Expert: John Snyder - 9/7/2004

Question
Hi John,

I had a question about home brewing. I brewed my first batch and am ready to bottle it. I tasted it and it is very cidery tasting and a little watered down because I topped off the wort with extra water to cool it down when i added the yeast. My question is when I bottle it and once it sits for another 2 weeks, will the cidery flavor go away and is there anything I can do about it being watered down? Thanks

Eric-

Answer
The cidery taste won't go away.There is nothing you can do about it being watered down.the cidery taste indicates an infection of the wort.Since this is your first batch,i would continue with the bottling,even though the taste would not be acceptable.The experience would be good for you.I wouldn't give up home brewing,because of this problem;but would go over all the procedures again,including sanitation,and sterlization,temperatures etc.I will be glad to assist you,if you have any further questions.If you desire,send me your recipe,and what you did,during the process.