Cider, It Is Not Wine But It Can Be Done Right

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disco

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Oct 31, 2012
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I will admit I have not been a cider fan. The cider that is available locally here in Canada is a lot like soda pop. It is very sweet and fizzy. However, I have just returned from a trip to Ireland and England. Cider can be done right!

My first exposure was to Bulmers Cider in Dublin. It is dry and crisp with a light sparkle. Then, in Killarney, I tried Magners, just a bit sweeter but still crystal sharp in its flavour.

Then I went to England. Of course, I tried Strongbow. A very strong apple flavour without being sweet. Another pub had Aspall Cider. A light apple flavour and very refreshing.

What I learned is that you have to be willing to try something new despite past experiences. I was shocked at how good the cider was. It was terrific when you were dry and thirsty. It also went good with pork and all the wonderful sausage dishes they serve in England and Ireland.

Cider may not be wine but it is good.

Disco
 
Hey Disco,

I make cider all the time. We like ours crisp and dry. I use champagne yeast when making it and we let it rest a couple months before bottling. Made a great Ginger brew that we just cracked open, tasty!
 
Hey Disco,

I make cider all the time. We like ours crisp and dry. I use champagne yeast when making it and we let it rest a couple months before bottling. Made a great Ginger brew that we just cracked open, tasty!
Do you use a press and do it from scratch?
 
YAY!!! I have been interested in hearing about your cider gulping from your trip and am so glad you posted this here Disco!!!

Funny, the apple cider in the Vermont hills growing up just didn't seem special to me then. Reading your post however, gives new meaning to the term cider indeed!

Thank you for this!!!

Cheers! - Leah
 
If you can find it in cyberspace there is a guy called Hugh Fearnly - Whittingstall that has had a long running TV SERIES CALLED River Cottage.
He has shown some cider made by groups of men as a collective in little country towns in Dorset & Yorkshire..
HFW is very well known inBritain food related stuff ,small acre farming, the fight against industrial food,.He is a smoker,fisherman, hunter etc.
Might give you a few clues.
Mick
 
Me too .....!!!! Crisp and dry ???? Sounds very good....
No one was more surprised than me Dave. After we tried the first glass, we had one glass of cider a day.
 
YAY!!! I have been interested in hearing about your cider gulping from your trip and am so glad you posted this here Disco!!!

Funny, the apple cider in the Vermont hills growing up just didn't seem special to me then. Reading your post however, gives new meaning to the term cider indeed!

Thank you for this!!!

Cheers! - Leah
Thanks, Leah. I learned a lesson. If you try something and don't like it much, don't give up on it. You might just be trying an inferior version.
 
If you can find it in cyberspace there is a guy called Hugh Fearnly - Whittingstall that has had a long running TV SERIES CALLED River Cottage.
He has shown some cider made by groups of men as a collective in little country towns in Dorset & Yorkshire..
HFW is very well known inBritain food related stuff ,small acre farming, the fight against industrial food,.He is a smoker,fisherman, hunter etc.
Might give you a few clues.
Mick
Disco,

Give this website a read. It has all the basic information for you to try a batch. Using this simple method allows one to make small batches and experiment. Refining your process without costing an arm and a leg.

http://www.howtomakehardcider.com/making.html
Both you guys are killing me! The missus is already giving me a hard time over my hobbies and now I am considering cider making. If I stop posting all of a sudden, check and see if She Who Must Be Obeyed is living high off the insurance money.
 
Cider Making! Cider Making! Cider Making! Please do, and teach us along the way!

And FABULOUS point! (About trying something and not liking it, and that may being an inferior version). From swordfish to more, this experience has proven true and led me to some things which when done properly, I do adore!

Great theme, message, and post! To your cider endeavors indeed! I'm excited to see!

Cheers! - Leah
 
 
Cider Making! Cider Making! Cider Making! Please do, and teach us along the way!

And FABULOUS point! (About trying something and not liking it, and that may being an inferior version). From swordfish to more, this experience has proven true and led me to some things which when done properly, I do adore!

Great theme, message, and post! To your cider endeavors indeed! I'm excited to see!

Cheers! - Leah
I will be trying it but I obviously have some research to do!
 
Now I have something new to try. Thanks folks!
It is the best and worst of this site! So many great ideas.
 
That depends, typically carbonated. But not super carbonated. I have a gallon of stuff that I forgot about that is still. And in fact more or less wine, leaning more towards whiskey. A fee sips of that is about all anyone can take!
 
That depends, typically carbonated. But not super carbonated. I have a gallon of stuff that I forgot about that is still. And in fact more or less wine, leaning more towards whiskey. A fee sips of that is about all anyone can take!
Har! Sounds like a beverage that would cure what ails you.
 
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