14 replies to this topic

[positiveContact]

I've only ever had stuff made from eating varieties. Have you guys every gotten your hands on some of the real deal apple juice that is basically intended for making cider?

[neddles]

Nope but I've put in the appropriate varieties of trees. I'll let you know how it turns out in about 6-7 yrs.In the meantime, have you tried Crispin's Imported Dry English Cider? It's pretty darn good for a commercial cider and much less sweet than most. Has a very good balance of flavors.

[pods8]

I pressed a bunch if cider tree apples one year, it was good.

[realbeerguy]

Was able to get cider from Cider Day in Mass. one year. Most of the apples there were grown for cider. The Cider Master blends to get the right tannin, acid, sweetness as the season progresses. Some of the best cider I made.

[neddles]

I've had several Crispin varieties, and they're all crap. All too sweet and a few other issues. I usually get a lot of phenolic characteristics.

Well that's nice. But honestly, have you had the specific variety I mentioned? It's quite a bit different from their other offerings and isn't even made by them.

[positiveContact]

Was able to get cider from Cider Day in Mass. one year. Most of the apples there were grown for cider. The Cider Master blends to get the right tannin, acid, sweetness as the season progresses. Some of the best cider I made.

info?

[realbeerguy]

Cider Day this year has passed. Held in and around Colrain & Greenfield. Pine Hill may still have some fresh pressed. look up ciderday.org.

[positiveContact]

Cider Day this year has passed. Held in and around Colrain & Greenfield. Pine Hill may still have some fresh pressed. look up ciderday.org.

so are they using the "right" apples?for that matter - how wrong are the apples that get used to make the juice that people typically buy? (macs, empire, cortlands, golden delicious, etc.)

[neddles]

Get this book.Almost all proper cider apple varieties were killed in this country due to one of the temperance movements, IIRC, in the late 1800s.

Correct. However, many of these (both english and french) heirloom varieties are available from smaller U.S. nurseries and have been for some time. I know a few people who have added these old varieties to their orchard with this purpose in mind. A web search will bring up many of them. Also, if you are really lucky you may be able to find some nurseries local to you that already grow these varieties. There are some out there.Many of the basic qualities (acid, astringency, aromaticity and sugar) you are looking for in a good cider can be attained with a careful and deliberate blending of more common U.S. varieties. The book Guest recommended is a great place to start. Guest, You are in Oregon... have you had any ciders from these people? https://www.wanderin....com/wordpress/ I have not but I have heard good things.

[realbeerguy]

so are they using the "right" apples?for that matter - how wrong are the apples that get used to make the juice that people typically buy? (macs, empire, cortlands, golden delicious, etc.)

Currently reading Cider hard & Sweet by Ben Watson.They are using Pippins, Spys, Baldwins in addition to the ones you stated. It depends on what is coming due to get a blend of acid, bitter, sweet and aromatic.

[Genesee Ted]

There is a farm here that does single varietal Golden Russet pressings. The cider is great. There are some other farms that if you are in the know can get some good 'real cider' juice.

[neddles]

I have heard Golden Russet juice referred to as " The Nectar of the Gods."

[positiveContact]

I have heard Golden Russet juice referred to as " The Nectar of the Gods."

for juice or for (hard) cider?

[neddles]

for juice or for (hard) cider?

For juice. Although Golden Russet reportedly makes a great base when making a blend for a hard cider.

[Genesee Ted]

for juice or for (hard) cider?

They are great all around apples, although kind of "ugly". Out of hand, juice, and hard cider. One of the few varieties that have the proper balance of acid, sugar, tannins, etc. for a varietal cider.