Aussiedistiller, Home Distilling, Moonshine, Home Brew

Hi Guys,

First time poster here so apologies if this thread is in the wrong section, feel free to move it.
I have been making cider for a few years now and this year I would like to take some and turn it into Calvados/brandy. I certainly do not need another hobby so I was wondering if somebody experienced on here would like to distill the cider and we share the spoils..
I am located in Murrumbeena (near Chadstone) in Vic.

Cheers,

Fergal.

p.s. what quantity of calvados would we be looking at from a 19l keg?

If you like Calvados then go ahead. I tried it using 2 types of organic apple cider from South Aus. One was from Johnagold apples and the other from Ribston Pippin. I distilled the Johnagold first. It tasted like soap. The Ribston Pippin was better, but still tasted like soap. Rather disappointing.
My boss came back from a holiday in France and had brought back a bottle of $120+ Calvados from the region. Hearing about my experience, he brought it in to work to give me a taste. Guess what? It tasted like soap more than the Johnagold!
:puke-huge:

IMHO, buy a bottle first to see if you like it. You may decide that it isn't worth the effort.

Edit: Depending on the ABV % which I'd guess is about 12-14% and the type of still, from a 19 litre keg you'd get about 2 litres of hearts at around 60% which you'd dilute back to 40%, giving you about 3 litres.

Thanks for the response, yeah i've had it several times here and in France but can't ever remember the soap taste you are describing... maybe my tastebuds are not that fine tuned though!

Hi fergal,
I work in Dandenong. I still have the cuts from both runs. I haven't put any of it oak though. The initial tast put me off. I'm keeping the cuts to take back to my friends in SA so that they can have a go at blending. I could do a bit of blending and give you a sample if you like.

Hi mate, yeah that would be fantastic. I also work in Dandenong - Greens Rd...

OK fergal,
I'll do some blending tonight and put it on oak. I'll PM you with my telephone number when it's ready so that we can organise a meetup.