I know this is more preference than rule but I am a beginner and from what I have read it is: 2 weeks in the fermenting jug; bottle, add sugar and sit for another 2 weeks.
Any body else have suggestions for me? Anyone think this is wrong?
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This question would be more appropriate in homebrew.stackexchange.com. – Mr_road Aug 16 '16 at 11:14
The recommended primary fermentation time for anything you're going to bottle is: until it's done.
After 2-3 weeks, when you think it's ready, use a wine thief to pull a sample to test with a hydrometer. Record that number. Then wait maybe 3 days and do it again. Compare the new number to the first number. If they're the same, you're safe. If they're at all different, give it another week then repeat the whole process.
The premeasured bottling sugar or bottling sugar calculator assumes the cider is completely done fermenting, if it's not then you've suddenly overdosed the bottles with sugar which could result in an explosion.
