Determine the alcohol content of cider with the EasyDens and SmartRef Combo

Cider, with its rich history, has been pleasing the palates of people around the world for centuries. This alcoholic drink, made from apples, has been highly valued by people for generations. Started as a simple farmer's drink, it has now found its way even into the hearts of gourmets. Cider today embodies tradition, innovation and a touch of the exceptional. The focus of apple cider is the alcohol, which brings depth and character to this special drink.

Production process of cider

The art of cider making

Basically, cider is a simple yet sophisticated drink made from fermented apple.
Production begins with the careful selection of apples, which is the most important basis for the finished taste. The variety of apples used allows for a wide range of flavors, from dry to sweet and fruity.

After the apples are harvested, they are crushed to extract the juice from the apples, which is then fermented with yeast. During fermentation, the fermentable sugars are converted into alcohol and CO₂ by the yeast. Fermentation is a delicate process influenced by factors such as yeast strains, temperature and duration. Depending on the variety, fermentation can last from several weeks to several months. The result is a spectrum of ciders that range from bone-dry and crisp to sweet and indulgent.

Exploring the alcohol content

One of the defining characteristics of cider is its alcohol content, which varies depending on factors such as the type of apple, fermentation method, time, and the addition of sugar or additives. Traditionally, cider has a moderate alcohol content, typically between 4 and 8 % by volume. However, cider manufacturers are experimenting with higher alcohol content, offering ciders with over 10 % ABV that can compete with wines in terms of strength.

Understanding ABV in cider

Cider ABV measurements play an important role in cider production. Understanding the alcohol content of cider is crucial for producers. Accurate ABV measurements ensure consistent product quality and compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, ingredients and fermentation processes can be adjusted to achieve the desired alcohol content and flavor profile. Regardless of whether a crisp, dry cider or a sweet, fruity blend is being produced, knowing the alcohol content always provides a deep insight into the cider-making process.

The EasyDens and SmartRef Combo for cider fermentation tracking and ABV measurement

The EasyDens and SmartRef Combo is a powerful tool for cider producers, offering a comprehensive solution for tracking fermentation and measuring alcohol content. EasyDens uses density measurement, while SmartRef utilizes refractive index measurement, allowing for precise monitoring throughout the fermentation process.

With the EasyDens Digital Density Meter and the Wine Meister mobile app, cider makers can track the fermentation, ensuring the process proceeds as expected. In combination with the SmartRef Digital Refractometer, the Combo provides accurate alcohol content measurements during and after fermentation. This dual-device approach offers a high level of accuracy, with results within 0.5% ABV, giving cider makers the confidence to produce consistently high-quality cider.

The EasyDens and SmartRef Combo performance compared to Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) measurements

To showcase the effectiveness of the EasyDens and SmartRef combination for measuring alcohol content in cider, we conducted a comparison between the Combo and the readings from a near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer.

Below is a table of the recorded values. The first column contains the labeled alcohol content on the cider bottles. The second column shows the NIR spectrometer measurements, while the third column displays the readings from the EasyDens and SmartRef Combo. The deviations in the fourth column demonstrate how closely the EasyDens and SmartRef results align with those obtained from a NIR spectrometer.

Table 1: EasyDens and SmartRef Combo measurements compared to NIR Spectrometer and product label

The comparison of the measured values demonstrates that the results obtained from the EasyDens and SmartRef Combo closely align with those from the NIR spectrometer, as well as with the information printed on the labels.

How to measure ABV of Cider with EasyDens and SmartRef Combo and Wine Meister mobile app

1. Connect EasyDens and SmartRef to the Wine Meister mobile app.
2. Ensure that EasyDens and SmartRef are completely clean and adjusted.
3. Before taking the measurement, degas your sample, and, if necessary, filter it using a coffee filter.
4. Fill the syringe free of air bubbles.
5. First, fill the sample well of SmartRef up to the rim.
6. Second, fill the EasyDens with the same syringe and keep the syringe in the device during measurement.
7. Start the measurement with “Measure ABV”.
8. The result is displayed within seconds on the screen.
9. Save your measurement in your batch.
10. After your measurement, carefully rinse your devices with deionized water.

Cheers to the delightful world of cider and the straightforward ABV measurement with EasyDens and SmartRef Combo!