Last week, Lauren and I got together with our friend (and Lauren’s man-friend) Hugh, who has Coeliac disease. Practically speaking, this means he cannot consume gluten, which is found in most grains. This, obviously, is a problem when it comes to beer.

As a result, Hugh is quite versed in a number of other alcohols, notably including cider.

Lauren and I have brewed a cider before, but we had a few goals with this new batch.

1) Use actual cider, and not juice this time
2) Use a more appropriate yeast (ie not a trappist)
3) Create something spiced that would be an excellent winter cider
4) Have fun

The recipe:
Put into big pot:
- 5 gal Cider
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 10 whole cloves
- whole orange spiked with 24 whole cloves (see photo)

Bring mixture to a boil. Add:
- 1lb Dark Brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 tsp Allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 24 more whole cloves

Chill, and pitch White Labs WLP775 - English Cider Yeast.

We remembered to get a measurement on the hydrometer this time - a specific gravity of 62, or 15º Plato.

After all of this, we walked into downtown Lansing, watched the lighting of the Official State of Michigan Christmas Tree, as well as a preview of our friend (and Lauren’s sister) Shannon’s play. Afterwards, Lauren and Hugh danced in front of the Capital Building.

Updates to follow, as we get them, but our goal is to have something we can try by my birthday in February.

Ian!