WineXpert Is Choc Rasp Port that good?

[slopenutz]

My LHBS has 3 kits just sitting there looking for an owner. After reading all of the "Holy Grail" reviews...should I pick up one of these kits? Would they be manageable for a newbie?

 

[Tom]

Its better than they say !
As long you can read, follow and understant the directions you will do fine. Of course you will need the equipment.

 

[slopenutz]

The equipment I have...just wondering about all of the "stuck" fermenting issues. My fermenting area is about 70-71 degrees. I guess a brewbelt may be the solution.

btw...what is the time period before it is drinkable?

 

[Wade E]

Time period is about 6-8 months min and very good at that point but does get even better. If doing a single batch you will need 3 1 gallon carboys or even better 1 3 gallon carboy. It is a sweet finish wine which can finish even sweeter but maybe Tim has finally revealed the answer to getting this sometimes appearing problem taken care of. Up until now its always been said there is no reason to stir a kit wine with no actual fruit in there but heres a reason why. I made this kit and a dble 1 at that and even though it finished off sweeter then I really wanted it still was amazing.You will also want to bottle this in 1/2 (375ml) bottles cause its a dessert wine, not something you would drink a bottle of in a sitting or 2.

 

[Scott]

Yes it is that good!

 

[Joanie]

It's actually better than that! I refer to it as dessert in a glass.

 

[xanxer82]

This may be one of the next I try. First I'll need a 3 gallon carboy...

 

[vcasey]

xanxer82
Just an FYI this is a limited edition kit and it only offered during a certain time period. So if you are interested grab one fast!
VC

 

[xanxer82]

I'll have to wait until pay day. I just sent George $60 for some gear.

 

[gaudet]

I will vouch for it. I drank a bottle of Wade's and that is some primo stuff. I want to get one of them myself this year. I'm with ya xanax gotta wait til payday for my next one...........

 

[RickC]

I will also vouch for it. I made 1 kit last year and it is remarkable. So good that I have 2 kits ready to start in a couple weeks. We thought it was very good even at 3 months after bottling. Hard to keep our hands off them.

 

[xanxer82]

this normally comes in 3 gallon batches?

 

[Tom]

Yes it'smakes3 gallons.

 

[Wade E]

So you will need a 3 gallon carboy and this is another reason lots of us make dble batches and use a 6 gallon carboy.

 

[Tom]

And more $$ to put into this OBSESSION.. err.. hobby?

 

[Goodfella]

Has anyone made something similar from scratch?

 

[slopenutz]

Good Call!!

 

[Wild Duk]

**Update on CRP**
I started this kit on 10/5, and after reading the discusions on a stuck Ferm. I decided to follow Wades recomendations and then later on Tims...


3 days after pitching yeast I started the chaptalisation step. I broke it down into 3 days, adding 1/3 each day, and stiring lightly after each addition. The temp was around 71-74 degrees


On 10/16 the SG was down to about 1.019, I took Tim's recomendation, heated it up to 75 degrees, stired it up, and transfered in to the secondary....Since it was all stired up, everything (except most of the oak) went into the secondary.....


Its been steadity bubbling for about 5 days now,


On 10/21 the SG was down to 1.013......So in the next week or so, I'm guessing it will ferment down the 1.010 or so....


I thought a few people considering this kit would like to hear this, and thanks for the good advise, Wade and Tim!!!