Dry English Cider

Total timeline: 111 days (21 fermentation + 90 aging)

  1. Day 0

    Test SG

    Note OG; expect 1.045-1.060. Bittersweets give traditional tannin.

  2. Day 0

    Sulfite + wait

    Add k-meta. Wait 24h.

  3. Day 1

    Pitch yeast

    Add nutrient sparingly (cider needs less than wine), then yeast.

  4. Day 1-21

    Primary

    Ferment cool — 55-60°F if possible — to dryness over 14-21 days.

  5. Day 21-75

    Rack + age on lees

    Rack to secondary. Age 4-8 weeks; English style benefits from light oxidation.

  6. Day 90

    Bottle

    Bottle still or lightly carbonated with priming sugar. Drink within a year.