Category: Cider

I write about my own experience with cider brewing and answered relevant questions to help new and advanced brewers.

  • Applejack vs Calvados (Here’s the difference!)

    Applejack vs Calvados (Here’s the difference!)

    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…

  • 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…

  • Best Bottles for Home Brewing: Top Picks for 2025

    Best Bottles for Home Brewing: Top Picks for 2025

    Whether you’re a seasoned brewer or just starting, choosing the right bottle for your home brewed beer or cider is essential. The right bottle can enhance the flavor, carbonation, and overall quality and storage estetics of your brew. When it comes to home brewing bottles, there are several factors to consider. The type of bottle,…

  • 5 Different Ways to Press Apples for Cider: A Comprehensive Guide

    5 Different Ways to Press Apples for Cider: A Comprehensive Guide

    Pressing apples for cider is a popular autumnal activity that many people enjoy. There are a variety of ways to press apples for cider, each with their own unique benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we will explore five different methods of pressing apples for cider, so that you can choose the one that works…