I write about my own experience with cider brewing and answered relevant questions to help new and advanced brewers.
As a brewer, I’ve faced the age-old question when it comes to clarifying my brews: Sparkolloid or bentonite? Both are popular fining agents used to remove unwanted particulates from beer, mead, and wine, but each has its unique properties that make it better suited for certain applications. In this blog post, I will discuss the…
As a long-time brewer and cider enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with crafting the perfect hard cider. One question that I’ve encountered time and time again from fellow brewers is, “How long does it take for hard cider to clear on its own?” It’s a valid question, as clarity is an essential…
As a professional cider brewer and microbiologist, I get asked all the time: how long does hard cider last? The answer depends on several factors which include brewing process, storage technique, packaging material and more. In this article, we’ll take a look at these elements to determine exactly how long your hard cider will keep…
Fermentation is an age-old process that has been used to preserve and enhance the flavors of various food and drinks. From kimchi to kombucha, yogurt to beer, the process of fermentation has been an essential part of human culinary history. One question that often arises among homebrewers and fermentation enthusiasts is: can you ferment strawberries?…
Fermentation is the ancient and magical process that we, as brewers, use to transform simple ingredients into delicious and intoxicating beverages. From beer to wine, cider to mead, countless drinks have been created through fermentation. But what about orange juice? Can you ferment orange juice? And if so, is it any good? Read on to…
As a home brewer with more than a few batches of cider under my belt, I know that one of the most critical steps in the process of making a delicious, well-crafted cider is knowing when to rack it. Racking is the process of moving your cider from one vessel to another, usually to separate…
Cider has been a popular beverage for centuries, often associated with cozy autumn months and crisp fall flavors. Made from fermented apple juice, it’s a go-to drink for many who enjoy its sweet and tangy taste. But for those who are health-conscious or have dietary restrictions, you may be wondering: does cider contain yeast? Yes,…
From a young age, I learned that alcohol has numerous benefits and uses aside from being a social lubricant. It can be used as a disinfectant, a fuel source, and even a preservative. With such versatility, it’s only natural to wonder if alcohol can kill certain harmful bacteria, such as the one that produces the…
If you are a fan of fruity and refreshing ciders and would like to try something new, mango cider could be an exciting option. Here, we will guide you through the basic introduction to making mango cider at home. A Simple 3-Step Guide to Making Mango Cider Insight into Making Unique Mango Cider In addition…
As a seasoned brewer and avid consumer of all things related to fermented beverages, I have often found myself in conversations with friends and fellow enthusiasts about the difference between radler and hard cider. The main difference between radler and hard cider is that a radler is a beer-based beverage mixed with lemonade, soda or…