Cider Chat

Dive into cider making essentials. Learn the importance of pristine equipment and elevate your cider's quality. Ideal for beginners starting their journey. Tip #1: Understanding the Importance of Sanitation Sanitation is critical to cider making, because apple juice creates an environment where not just our chosen yeast can thrive, but also where harmful microbes can multiply. And these microbes? They can spoil your entire batch of cider. "Spoiled" cider produces off-flavors when undesirable bacteria and wild yeast get a foothold. These undesirable flavors can range from a medicinal or band-aid taste, caused by phenolic compounds, to a buttery flavor from diacetyl, or even a vinegar-like sourness from acetobacter bacteria. And it is not just about taste. Some strains of bacteria, like those producing mycotoxins, can potentially be harmful when consumed. While most off-flavors might just lead to a cider that's unpleasant to drink, certain microbial contaminants can lead to digestive issues or worse. That's