Cider House Select Premium Cider Yeast-3 Count

I'll preface this review by saying that I had zero fermentation experience prior to using this yeast. I gave 4 stars for the rating of the yeast properties because I know nothing about yeast.I bought this in attempt to duplicate the Woodchuck hard cider and so far have had drinkable yields. First fermentation I let go nearly 14 days which was long and the yeast died off but it had a good alcohol content. I transferred and added sugar and yeast to the already fermented cider. After an additional 10 days it was at or beyond the ABV of wine and had a strong alcohol smell. There was an off flavor most likely due to the old dead yeast from the first fermentation. I was trying to find out the alcohol tolerance of the yeast but gave up on that experiment because it was pretty much beyond the point where it had any good taste and was more like apple wine. If you are looking to produce alcohol for the effect, this has done a very good job and so far the only limit I have found is the amount of sugar. I have had good luck with fermentations of 7 days giving what I would estimate around 4% ABV but I have yet to invest in a hygrometer to measure the before and after SG. There is very little yeast flavor beyond that which I have tasted in any normal beer or other hard ciders. I'm positive someone with experience would have no problem getting good results.

Works well. Making home hard cider from freshes pasteurized cider from a local farm. I use a cheap beer kit and each pack has enough for 2 batches. Cider fermented well and is conditioning now. Not sure the ABV, but seems nice and high with the flavor preserved. Did conver ALL of the sugar to alcohol, so you will need to add some sweetness at the end unless you like a real "brut" type flavor.

This is an amazing cider yeast for beginners and for seasoned cider makers who want to make a decent tasting cheap cider. It doesn’t create the complexity of flavors that can be found with other yeasts, and probably should be skipped if you’re pressing a specialized blend of apples to make some top notch ciders. This is more for taking store bought juices, or just a gallon of pressed apples, and making something enjoyable.

I typically homebrew beer. But making a batch of cider is quick and easy if you are short on time. I bought three gallons of cider from Wisconsin so I decided to order this yeast online. I did the necessary sanitizing and just added the yeast right to the fermenter. Skip the sugar, that can make it too boozy! After about 3 weeks I racked it into a keg. It seemed really dry and even acidic at first. The yeasty doughy aroma also seemed really pronounced. I also thought the flavor and aroma of alcohol was too strong for my liking. I added another 3/4 gallon of apple cider to the keg to back sweeten it. Again, don't add any sugar! Then I let it carbonate. Over a few weeks the flavors blended together really well and the yeasty aroma faded. I'm really enjoying the cider now and I will be using it again.

Made very first batch of Hard Apple Cider with this yeast. Final ABV = 5%. A smash hit at Thanksgiving, gallon went away very fast!!!

If you know a diy cider maker friend, this would be a great gift. It's one of the best tasting and specifically for cider. This is made to produce more alcohol and less carbon aswell. You'll need to make a starter and do 2 ferments, the first of which use a nutrient. Do both ferments before bottling and sugar prime. Non alcoholic if you let sit one week without a starter and nutrient. Prime bottles with sugar for carbonation.

I've done four or five batches with this yeast, and the first thing I noticed was how fast and strong it starts its ferment. I even had a blow over and had to put a drain hose on. It has a wide temperature tolerance as well. However, I did not have great carbonation with it and the finished product was heavier in flavor and character than I prefer. I recently switched over to champagne yeasts like EC-1118 and along with other adjustments, have been getting much more wine like sparkling cider, which I prefer. However, this is not a bad yeast especially to start with, because it is pretty easy to work with.

I've made two batches of cider with this yeast. I pitched both direct from the packet and fermentation was underway within 8 hours. The first was just 5 gallons local apple cider and 2 lb honey. It fermented quickly and cleanly and finished out at 0.988 FG and was dry as a bone. I backsweetened with 2 cans of Seneca frozen concentrate and it's one of the best ciders I've ever made. Nice tartness and wonderful apple aroma and taste. I currently have a second batch on the way but this one will be kept dry (no backsweetening), and I've added 2 oz each of Cascade and Galaxy hops. Can't wait to tap it.