We were surprised that the fermentation bag contents were brown and syrupy. Is this normal? We've never encountered this. Made wine for years.
1431806
I don't recall if it was brown, it might have been a bit dark, it was syrupy though. but that is to be expected though because it was concentrated. if its brown, I think id return it to seller.
1431807
Mine was same color once mixed with water it looked much better. Hope you have better luck mine did not taste good.
182921
I had the same experience, a lot of my bags were bad, as if you were brewing cardboard. Very strange, never had a problem. Out of the 2 boxes ( 2 x 240 bags) one of them had mostly bad bags. I had to smell them before throwing it in my mug
1373295
Yes, we usually get 29 or 30 bottles. I agree let it take it's time, it is well worth the end result. We also rack it one more time before bottling, gives a clearer wine because you have the sediment gone. I have never added oak chips...sounds interesting. How much would you add? I love this hobby!
352212
This yeast packet is supposed to be good for 5 gallons of fruit-based wine. The barleywine I've had was made from, well, barley, rather than fruit, and tasted more beer-like than wine-like, so I'd guess that an ale or beer yeast might be more appropriate . . . but this is good yeast, you should certainly get a ferment out of it!
1993755
Callie, I have made this wine several times and the strawberry is especially sweet. You can ease off on how much you add. You can let it go longer during your secondary ferment and keep an eye on your SG level. The lower the SG, the dryer your wine will be. If you let it go to around .996 before stabilizing, it will still have the flavor without it being as sweet. I would add only half, or less, of the strawberry pack. Good luck!
1330286
The 2 bottles I've used have been light orange in color and without chunks. I would definitely question the freshness of your bottle.
2094283
Not sure?? Haven't used this in a while, but liked it when I used it. I've been using fermented cod liver oil lately.
1199315
That sounds like a fungus. I would give it a try. When my machine turned an ugly brown, after 8 years, this product took care of it in one use.
1369983
I didn't with one bottle and it ended up tasting funny (I think it may have been the hazelnut flavor). I keep it in the 'fridge.
1596169
No! That is absolutely NOT normal. It must have leaked (this happened to me once). Contact the company through amazon and they will send you a refund. They need to figure out a better way to ship these bottles to prevent leakage!!
265183
Dear Mindy, I use Cornucopia Kits almost exclusively. In fact I just finished bottling my second batch of the White Strawberry Merlot (I also make the Black Cherry, Tropical Riesling and Blueberry Shiraz. Have a box of Peach Chardonnay I'm about to start). I have NEVER seen any solids of any kind in the juices. I would contact the company immediately and find out what's going on. Personally I would have the kit replaced. Hope this helped, and Happy Winemaking!
1384367
Oh wow. I don't know. I am not experiencing that. I love this stuff! A bad batch maybe?
2093028
Foam or bubbles? Bubbles are super normal as you ferment. Kefir is slightly fizzy when it's done.
223896
I have not cleaned up win with it yet, but I have cleaned up split dark beer and brown soda which are probably similar in nature to wine. I have never let anything soak in though so if you are writing this about a stain you currently have I can make no guarantees.
1219989
I'm sure you've dealt with this by now, but for others who might read this. I have two of these wonderful crocks. I noticed a lingering odor in one after fermenting pickles. I use nothing more than earth friendly dish soap and water for cleaning. Over time the odor disappeared on its own. I was unconcerned as I knew that I would only be using it for fermenting food.
1026102
Someone else asked that question. I guess that is a stinky fermented brew. I can't give you a good answer. It does not seal tight so don't know if you need that. Hope you get an answer.
1955850
I had a similar problem- mine was because I put the bottle with the balloon inflated in the refrigerator. I had to detach the balloon from the pump and wait until the wine warmed up.