Making Cider

I spent 2020 researching and tasting different ciders. My final project was to make my own cider. I decided to go with a company called Brewsy. This company allows you to take any juice and make it into wine/cider. Their basic kit comes with everything you need to make 3 batches and ranges in price from $39.99-59.99, depending on the current sale. I purchased Mott's Apple Juice 2 Quart Bottle, then I added extra sugar and a yeast package to the original container. Basic recipes and instructions are on their website. They also have some videos to help explain the airlock and rubber stopper. The mixture will need to ferment in a warm dark place, I put my bottle in a kitchen cabinet. After 3 days the cider is ready to move to the fridge. I placed the original cap back on but did not tighten as air bubbles need to release for the next 2 days. Finally you should rack the cider, slowly pour it into a new container, leaving the sediment in the old container. My Cider is waiting in my fridge for a special occasion. I hope it's good.

Eden Heritage Cider Review

 Another favorite, at 4 cans for $16.99 it's definitely worth it. The Heritage Cider Cans are a small batch made of Kingston Black, Mc Intosh, Empire, Bulmer's Norman and Gravenstein apples. They are pressed immediately after the autumn harvest. There is no added sugar, but a small amount of Eden-produced ice cider is added.

Woodchuck Pearsecco Hard Cider Review

 I tried Woodchuck Hard Cider Pearsecco hard cider. It was very dry and didn't taste like apple cider. I realize I'm not a fan of Pear Ciders. With 10+ varieties of cider, they are definitely worth another try.

Rekordedrling Mixed Berry Cider Review

 I tried Rekordedrling Mixed Berry Cider and was completely disappointed. This should not be allowed to call itself a cider, it taste more like artificial cranberry juice. The Rekordedrling brand is widely know to be one of the best cider producers in the world.  They are a Swedish brand which translates to  'Reliable, Trustworthy and Down to Earth' in English. Hmm, all I can say is it left a funny aftertaste in my mouth.

Brewery Ommegang Dry Cider Review

 Brewery Ommegang is one of my favorites for craft beer, located in upstate New York near the Baseball Hall of Fame. I highly recommend a weekend trip to take in both sites. It's not surprising that Ommegang jumped on the cider bandwagon with "Project Cider." They currently make 2 ciders, a Dry Cider and a Rose Cider. They use local McIntosh, Gala, Red Delicious and Pazazz apples.The pressed juices are then fermented with the same Belgian yeast used in their beers. While all that sounds great,  I was somewhat disappointed with the Dry Cider. It was definitely crisp but lacked a lot of apple flavoring, maybe too much of a good thing? I did notice their website said it goes well with soft, creamy cheese. I'm willing to try again and will get back to you with my pairing thoughts.

Downeast Cider Review

I tried Downeast Cider White, which is an unfiltered cider. As the upside down writing on the can reminds you, this should be shaken well before drinking. If you do pour the cider into a glass you will see that it is thick and cloudy. This was a fresh tasting cider with orange, lemon peel and a hint of coriander. It tasted great, very refreshing with fresh ingredients. I think it was a good blend with no one flavor being over powering. 

Champlain Orchards Cider Review

 I tried Vermont's Champlain Orchards Cidery variety pack. In order of taste the 4 pack comes with:

1- Mac & Maple- Pure Vermont maple syrup and mackintosh apples. This was a great, complex cider, unique tasting. This was my favorite (10 out of 10).

2-Original- Looks to be a mix of apples pressed from the Chaplain Orchards. Drinkable but doesn't taste like traditional ciders (6 out of 10).

3-Cranberry- Cider mixed with New England Cranberries. I thought this was too sweet.

4-Somerset - Dry cider made with heirloom English cider apples. I found it too dry, basically undrinkable.