Beer Forum

With fall (spring in australia) coming up and apple harvest is about to start, I would like to hear a segment on making cider. It may be a departure from beer but I think that cider could be a popular addition to a brewer's stable of offerings. Cider is also quickly becoming a popular entry to the NHC.

Justin, I know that Chris Graham ( and Jamil) has some experience with cider. Hell, I brought Chiris a couple of gallons from Placerville. Hold that over his head and make him be a guest expert.


Darin

Gucci Pilot wrote:Justin, I know that Chris Graham ( and Jamil) has some experience with cider. Hell, I brought Chiris a couple of gallons from Placerville. Hold that over his head and make him be a guest expert.

Chris brought some cider he'd made into the studio last night. Excellent on a hot summer night.

My buddy up in Renton, WA has relatives who are apple farmers. Every October they bring a friggin' truckload to his place and he throws an apple press party. About 10 or 15 people, an electric apple press, beer and brats, you can't ask for a better Pacific Northwest autumn experience. I hope I can convince my wife to go back up this year. And a cider show would be cool. Good idea, Gucci.

I have some cider thats just about ready to go to keg, its pretty simple to make and like fstbttms said its great for those hot summer nights

I have a keg that I have been sipping on for the last month or so. OG was 1.068, now 1.012. Nice still cider. Used Nottingham of all things. I am going to have to get another going before I run out. Been wondering about tossing in a few spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ???) for a winter/Christmas version. Anyone done that?

Wayne

OK sold. I'll schedule a cider show. You guys are gonna have to send some samples for the show though. And I must admit, I've never been a big fan of the cider, so maybe one of those samples can change my mind. I think I have one of chris's in my fridge still, so I'll start with that.

justin

Brewcaster J wrote:OK sold. I'll schedule a cider show. You guys are gonna have to send some samples for the show though. And I must admit, I've never been a big fan of the cider, so maybe one of those samples can change my mind. I think I have one of chris's in my fridge still, so I'll start with that.

justin

You got it. I'll send a couple bottles when I send my rebrewed rye cream ale in 3 or 4 weeks.

Wayne

ok cool. I'll be sheduling the show. I need some others to send theirs in too, so don't be shy out there.

justin

Apple harvest isn't until late September in Jersey. So I don't think I'll be able to help out. How about a nice oatmeal stout?

Justin, since cider is usually made once a year, I always have to "get back into the books" to make a batch. I think what varieties are out there and available is a good subject (ie. granny smith vs baldwin). Also PH corrections, sugar corrections, stalled fermentation (like when you get up to 14% ABV ) are some ideas for discussion. Since homebrewers like to experiment maybe callers/chatroomers can offer things that they have done. For example, adding honey to the cider to make a cyser. Jon might have some ideas as well, maybe some even more basic stuff like equipment, prices for the juice, etc (force him make up for showing late last week).

Making cider is simple so I don't know if it could fill a full segment. But it's sooo good.


Darin