RJ Spagnols RJS Black Forest Port

[brewbush]

So just started this one, however the initial brix was 26 (1.11) .

Instructions do not give a starting OG. Also with all the posts on chaptaliztion and adding brandy made me wonder (instructions mention neither)

Would you
A: leave it alone
B: Add sugar while fermenting
C: when done, add brandy to the carboy.

Also ... what is the recommended wine to use for topping up the 3 gallon carboy (if needed)

Thanks

 

[peaches9324]

So just started this one, however the initial brix was 26 (1.11) .

Instructions do not give a starting OG. Also with all the posts on chaptaliztion and adding brandy made me wonder (instructions mention neither)

Would you
A: leave it alone
B: Add sugar while fermenting
C: when done, add brandy to the carboy.

Also ... what is the recommended wine to use for topping up the 3 gallon carboy (if needed)

Thanks

I have this one in secondary. My sg was 1120 and ended with 1040 after adding flavor pack. And to top up I used a bottle of my regular port I had cellared. I usually use marbles but since I had a similar, good, finished wine I used that to add some volume. Now I don't know if I'll add more alcohol or not but if I were it would be brandy maybe a cherry brandy?

 

[Boatboy24]

I did this one last year and step fed with sugar to get the ABV to about 18%. I also fortified with brandy. Between the Fpac and brandy, I didn't need to top up.

 

[peaches9324]

jim did ya use cherry brandy? What brand or does it matter much?