Making Craft Cider: A Ciderist’s Guide

Small cider production is becoming a booming business as apple cider in all its varieties experiences seen a surge of popularity. Across North America, drinkers are enjoying imported ciders such as Magners, Bulmers and Strongbow, alonside national ciders such as Woodchuck and Original Sin. With this popularity also comes a rise in home cider making. Craft Cider Making explores all of these aspects of cider making, and much more, in a highly illustrated format.

This book takes readers through the history and practicalities of cider making, and introduces the concepts and techniques of craft cider production. It looks at the different styles of cider, and the effect of fruit variety, climate and orchard location on the finished drink. Each step in the process of production is addressed and explained, including terroir, cider apples, scratting, pressing, measuring and adjusting, yeasts, fermentation, clarity, sweetening cider, and recipe/process experimentation. The book concludes with a suggested method for the home cider maker.

This is the perfect introduction for anyone considering cider making, and a fascinating explanation of the history and process of real cider production for anyone who enjoys this complex and varied beverage on any level.

Simon McKie, a Barrister and Chartered Accountant by profession, makes up to 200 a gallons of cider a year from his own orchards. He is the author of several books on tax planning.