Making Craft Cider A Ciderist's Guide
Cider is a delicious and refreshing drink that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made from fermented apple juice, and comes in many different varieties. In recent years, the popularity of craft cider has skyrocketed, with more and more people seeking out unique and flavorful ciders. If you're interested in making your own craft cider, this guide is for you.
What is Craft Cider?
Craft cider is a type of cider that is made in small batches using traditional techniques. It is often made from locally sourced apples, and may include other fruits and spices to create unique flavors. Craft cider is typically less sweet than commercial ciders, and has a more complex flavor profile.
Choosing Your Apples
The type of apples you use will have a big impact on the flavor of your cider. Some apple varieties are better suited for cider making than others. Look for apples that are high in sugar, tannin, and acid. Some popular cider apple varieties include Dabinett, Kingston Black, and Yarlington Mill.
Pressing Your Apples
Once you have your apples, it's time to press them. You can use a manual press or an electric one, depending on your budget and the amount of cider you want to make. Be sure to wash your apples thoroughly before pressing them, and remove any bruised or damaged fruit.
Fermenting Your Cider
After pressing your apples, you'll need to ferment the juice. This is where the magic happens. Yeast will convert the sugar in the apple juice into alcohol, and over time, the flavors will develop. You can use a commercial yeast or a wild yeast that occurs naturally on the apples. Be sure to sanitize all of your equipment before starting the fermentation process.
Bottling Your Cider
Once your cider has finished fermenting, it's time to bottle it. You can use bottles with caps or corks, depending on your preference. Be sure to sanitize your bottles and equipment before bottling. You may also want to add some priming sugar to the cider to create carbonation.
Storing Your Cider
After bottling your cider, you'll need to store it properly. Cider should be stored in a cool, dark place, such as a cellar or refrigerator. It should be consumed within a few months of bottling, as the flavor will start to degrade over time.
Experimenting with Flavors
One of the great things about making your own craft cider is that you can experiment with different flavors. You can add other fruits, such as berries or pears, or spices like cinnamon or ginger. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to get creative.
Conclusion
Making your own craft cider is a fun and rewarding experience. With a little bit of know-how and some patience, you can create a delicious and unique cider that you can be proud of. So why not give it a try?