WineXpert Can I fix process error with Apres chocolate raspberry port kit?

[bubbas45]

Howdy, folks. Yesterday, I made an egregious error and today I’m requesting suggestions on what to do. I have two Apres chocolate raspberry port kits in process. I started them about two weeks apart.

• Kit #1 was ready for the addition of the flavor pack and chitosan. (Step 3)
• Kit #2 was ready for S.G. check and chaptalization. (Step 1Bi/ii)

Zombies stole my brain.
I added the flavor pack and chitosan to Kit #2.
What can I do to recover from this error?

The chitosan induces yeast flocculation, right? How long will it do that? In other words, can I wait a few days, then vigorously stir from the bottom to redistribute the yeast? Should I re-inoculate with new yeast? If so, use EC-1118 as in the kit, or some other type?

Then, just monitor S.G., chaptalize, stabilize, degas, clear, etc.?

thanks, bws

 

[winemaker81]

There's not a lot you can do, other than proceed.

#1: Use the flavor pack & chitosan from #2.

#2: Pretend you didn't add the flavor pack and proceed with chaptalization.

I made this kit in 2022 and it hit over 17% ABV, with 4.2% residual sugar. Because of the additional sugar in the F-Pack, it's likely yours won't ferment out, which is OK. Just keep going until it quits.

The chitosan probably won't have much effect on the ferment. It probably only affects dead yeast, and since you a have to stir the sugar in, anything precipitated will be swept back into suspension.

Since the sugar in the F-Pack will be fermented, depending on where the ferment ends, you may need to backsweeten at bit before bottling.