Batch #1: Bottled

I bottled my cider tonight. I set aside 2 cups of cider, then added 2 Tbsp of corn sugar to the remainder. I then added evenly the cider w/corn sugar to 6 18 oz. bottles. I then topped of the bottles with the set aside 2 cups (leaving ~10 oz) and capped the bottles. The remaining ~10 oz I measured at ~1.000 SG, meaning the cider is right around 10% ABV.

Amy and I then tasted the remaining ~10 oz over ice. The cider tasted like it had 10% ABV, and I will definitely shoot for 4.5 to 5.0% ABV next time. Other thoughts are that it was a bit too dry, and that we may want to shoot for a less dry end product next time (maybe using honey in place of corn sugar, as it leaves a bit more residual sugar, or, as I read somewhere, a bit of apple cider concentrate to add a bit more fruitiness).

But this is all a bit preliminary, as the cider should change a bit as it ages over the next few weeks/months in the bottle.