WineXpert Tweaking an Island Mist

[Scott B]

George mentioned the other day that some of you have tweaked a WE Island Mist kit by adding half the F-Pack at the start and the rest at the end. I also have read in this forum about adding 7.5 cups of sugar at the start to up the ABV level of the end produce.
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Has anyone tried to add half the F-Pack and 3.5 cups of sugar at the start and the rest of the F-Pack at the end? Would this increase the ABV level and be not as Sweet end product?

I was thinking about doing this to a WE IM Merlot or a WE IM Cabernet.

Thanks in advance for any input.
Scott

 

[ASAI]

Scott, I did that tweak on adding F-PAC early to a Kiwi Melon Pinot Grigio, notes are under that thread.

For that kit I was planning on doing exactly what you said. I added 1/2 the F-PAC, and topped off to about half a liter below 6 gallon mark before checking gravity to add sugar. I was already over my target SG. That kit is still in clarifying, so I haven't got a good taste yet. What I learned on here from others experience is 10%ABV is too high for those easy drinking kits, the alcohol will overwhelm the sweetness and tatse. I will update after doing the next step, What Ever that is.
Current step is PATIENCE, watching the Clear Glaze, (suggested by Ramona) dry on my labels is lots more exciting than watching wine clarify.
Not to hi-Jack your thread; but, I was wondering why they call it "WHITE WINE" when it is actually Golden Pee.

 

[grapeman]

What you are proposing to do is fine. Even if it finishes a bit above 10%, it will still be fine for a Merlot or Cab. They can take it.

 

[mjdtexan]

I tweaked with extra sugar, I think it was 8 cups. I never heard that about half the f-pack though. It was the Blackberry Cabernet.

 

[grapeman]

Some folks find that these wines finish a bit sweeter than they like. By using half the f-pack, you add the flavor in, but the sugar from the half pack is used up by the yeast. Then when they add the rest at the end, it adds the extra flavor, but only half the sweetness. Degree of desired sweetness is one of those personal things.

 

[mjdtexan]

Some folks find that these wines finish a bit sweeter than they like. By using half the f-pack, you add the flavor in, but the sugar from the half pack is used up by the yeast. Then when they add the rest at the end, it adds the extra flavor, but only half the sweetness. Degree of desired sweetness is one of those personal things.

That makes since. I have discovered from all of the wine that we have bought from our local liquor store that I donthave a sophisticated wine palate. I like them a little sweeter and I am enjoying the fruit wines more than the grape wines.

 

[Wade E]

MJD, thats the way I started also but let me tell you that you will most likely develop a liking for a good dry red wine over time so eventually make a real nice dry red so that you have at least 1 in your arsenal for when you do develop this taste.

 

[IQwine]

very, very good idea.
can't have enough dry reds in reserve...

 

[mjdtexan]

MJD, thats the way I started also but let me tell you that you will most likely develop a liking for a good dry red wine over time so eventually make a real nice dry red so that you have at least 1 in your arsenal for when you do develop this taste.

very, very good idea.
can't have enough dry reds in reserve...

Ima gonna

 

[uavwmn]

mjd, that is how I started experimenting with wine.......drinking the sweet wines. Over time I gravitated to the semi-sweet, semi-dry and now the nice dry wines. It is a graduation process for your palate!!!


Wade is right, try making a nice dry red for that day you start enjoying them with cheese or a nice meal.

 

[mjdtexan]

mjd, that is how I started experimenting with wine.......drinking the sweet wines. Over time I gravitated to the semi-sweet, semi-dry and now the nice dry wines. It is a graduation process for your palate!!!


Wade is right, try making a nice dry red for that day you start enjoying them with cheese or a nice meal.

Thats something else, I just cant understand cheese and wine going together. I guess its aquired. I am kinda looking for a nice red to do.

 

[uavwmn]

I know. Cheese and wine. But, take the leap......go get a nice gourmet cheese.......a glass of wine. Taste the wine first. It has its own flavor.
Eat a piece of cheese with a cracker, then taste the wine. Whole entire different flavor. It is wonderful!


I am sure Peter or Appleman or someone can explain this a whole lot better than I.