Where do I find a Port kit?

[RCGoodin]

Need help finding a good port kit. Who can help?

 

[Ohio Bob]

Need help finding a good port kit. Who can help?

I’ve made the RJS Black Forest port several times (my favorite), the RJS raspberry mocha, the Apres dessert port. All are pretty good. I’ve started taking some of my blackberries and making ports out of them.

Key advice is to measure the SG and keep track of it. You will then know the ABV. Don’t try to stop the fermentation early, let it go dry. Then download a Pearson Square calculator and add Everclear to bump the ABV to 18-20%. Let it bulk age for 6 months at least after fortifying. For some reason my foraged blackberries like to drop lees throughout bulk aging.

Also, add glycerin at bottling. It gives the port a smooth mouthfeel.

Edit: California doesn’t allow the sale of Everclear 190, you’ll have to go to Arizona.

 

[RCGoodin]

Bb, thank you for your knowledgeable reply. I'd like to stay in contact, and, hear your feedback as I move forward. Please explain the glycerin.

 

[Ohio Bob]

Bb, thank you for your knowledgeable reply. I'd like to stay in contact, and, hear your feedback as I move forward. Please explain the glycerin.

Glycerin is available at your local home brew shop (LHBS). You can also find it on Amazon but make sure it’s food grade. I personally trust my LHBS so that’s where I get my glycerin.

It thickens the mouthfeel. Increases the viscosity.

 

[RCGoodin]

Bob, does it thicken the mouthfeel in other wines than Port?

 

[Ohio Bob]

Bob, does it thicken the mouthfeel in other wines than Port?

Absolutely, I use it in all my reds and ports. For my whites, I prefer my Riesling wine light and crisp, and I skip glycerin. But a Chardonnay might benefit from glycerin.

A LHBS near you might be Morebeer! & Morewine! in Riverside.

 

[Ohio Bob]

I follow the directions for glycerin on the jug. Note it recommends 4x the dosage if a port (liquor) versus wine.