Recent content by BrewRat

The brew is good. I've put corks in by hand and there is sufficient room for the gas to escape. If I used a corker, it would be too tight. I've not had an exploder before but saying that, my bro is bringing a hydrometer over. As it is, it's a lovely light brew with a delicate elderflower taste...

Thanks everyone for your help..☺️ Well I bottled it yesterday and was amazed with the result as it has a natural light carbonation, and is very sweet (but not too sweet). It's cloudy and tastes lemony but I love it! Last year's turned to vinegar so this was a pleasant surprise. I have used...

Hi, can anyone please advise on salvaging this elderflower champagne? It had 14 days in the fermenter. It only just started to fizz so I transferred to demi and nothing. It's dead! Is it because I managed to get some bits in?? I added sugar syrup to try and kick-start the fermentation process...

Photos won't upload...the CJJ Berry book is Amateur Winemaker Recipes and the other is Home Made Country Wines collected by The Farmers Weekly

Hi, Thank-you for your reply. I have never had any exploders! It was something we were used to in the 70s though. These are the books my mum used..I notice one is a CJJ Berry!

Thank you!

I an new to the forum and just wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I'm from the Midlands (Worcs) and am new to the homebrew scene. My dear late mother used to brew anything she could get her hands on from the fields and hedgerows around our house. She was an excellent brewer although her red...