Brew Review Mangrove Jacks Mixed Berry Cider

From kit to Glass - we review the Mangrove Jacks Craft Series Mixed Berry Cider.
Check out the bonus clips - we make the rookie brewing error of the century pouring extract over sanitising solution and make a second impromptu brew that comes out at around 8.5% alcohol!

[@deonvanheerden9048]

Good to see another video mate, your Mixed Berry Cider was my inspiration to make my own. It’s a real thirst quencher.

[@homebrewrepublic1993]

Did you see the additional clip in the middle? I made a second one off the cuff that came out at 8.5%ABV - That one was a bit more drink with caution ;)

[@neoanderson5146]

Always interesting videos, cheers. Oh, a bit more volume would be appreciated please :)

[@homebrewrepublic1993]

Thanks Neo. Working on the volume piece.

[@diannewojcik502]

@@homebrewrepublic1993 did you make the video in a basement - lots of echo.

[@homebrewrepublic1993]

@@diannewojcik502 Thanks - appreciate the comment. Working on the sound piece. We are about to move to a professional mic set. Cheers, Russell

[@diannewojcik502]

Hello. I made the strawberry and pear kit and followed instructions exactly. Cider is a dark colour now, little fizz, and no strawberry or pear flavour. I used fermentation sugar drops, 1 per 500 ml. swing top bottle. The finished product is very disappointing. What has happened?

[@homebrewrepublic1993]

Hi @diannewojcik502!
Thanks for checking out our vid. Much appreciated.
I haven't personally brewed the Strawberry and Pear cider kit. According to the specification on Mangrovejack.com the colour is meant to be pink, so sounds a little unusual. Couple of thoughts:
Colour may be influenced by how you are bottling e.g. if you are not cold crashing, racking off or taking additional actions to aid clarity. There could be some sediment in your colour which may make it appear slightly darker or cloudy.
I would also always check the best before date of a kit. This may be a factor.
For the carbonation you mentioned that you used 1 sugar drop per 500ml bottle. I would have a look at the instructions on the sugar drops. Most drops are designed for 1 drop to a 330-375ml bottle and 2 drops in a 750ml bottle. This may be the reason that you have had a lower than ideal level of carbonation. If some bottles seem to have more carbonation than others I would check the seals on your swing top bottles.
If it helps not every brew will always work out but overall kit brewing is a great way to make good brews and I hope you get a better outcome that you enjoy with the next brew.
Hope that helps.

[@diannewojcik502]

@@homebrewrepublic1993 thank you very much for your quick response. I have been making wine from kis for many years, and hey have always turned out well. I bought this kit in March with a best before date of June. The swing caps were placed securely on the bottles, and I used just 1/2 of he sweetener for Off Dry. I did no use any exra enhancer kit, and had he correct SG all he way. I am considering asking for a replacement from WineKitz.

[@homebrewrepublic1993]

@@diannewojcik502 Sounds like you have in hand. I'm actually brewing my first ever wine from kit now. I have a pinot Noir in the clearing stages and I am going to do a Sav Blanc next. I'm using Wine Expert. Any advice you would offer me?