Bottled on September 26, I can fairly say that this batch is decent. I used a bit too much sugar, so there’s a loud “fump” when the top is popped and a lot of carbonation in the glass, but with a faint scent of apples and a bright hoppy taste, it’s drinkable and pleasant.
I think I’ve figured out that I need to add about a half an ounce of water to a bottle — I used the 440ml Grolsch bottles — and that seems to cut the over-carbonation that results from too much sugar, not enough water.
I’m pretty sure it’s about 5% alcohol, although I haven’t done the calculations yet. But I think I’m about right. Right enough, anyway.
I didn’t manage to double-ferment this batch; the burbling in the primary fermenter was slow and laconic. I figured that wasn’t going to transfer well, so I just left it in the main container. It seems to have worked out nonetheless.
I transferred with a simple hose out of the carboy into the pail that I had the sugar/water mixture in.
All in all, I’m happy with the third batch. Lucky me.