How long must you leave home-brewed cider and what will be the alcoholic strength at different times?

Question

what will normally be the strength in 1 week?

2 weeks?

3 weeks?

1 month?

Answer 1

depends on the sugar content of the beginning juice, if you use sugar/honey, and what yeast you use.  so you can't give specifics without that info.

the only way to know for sure is using a hydrometer at the beginning of your brewing, and then again at the end.

if you are brewing in a carboy/pail and have 5 gallons or so, it can take 3-4 weeks to completely ferment... if you are just doing a gallon or so, it could take 1/2 that time.

Answer 2

Once fermentation has ceased then there will be no change in alcohol strength. 1 week is plenty. It might need a little longer to clear, though.