Does anyone have any special ideas or tips for making port? I'm making my first batch using an "Ultimate Ruby Port" kit from Wine Kitz. The instructions suggest adding a bottle of brandy at day 17. I say a suggestion somewhere else about adding vodka instead and a friend said that he prefers it without either.
IMHO you should use vodka and not brandy. Brandy as bought in your local Booze shop will already have a distinct flavour of its own and to add this to your "port" will alter its taste too. Vodka is without flavour and will not do this. I would also suggest that you use a vodka with as high a % abv as you can find an preferably not less than 40%abv. You don't mention quanties of port you have made or its current %abv so look up the use of the "Pearson Square" Also be prepared to bulk age it for a couple of years after fortifying it! The addition of neat alcohol makes the wine very harsh and it needs time to adjust & mellow out. I am currently drinking my 1996 Fortified elderberry ( 21% abv) which improves year by year so far. (btw I am only allowed a couple of glasses each week these days!)
I would also add that if you can get higher proof alcohol (like Everclear -
95%) that will bump up your alcohol with minimal dilution of your wine.DrinksForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.