Other Anyone try these?

[vernsgal]

Ok so I just picked me up a couple of Paklab kits. Being a regular customer of RJS I have never heard of these. I know they're a cheap kit so quality isn't to be expected as high but...
They come as a two/for (2 individual kits each making 6 gal that you can blend or make separate) ,with labels,corks and shrinkwraps .I got the Sangiovese/Shiraz for $54 which is $27 a kit and the Zinfandel/Carmenere for $53. My thought was if nothing else I can use them for grape concentrates, but has anyone tried these?

 

[the_rayway]

I think Joe has used a couple of those in his tweak threads...

My Dad has made them following the directions, and they are kind of awful. Very cheap tasting.

 

[vernsgal]

Lol. Considering they're very cheap in cost I wasn't expecting any different in taste. I found that with RJS HE kits as well.
Sometimes though you find a cheap wine that tastes every bit as good as a medium priced wine.
I'll maybe try a few tweaks and age for a year+ and see.(Can't be any worse than my beet wine )

 

[marino]

Where did you get these kits from? Amazon?

 

[pjd]

I have used several Paklab kits and with a few tweaks they can make a decent wine. That being said, i probably will not make them again. They are great for beginners, great learning experiences.

 

[vernsgal]

Where did you get these kits from? Amazon?

Costco has them on online sales right now.

 

[marino]

In the US or Canada? Never seen these at Costco

 

[vernsgal]

I've never seen them in store either but they're online (in Canada) shipping is included in that price I posted.Thats why I figured if nothing else they can be used as concentrates for my fruit wines

 

[MrsJones]

I picked up the Sonoma Valley Riesling by International Series in-store through Costco's recent wine road show - it's my second wine so following the directions pretty closely and so far it's looking and smelling great.

Here's a shot a day after I racked to secondary.

 

[vernsgal]

I'm not really familiar with the costco kits but I normally top up in my secondary so it's within 2 inches of the bung. I know some kit 's (ie cellarcraft) say you don't have to because it's not in carboy long enough but I always have felt safer doing so. What's the SG at? It looks like it's still active so you maybe don't need to worry about topping up right away.
(it is a fun hobby though right? )

 

[MrsJones]

Hiya! Mine is still super active (took another shot this morning) so I think I'm safe for a little while. I was just reading this weekend about different methods for topping up - I'm leaning towards the marbles route.

My understanding is that most folks don't top up until fermentation stops and they are moving to clearing.