The Ultimate Guide: 9 Must-Read Books for Hard Cider Enthusiasts

As the world of craft drinks continues to evolve, the art of hard cider-making has experienced a modern renaissance like mead and a few other tasty beverages. Like mead, we can’t forget the rich, deep history of hard cider in the United States and across the globe. It was a dominant force and, with anything that garners such a history, there have been many a book written about cider, cidermaking, apple products, and much more.

In this article, we delve into the world of hard cider literature and showcase 9 of the best hard cider books that will take you on a ride across the cider universe. From cider history and orchard management to fermentation techniques and flavor profiles, we have a treasure trove of great information for cidermakers and cider fans alike. See what interests you and add them to your book collection today!

The New Cider Maker’s Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for Craft Producers

Author: Claude Jolicoeur
CiderScene’e Favorite Pick

All around the world, the public’s taste for fermented cider has been growing more rapidly than at any time in the past 150 years. And with the growing interest in locally grown and artisanal foods, many new cideries are springing up all over North America, often started up by passionate amateurs who want to take their cider to the next level as small-scale craft producers.

To make the very best cider—whether for yourself, your family, and friends or for market—you first need a deep understanding of the processes involved, and the art and science behind them. Fortunately, The New Cider Maker’s Handbook is here to help. Author Claude Jolicoeur is an internationally known, award-winning cider maker with an inquiring, scientific mind. His book combines the best of traditional knowledge and techniques with up-to-date, scientifically based practices to provide today’s cider makers with all the tools they need to produce high-quality ciders.

The Apple Grower: A Guide for the Organic Orchardist

Author: Michael Phillips

Since The Apple Grower first appeared in 1998, orchardist Michael Phillips has continued his research with apples, which have been called “organic’s final frontier.” In this new edition of his widely acclaimed work, Phillips delves even deeper into the mysteries of growing good fruit with minimal inputs. 

Apples to Cider: How to Make Cider at Home

Authors: April White and Steve Wood

In Apples to Cider, these cidermakers and their colleagues share decades of experience and a simple philosophy: Cider is all about the apples. Whether you are a home brewer, a home winemaker, or simply a cider lover, you can join the growing community of cidermakers that are reviving this thousand-year-old craft. With these easy-to-follow instructions for first-time cidermakers and advanced techniques for the more experienced, you’ll be on your way to making your own delicious cider at home.

Cider, Hard and Sweet: History, Traditions, and Making Your Own

Author: Ben Watson

A culinary history of the oldest drink in America, plus information on making and cooking with cider. Fresh, or “sweet,” cider is an American institution, as much a fall tradition as Halloween. And recent years have seen the resurgence of “hard” (alcoholic) cider after decades of obscurity. Once the drink of choice in England and the Americas, cider was also integral to early American cooking. Now this delightful, fizzy drink is finding its way back into markets and onto menus as a refreshing alternative to handcrafted beer. In this entertaining book, Ben Watson explores the cultural and historical roots of cider. He introduces us to the different styles of cider–draft, farmhouse, French, New England, sparkling, and specialty blends made with honey or other fruit juices–and describes how they are made today.

The Apple Cider Vinegar Companion: Simple Ways to Use Nature’s Miracle Cure

Author: Suzy Scherr

Generations of devotees have sworn by apple cider vinegar: cooking with it, swigging it by the spoonful, and using it as a remedy for just about any ailment. Why? The tart, fermented flavor certainly can add a punch to any recipe, but it’s also great for weight-loss, digestion, and overall good health. It makes a mean natural cleanser, relieves muscle soreness, and even treats bug bites. The Apple Cider Vinegar Companion is the essential guide, with information on how to make your own, and tips and tricks for using it for household tasks.

Real Cidermaking on a Small Scale

Authors: Michael Pooley and John Lomax

The perfect introductory guide to the craft of cidermaking, Real Cidermaking on a Small Scale contains all the necessary information to make authentic apple cider. This handy, illustrated book takes you step-by-step to get you well on your way to crafting some fantastic blends of delicious cider. Real Cidermaking on a Small Scale will jumpstart your cidermaking enthusiasm and: *Introduces you to the wonderful and ancient art of making home-brewed apple cider—yum! *Sparks excitement in a fun and rewarding hobby. Who doesn’t want delicious apple cider year-round? *Covers technical information like the fermentation process, pasteurization, and what a hydrometer is in an easy-to-understand manner. *Teaches you how to make a high-quality batch of apple cider that you can sell with confidence. *Ever wanted to set up a stand at a farmer’s market or fair? Now you can! Pick apples from your backyard, plan a trip to an apple orchard, or visit the local grocery market and grab a copy of this book. Get ready to amaze your friends and neighbors with a delightful cup of fresh apple cider.

Cider: Making, Using & Enjoying Sweet & Hard Cider

Authors: Proulx and Nichols

Discover the pleasures of making and drinking cider. From choosing the right apples through reaping the liquid rewards of a successful pressing, this classic guide has you covered. With detailed drawings of cider-making equipment, methods, and set-up, even a novice juicer will enjoy sweet and spicy gallons in no time. Annie Proulx and Lew Nichols provide insightful, time-tested advice enlivened by a smattering of historical anecdotes. Whether you like your cider sweet or hard, you’re sure to find a recipe that satisfies. 

Craft Cider Making

Author: Andrew Lea

This new edition of the best-selling Craft Cider Making is fully revised and updated. Packed with essential advice and information, it gives step-by-step instruction for small scale cider making. It retains the best of traditional practice but also draws on modern understanding of orcharding and fermentation science. Written by an award-winning cider maker, it guides beginners into the rewarding world of cider making and helps those with more experience expand their skills to enjoy the craft more fully. |Guide to cider apples, as well as advice on growing and caring for them.Introduction to equipment and processes.Instructions on how to make still, dry cider; sparkling, sweetened, blended and keeved versions; and unfermented apple juice, cider vinegar and perry.Advice on troubleshooting.Primarily for makers working on a small scale, ranging from a couple of apple trees to several acres of orchard and hoping to make between ten and ten thousand litres.

World’s Best Ciders: Taste, Tradition, and Terroir

Authors: Pete Brown and Bill Bradshaw

With the craft “hard cider” market growing rapidly, it’s clear that drinkers are embracing this refreshing alternative to beer. World’s Best Ciders taps into that trend, presenting more than 500 ciders from both artisan makers and global brands. Featuring in-depth explanations and tasting notes, it reveals all you need to know about the cider-making process, producers, and breweries across the globe. Recipes for cider-based dishes complete this phenomenal guide.

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