OK!
Thanks again!
I returned to the store that I got the original cider from and found that they had replenished their supply. It’s a highly sweet cider, labeled PASTEURIZED, NO ADDED SUGAR OR PRESERVATIVES, MUST BE REFRIGERATED
I also located at a local Albertsons some large plastic bottles, normally 5 gal size, but they have 3.5 gallon sizes also. I imagine plastic would have a limited use or number of cycles because if it gets scratched internally, it becomes much harder to sterilize. But for a rookie first time batch, I thing they will do the trick.
I also located, via the net, a brew supply place. Larrys Brewing Supply is a pretty highly rated store in Kent, Wash. which is only 12 miles or so as the crow flies.
So I am planning to go there, and ask about yeasts. Also anything else they might think would come in handy.
I will see about taking pictures and keeping everyone informed as I progress. If I get on the ball tomorrow, who knows, I might be able to pop open a nice, bubbly hard cider on New Years Eve!
Be kind of wary about those big plastic water type bottles.
They are oxygen permeable and will not really be a good choice for brewing. If you really want plastic, there are some bottles called “Better Bottles” (google it)that are about 25 bucks each.
Beware that hard cider my FRiend, it tastes soooooo good but packs a real wallop!.
Let me know how it all turns out.
Cheers,
knewshound
Didn’t know you were down around the King/Pierce County area, there should be some really tasty ciders down around there.
One thing about cider - make sure you get a good blend. Professional hard cider makers are secretive about theirs. If the cider you start with doesn’t have some tartness to it, think about dumping in some granny smith juice as well.
Remember, there’s no hops in hard cider to balance the sugar and alcohol sweetness, so tangy/sour apple varieties are necessary to give it a rounded flavor.