Author: Andy

  • Should I Age Hard Cider? (For How Long?)

    Should I Age Hard Cider? (For How Long?)

    You might have heard that hard cider should be stored for a few months to improve its taste before drinking. The same is the case for whine, which is often stored for years before reaching its full potential! Here we are talking about the aging done in a separate container after fermentation and the effect…

  • Best Apple Grinder For Cider? (Match Your Needs!)

    Best Apple Grinder For Cider? (Match Your Needs!)

    Making your own cider is a simple process. It only requires some simple equipment and a few steps. For small batches, the best way to grind apples for cidermaking is using a cider mill, but you can even use an electric kitchen blender or juicer. For larger commercial-sized batches, you will need to use a…

  • How To Store Hard Cider To Make It Last Longer!

    How To Store Hard Cider To Make It Last Longer!

    There are numerous ways to store hard cider once fermented, and the best method depends on your specific needs. Once your cider has been bottled, it needs to be stored in a cool, dark place and in proper airtight containers. Cider stored properly will last everything between 1 to 10 years depending on the alcohol…

  • How Much Does It Cost To Make Apple Cider? (You vs. Stores!)

    How Much Does It Cost To Make Apple Cider? (You vs. Stores!)

    Are you’re also tired of paying the cost of premade hard cider at the store? Or you would like to experience the rewarding feeling of making cider yourself and reap the financial benefits as well? Making apple cider at home can seem pricy at first, but if you do the math it actually gets cheaper…

  • Should you Stir cider while fermenting? (Answered!)

    Should you Stir cider while fermenting? (Answered!)

    If you are making cider at home, you may be wondering if you should stir it while fermenting. The answer is: it depends! Generally, for small portions of pure apple cider (below 10 gallons), there is no need for stirring. However, for very large fermentation tanks where natural diffusion of nutrients may be limited or…

  • Is it Illegal to Make Hard Cider in the US? (Can you sell it?)

    Is it Illegal to Make Hard Cider in the US? (Can you sell it?)

    Many people enjoy making apple cider and hard cider at home which is easier than you might think. In recent years, there has been growing concern that making anything harder than hard cider is considered illegal.  If you’re curious about how the law applies to naturally making cider drinks at home, you’ll want to find…

  • Cider Smells Like Sulfur, why? (How to fix it!)

    Cider Smells Like Sulfur, why? (How to fix it!)

    Fermented cider, hard cider, or just “cider”, is a spectacular drink made from the juice of apples or pears that have been processed by microorganisms in a container without oxygen. This process of cider fermentation involves the breakdown of nutrients in the juice, which leads to the release of somewhat smelly chemicals. These aromatic compounds…

  • Do Fermentation Vessels Need to be Airtight? (Why?)

    Do Fermentation Vessels Need to be Airtight? (Why?)

    Fermentation typically occurs in an anaerobic environment, meaning without air. This makes the formation of ethanol much more efficient. However, some forms of brewing, such as those that occur in open crocks or barrels, can allow for limited exposure to air. This is because, as explained in a previous article, that during active fermentation, the…

  • Diacetyl Rest in Beer Brewing – Explained!

    Diacetyl Rest in Beer Brewing – Explained!

    Have you ever wondered what diacetyl rest is in beer brewing and why it is so important? Diacetyl, a compound that can affect the flavor of beer, needs to be carefully managed during the brewing process. In order to reduce it, brewers perform a so-called “diacetyl rest” after fermentation is completed. We will explore what…

  • Why Don’t All Beer Bottles Have Twist-off Caps Instead of Pry-off Caps?

    Why Don’t All Beer Bottles Have Twist-off Caps Instead of Pry-off Caps?

    Have you ever wondered why some beer bottles have twist-off caps while others have pry-off caps? From the convenience for consumers to the traditional methods of bottling beer, we will uncover the pros and cons of twist-off and pry-off caps. The main reasons are: 1. Traditional brewing methods: Many breweries still use traditional brewing methods…