First Batch of Cider Question

[Smithmonster]

Just bottled my first batch of cider!! How long should I let it age and carbonate??

[MrBandGuy]

First, welcome to the Borg! You may want to introduce yourself over in the assimilation forum.

To answer your question, some details would help. Did you bottle in plastic or glass? Did you backsweeten it?

If you used plastic, you can wait about 5-7 days and check how hard the bottles feel by squeezing them. If they are hard, put them all in the fridge for a week and you'll be good to go.

[LouieMacGoo]

Glad you found us! As a general rule time is your friend the longer you can wait and let it ferment and condition in the bottle the better the result you will have. From the email you sent regarding BrewDemon I am basing my response on that. BrewDemon instructions say to ferment for 7 days, bottle then let them condition for another 7 days. No matter if it's beer or cider longer is generally better. Many people have adopted a 3-2-2. 3 weeks fermentation 2 weeks carbonating and 2 weeks conditioning.

[HerbMeowing]

3-2-2 is the bare minimum.
Drinkable but generally meh.

More better flavor; bottle condition at least 6-8 weeks.
Even longer is also more better.