If you’re totally new to home brewing it can seem confusing how cider and beer are different. And though there are many differences that separate them, in this article I will tell you how they differ but also how they can end up tasting quite similar to each other! Strictly speaking, hard cider is a…
If you’re curious about the differences between applejack and calvados, you’ve come to the right place. Both applejack and calvados are popular wines (brandies) distilled from fermented apples – applejack from the US (Pennsylvania) and Calvados is French (Normandy). The difference in origin naturally also implies a difference in the apple cultivars used, and whereas…
For brewers around the world, the summer season means sour beers. The rise of craft breweries in the United States is partially responsible for keeping the brewing traditions behind these sour ales and lagers alive. Sour beers are somewhat in between a cider and a regular beer when it comes to taste, but they are…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Sour beers are becoming increasingly popular in the craft beer world as brewers experiment with different techniques to create unique flavor profiles. While the tart, acidic flavors may not be for everyone, those who enjoy sour beers often find them to be refreshing and complex. As part of my research to write this post, I…
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…
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…