forgiving.
Joe is right about not needing to top up. Note that if not bottling in the kit's stated time frame, it's safer to top up.
I'm going to say no but you will be close. I've made two choc/rasp, two icewines, and one mocha from Apres. I also bottle with 1-2 750ml for family or friend events. If six people are drinking one of my dessert wines its easy to get rid of a 750ml bottle!
I started the RJ’s toasted Caramel - planned for that to be my dessert wine this season. Then I saw the Vanilla Bourbon and couldn’t resist. So I’ll have 2 this season.
I topped the 3 gallon carboy and bottled 30 bottles. If you don't top, you'll need 26 to 28, assuming you rack cleanly and don't rack more than necessary.
Agree you will need close to 30. Or as Shurt suggests You can do 24 375’s and 3 “party” (750) versions! I’ve been know to do that!
