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hi all, this is my first post on here, i am currently following the recipe for scrumpy cider and am wondering what would the strength be without adding the sugar. i don;t really want it too strong (or do i ?????). also, is there any need to add the yeast?

EDIT: I wrote this assuming that you're using Andy's scrumpy recipe - is that right? I'm a bit confused about your reference to added sugar. If that's the wrong recipe, ignore what I've said below.

EDIT 2: I've now decided that Andy's recipe is NOT what you're talking about. Can you give us a link to the one you are using?



It depends totally upon what kind of apple and how ripe it was. Apples can be up to 10% sugar and, as Andy's recipe calles for 4 lbs of apples per gallon, that would result in a final strength of between 2 and 2.5% alcohol by volume - very refreshing but not actually very strong. But remember that cider is usually made from apple juice with no water addition at all.

Actually, considering Andy is a West Country lad, I've always been surprised at this recipe. However - here goes ...

If you're not using real cider apples, the end result if you ferment juice only will be extremely bitter (apples are full of malic acid). So, you need to dilute, and that means a weaker cider unless you add sugar. The cider (IMHO) should have a strength of about 5% and to achieve that, you'd need to add 8 to 9 ozs per gallon of sugar, depending upon the condition of the apples. (Or add a pound of sugar to achieve a 7.5% cider - more the strength of a traditional scrumpy).

The other thing is that the South-West of this country is full of cider apple yeasts, because that's where cider apples grow. We're not so lucky in the remainder of the country - if you depend upon wild yeasts, you'll probably get one, but it may not ferment your cider very well. Why take the risk? Add some yeast.

Mike

i'm using andy's recipe for scrumpy cider on the home brew section, now that youve mentioned it, it does seem obvious that it will be weaker due to the amount of water added. i'll add sugar!!! 2.5% ! water is stronger!!!