Beer/Cider mix - anyone tried this?

[Crackin]

Mixing Beer(lager) and Cider is common in the U.K. Its called a "Snakebite" . However its typically mixed at the time of consumption. When I have cider I always keep some Blonde Ale on tap to mix with it, Its how i prefer to drink my cider as the sweetness of the beer balances the dryness to an extent. In the UK sometimes they add grenadine or black currant syrup to a snake bit as well.

I have had a few of those in the U.K. The best part, is when your friend ralphs after a long night of drinking, and its all purple from the black current.

[AdamWiz]

I just transferred the smoked apple ale to secondary earlier today. The gravity was down to about 1.020, and the sample I tasted was delicious. Can't wait until it's ready. Hey Dave, what category did you enter this one in - specialty beer or fruit beer?

[dmtaylor]

Fruit beer. If memory serves, it scored first place. It's good stuff. If it tastes particularly smoky, then you should really enter it as a smoked beer. When I entered mine years ago, I couldn't taste the smoke in that particular batch.

[AdamWiz]

I was thinking fruit beer myself - the smokiness is not that prominent anymore. But it is some tasty stuff, that's for sure. I don't think I've ever enjoyed a hydrometer sample so much. One more thing - how much lactose did you add at bottling? I'm thinking I might like a bit more sweetness.

[dmtaylor]

The last time I made it, I used 4 ounces of lactose in 3 gallons, and it was perfect. In no case would I use much more than that. Maybe 5 ounces if the finished beer is insanely dry. But if you are just trying to take the edge off, then 3 or 4 ounces seems good.

[AdamWiz]

Is it strange that the airlock on this is still bubbling after 45 days? I haven't taken a gravity reading yet, but this is by far the longest I have had a secondary fermentation show airlock activity.

[dmtaylor]

Well, you do have cider in there. Have you ever made a cider? The experts say that the best cider takes a good ~6 months to ferment. Personally mine takes about 4-6 weeks. So, to answer your question -- yes, it's totally normal. No worries.

[AdamWiz]

Just realized I never posted an update since the smoked apple ale has been done. At first it was a bit harsh, but after about a month in the bottle it has mellowed out and it is REALLY tasty. Neither the smokiness nor the apple flavor dominates, it is really well balanced. Mine came in at about 6.5% ABV but it is easy drinking and the alcohol kind of sneaks up on you. I am actually going to enter it in the upcoming Michigan Beer Cup competition, we'll see what the judges think of it. Thanks again, Dave!