It appears i might be coming to the end of fermentation of my first ever attempt at homebrew cider. I've got 15 gallons on the go and i'm trying to get 2 types. 5 gallons to be a semi sparkle in a pressure barrel and the rest into bottles. The bubbles are quite slow now so i need to be prepared but a few question i need to ask please.
1, Do i start taking sg reading now or when it actually stops bubbling?
2, I'm using a washed and sterile trial jar, do i pour this back into mix when i've taken readings?
3, I believe(so please tell me if i'm wrong) for the first batch i clear with finings in the bucket then when clear transfer into pressure barrel and add about 150 grams of sugar, then back into the warm for a few days and then store somewhere cool for 4 weeks. Will there be enough yeast in the clear liquid for the secondary fermentation or do i need to get a bit of sediment when transferring into barrel?
4, How long will the cider last(presuming i drink responsibly) in the barrel if its not opened and topped up with gas?
5, When bottling after clearing with finings, I believe its half tsp of sugar per 500 ml and then the same as the barrel and again how long will a bottle last before going off?
If there is something else i should be doing please tell me as i'm a total novice. Thanks in advance.
1, Do i start taking sg reading now or when it actually stops bubbling?
2, I'm using a washed and sterile trial jar, do i pour this back into mix when i've taken readings?
3, I believe(so please tell me if i'm wrong) for the first batch i clear with finings in the bucket then when clear transfer into pressure barrel and add about 150 grams of sugar, then back into the warm for a few days and then store somewhere cool for 4 weeks. Will there be enough yeast in the clear liquid for the secondary fermentation or do i need to get a bit of sediment when transferring into barrel?
4, How long will the cider last(presuming i drink responsibly) in the barrel if its not opened and topped up with gas?
5, When bottling after clearing with finings, I believe its half tsp of sugar per 500 ml and then the same as the barrel and again how long will a bottle last before going off?
If there is something else i should be doing please tell me as i'm a total novice. Thanks in advance.