I write about my own experience with cider brewing and answered relevant questions to help new and advanced brewers.
Cider brewing is a popular hobby for many people, and it requires specific equipment to ensure the best results. One of the most crucial pieces of equipment for cider brewing is the fermenter. A fermenter is a container used for the fermentation process, where yeast consumes the sugars in the cider and produces alcohol and…
Can homemade cider be toxic? It’s a question that crosses the mind of many cider enthusiasts who first venture into the exciting world of home brewing. The simple answer is: yes, but only if certain precautions are not taken. In this blog post, we will delve into the risks associated with home cider brewing, such…
Refractometers are an essential tool for every cider maker, enabling them to precisely measure the sugar content of their brew. This guide provides useful information about using a refractometer in cider making. Description What is a Refractometer? A device used to measure sugar content of liquid sample How does it work? The device uses refraction…
Introduction to Conical Fermenters If you are a passionate home brewer, you might have come across the term “conical fermenters.” But what exactly are they, and why are they gaining popularity among home brewers? Let’s dive in and explore the world of conical fermenters. What are Conical Fermenters? Conical fermenters are specialized containers used in…
Introduction Cold crashing is the process of rapidly lowering the temperature of your brewed beer or cider before bottling or kegging. This process helps clarify the beer, remove unwanted flavors, and improve the overall taste by allowing solids like yeast and hop particles to settle at the bottom. But what if you don’t have a…
I recently purchased the Hydraulic Fruit Wine Press, specifically the 10.7 gallon size with filter bag and splash guard. As someone who enjoys making natural juices and cider, I was excited to try out this electricity-free and water-powered press. In this review, I will share my experiences with the product, highlighting the pros and cons,…
Conical fermenters are a popular choice for home brewers who want to take their beer-making to the next level. These specialized containers are designed to create a more controlled fermentation process, avoiding some of the racking and oxygen exposure usually associated with it. Not only do you avoid racking, but you can also do secondary…
Brewing hard cider is fairly easy, but as soon as you stray the slightest away from commercial yeasts and pasteurized apple juice, there is a risk of getting some unexpected flavors (good and bad!). Today we will talk about the bad ones. The “off-flavors” in cider brewing. Off-flavors are unwanted and undesirable characteristics that can…
In my many years as a professional brewer, I’ve often been asked one fundamental question: What’s the difference between using wild yeast and cultured yeast in cider-making? Wild yeast, naturally present on fruit skins and in the environment, can offer unique and regional flavor profiles, potentially giving a cider a true sense of terroir. However,…
As a professional brewer, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience firsthand the intricate dance between traditional and modern cider-making techniques. Throughout this journey, I’ve come to appreciate the rich tapestry of history that envelops this craft. With that being said, how exactly do ancient methods of cider production contrast with today’s techniques? The primary distinction…