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1 gallon of Mango wine - needs a kick

Hi! I read some on Jack's website and on this forum, but just wanted to ensure I do this correctly. I have a Mango wine almost done. It is turning out at about 7% alcohol, but is really good as is. So I thought some Vodka would up the alcohol without messing the fine wine it is. But for 1 gallon, how much do I add? I was hoping for 12% (ok, maybe I was wishing for 15%, but I'll settle for 12%). Since this feels like it could be a good sipping wine, not a cooler or mixer.

I have 1 gallon, so I think it is 2 cups of vodka. Or is this a "depends on taste" and isn't just a dump? We can't get everclear in North Carolina. Can you get it in Virginia? West Virginia? I go there often.

any input is better than my own. :*) DAve

Reply to
DAve Allison
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Some one check my numbers, but I think if you want to reach 12% it would take about 23 fl oz of 80 proof vodka or 17 fl oz of 100 proof vodka.

To get to 15% it would be 41 fl oz of 80 proof and 29 fl oz of 100 proof.

For me this is way too much water to add to a single gallon of wine. I would be more inclined to find everclear or add sugar and let it ferment out so I didn't dilute the wine's flavor too much but I don't know the wine in question.

I would say it depends on taste so I would experiment a little.

Andy

Reply to
JEP62

DAve,

Do a web search for "Pearson square" and you'll find many links to this useful tool for blending two wines (or any fluid, such as the vodka you intend to use) of differing ABV to arrive at a desired ABV for the mixture.

In fact Jack Keller's site has the tool built into it, making the pencil and paper algebra unnecessary.

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But it is useful to know how to do this simple calculation by hand.

Re: Everclear. It is not sold in VA ABC stores, but it is allowed in MD stores. VA ABCs are nearly identical twins, being state run. MD stores are much more various. Some carry it, some don't. Calling ahead is key, especially if you are visiting from out of town. I've only used Everclear to boost the alcohol content of a 12% mead made in a sherry style to a sherry strength. This means that I'm no expert on fortifying, but I think you might find that your "really good as is"

7% mango wine might be much better off left alone. A bench test on a small portion might be a good idea, before committing the entire batch.

Cheers, Ken Taborek

Reply to
mail box

Thanks for both person's replies. I just wasn't looking hardenough on google or Jack's site, thanks for pointing them out to me. Maybe well enough is good enough, I might experiment but now I'm reconsidering adding. hmm. something to think about.

thanks!!!!!!!!!! DAve

mail box wrote:

Reply to
DAve Allison

i think those are state law differences, for instance, florida only allows up to 153 proof, so we have to go to georgia or louisiana to get

190 proof everclear. bill keiser
Reply to
billy sharpstick

PA also has 190 everclear,but becarefull with that,some powerful stuff thier.

Reply to
k-dawg

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