I write about my own experience with cider brewing and answered relevant questions to help new and advanced brewers.
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
Stopping the fermentation process of cider is a crucial step for any cider maker who wishes to tailor the flavor and sweetness of their beverage. During the fermentation process, yeast converts the sugars in apple juice into alcohol, producing dry cider if the process goes to completion. However, if a sweeter cider is desired, or…
Malolactic fermentation (MLF) is a process in traditional wine- and cidermaking that converts malic acid, a naturally occurring acid in grapes and apples, into lactic acid – a more mellow acid known from yoghurt! This process not only changes the acid profile of cider, but also contributes to its flavor and stability. In this post,…