Cider

Question 1

What is a traditional cider made from?

Answer 1

100% fermented apple juice

Question 2

What are the 3 main ingredients of traditional cider?

Answer 2

apples
yeast
sugar

Question 3

What kinds of apples are used to make cider?

Answer 3

Tart and bittersweet apples, some with lots of tannin–not the ones you’d find at the grocery store.

Question 4

In what kind of climate is cider generally made?

Answer 4

Cool climates–usually so cold the climate cannot support grape growing

Question 5

Can a cidermaker used selected yeast strains to make cider or are all ciders always made with indigenous yeast?

Answer 5

Cidermakers can absolutely use selected, or commercial yeast strains to make cider.

Selected yeasts produce reliable results while indigenous yeasts are more difficult to manage. Indigenous yeasts also lend funky aromas and flavors.

Question 6

If apples already have natural sugar in them, why would a cidermaker add sugar to the juice before fermentation?

Answer 6

increase final alcohol content

Balance tartness and bitterness

Question 7

What are the steps in making cider?

Answer 7

The fruit is:
crushed
pressed
yeast and sugar added
fermented
filtered (if being done)
rest
bottled

Question 8

What is the abv range of traditional cider?

Answer 8

5-8% abv

Question 9

What are the fermentation vessels typically used to make cider?

Answer 9

Large, neutral wooden vats

Stainless steel tanks

Question 10

What are the 2 overarching styles of cider?

Answer 10

New world

Old world/European

Question 11

In an Old World/European style of cider, what do you expect it to reflect?

Answer 11

The place from which it comes, highlighting the:
soil
climate
style of that region (sparkling, still, stinky…)

Question 12

What sorts of cider do you see in New World styles?

Answer 12

sweet
dry
sparkling
still
added fruits and flavors

Question 13

How is sparkling cider made?

Answer 13

2 ways
It can be force-carbonated like soda

It can go through secondary fermentation

Question 14

If a sparkling cider is made by it going through secondary fermentation, where can that secondary fermentation happen?

Answer 14

In Tank, like prosecco

In the bottle, like Champagne or Cremant

Question 15

Name some Old World countries and regions where cider is made.

Answer 15

SW England
France-in Normandy and Brittany
Spain-in Basque Country and Asturias
Germany
Austria

Question 16

Where in North America is cider made?

Answer 16

Canada – in Quebec
New England
NY state–in Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley
Virgina
Great Lakes Region (WI, MI)
California–Sonoma County
PNW (OR WA)