I did my first batch of cider this fall and I am ready to bottle it. I have read mixed reviews on whether it’s safe to bottle carbonate cider. Reading a lot about potential bottle bombs.
I was hoping for a pretty fizzy cider so I was thinking about 3.0 volumes. Is this a recipe for disaster? If so, what are the alternatives? I do have a single keg setup but I was hoping to rack a beer into it later this week.
As long as your cider is completely finished, and you are not back sweeting, bottle conditioning is fine. 3 volumes is on the higher side for standard longnecks.
I could definitely dial it back. I could do 2 volumes. I am just super nervous about exploding bottles. It’s been in secondary for 4 months after 1 month in primary. I assume it’s finished.
Regular longnecks in good shape should handle at least 3 volumes with no issues. I’d shoot for 2.5-2.7 volumes if you like a cider with some fizz to it.
Good. After that much time it will be safe to bottle with priming sugar. 3 volumes is fine but personally I’d only do like 2.5. However the yeast is long gone so you will want to add a sprinkle of fresh yeast along with the priming sugar. Cheers!!
P.S. Also be aware that it can take a long time for cider to carbonate. It’s not right away in 2 weeks like beer usually. Usually takes more like 2-3 months in my experience. I don’t know why, it just does.