The Big Book of Cidermaking: Expert Techniques for Fermenting and Flavoring Your Favorite Hard Cider, from Sweet, Bubbly, Botanical, or Hopped to Barrel-Aged Apple Brandy and Pommeau

by Christopher Shockey, Kirsten K. Shockey

Best-selling authors and acclaimed fermentation teachers Christopher Shockey and Kirsten K. Shockey turn their expertise to the world of fermented beverages in the most comprehensive guide to home cidermaking available. With expert advice and clear, step-by-step instructions, The Big Book of Cidermaking equips readers with the skills they need to make the cider they sweet, dry, fruity, farmhouse-style, hopped, barrel-aged, or fortified. The Shockeys’ years of experience cultivating an orchard and their experiments in producing their own ciders have led them to a master formula for cidermaking success, whether starting with apples fresh from the tree or working with store-bought juice. They explore in-depth the different phases of fermentation and the entire spectrum of complex flavor and style possibilities, with cider recipes ranging from cornelian cherry to ginger, and styles including New England, Spanish, and late-season ciders. For those invested in making use of every part of the apple, there’s even a recipe for vinegar made from the skins and cores leftover after pressing. This thorough, thoughtful handbook is an empowering guide for every cidermaker, from the beginner seeking foundational techniques and tips to the intermediate cider crafter who wants to expand their skills.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Food, Food and Drink, Brewing

272 pages, Paperback

Published June 9, 2020

Reviews

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

All your curiosities (and some you didn't know you had) are addressed in this book.
Gorgeous photos accompany you through your cider comprehension.

In reading this I realize that I am far too lazy to make cider and will continue to enjoy the fruits of other folks labours.
Definitely something I recommend to more energetic individuals!
And to such energetic individuals...
Call me 🍻
Much love to NetGalley & Storey Publishing for my DRC.

[NAT.orious reads ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 STARS lusting for cider ★★★★✬

This book is for you if… you have the time and resources to start your own orchard and go sail the cider seas. ‘If you are someone who loves any or all these drinks or who thinks that something this good is worth making yourself. Maybe you are interested on going in and creating a fall family tradition of cider pressing and cidermaking or maybe are thinking that infusing wildflowers into some bland hard commercial cider as a way to hack a complexly flavored cider with tastes from your local flavorshed sounds pretty cool.’

⤐ Overall.
This book offers pleasures for the gums, the eye and the heart. It injected me with an irresistible sense of longing for the cultural things I will not be able to enjoy in 2020 (thanks COVID-19). In that it has it's very own special value to me that extends far beyond the spiritual and physical aspects of cider making.

Let me tell you a little bit about my hometown, the medieval city of Nürnberg.

Not only do we have a huge ass beautiful castle and the old town to match it, but festivities surrounding alcoholic beverages are also just as much part of our culture. And although I have a distaste for the romanticisation of provoking alcoholism in teenagers, The Big Book of Cidermaking made me lament the loss of said festivities for the year of 2020. No Apfelwein, no Kirschmet and certainly no fruity Schnapps at this year's Burggrabenfeset (Castle Moat Fair).

Basically, we're just a bunch of wannabe knights who mainly see our war horses from below mostly because we're just too unskilled and undisciplined to stay put on their backs.


That being said, The Big Book of Cidermaking made me vow to myself that I'll definitely pick up cidermaking should my economical situation ever allow it. Not only is it something that would for sure fulfil my desire for culinary adventures and experiments, it is also a chance to boost your health, reduce food waste, feed your livestock and make your own vinegar. The environment will thank you. You can get creative from beginning to end which surely involves a lot of trial and error but also unexpected pleasant surprised that will make you feel like standing on top of the world.

‘If beer is country music and wine is classical, then cider is a playlist of your favorite tunes at the moment. It’s an adventure and it starts with finding a flavor worthy of your quest.’

⤐ The book is structured as follows.
The Ark of Apples
Cider: A Sustainably Made, Healthy-ish Adult Beverage

I: MAKING CIDER
1 Choose your Cidermaking Adventure
2 Equipment Overview
3 The Master Process

II: RECIPES - LET THE FERMENTATION BEGIN
4 Wild Ciders
5 Cultivated Ciders
6 Crafting Ciders with Wild Botanical Yeasts
7 Infused Ciders
8 Cider: Iced, Wined, and Spirited
9 Drinking Cider

Acknowledgements
Appendix
Glossary
Endnotes
Bibliography
Resources
Index
_____________________
writing quality + easy of reading = 4*

pace = 5*

structure = 5*

enjoyability = 5*

insightfulness = 5*
_____________________
Many thanks to the author pair, Story Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with this eArc in exchange for an honest review.

[Herbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I'm more suited to "cider-making for dummies" instead of this tome of a book.

Let me start off by saying I am a huge fan of drinking cider. Its my go-to drink, I'm a complete snob about it and I love trying different varieties that you can't buy in supermarkets.
We have an apple tree down at the end of our garden that largely goes to waste, so when I saw this book it clicked in my head that we might actually be able to make cider out of the apples. After reading this, I'm absolutely sure of that fact.

However, unfortunately I don't think that will be with this book as my guide.

This book is an extremely comprehensive guide to cidermaking. I guess the clue should have been in the "expert techniques" part of the title. As a beginner, the level of detail is fairly overwhelming. It doesn't mean that it's bad by any account, but going in with some basic knowledge of cidermaking would be hugely helpful.
I think my main problem with this is that the language used was completely foreign to me. It was explained, yes, but often 30+ pages after it had been used frequently. Maybe a "beginners guide to cidermaking jargon" in the front would be helpful.

Overall, if you are interested in expanding your simple batch of cider you make every year, this book is 100% for you. If you're looking to make a business out of it, let this book be your guide.
However, if you're considering trying to make cider for the first time, the complexity in this book may well just put you off.

I can't fault the level of information provided though and their knowledge of the subject is abundantly clear, so although this book isn't for me, it doesn't feel fair to give it any less than 3 stars.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love making cider and country wines, and have read a fair number of books on the subject. This is one of my favorites, and is a must-have for anybody who wants to get started on cider-making or up their game. It's full of photos, beautifully illustrated, and a treat to read. The authors give information on how to do whatever cider you want to make -- sparkling or still, with wild yeast or purchased, using chemicals (the modern way) or all natural, and tons more. They cover how to use wild yeasts, how to make cider without a press, how to use wild plants galore for flavoring, how to make cider with other fruits, and tons, tons more. It's a huge book and a fantastic resource. Highly, highly recommended.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Best-selling authors and acclaimed fermentation teachers Christopher Shockey and Kirsten K. Shockey turn their expertise to the world of fermented beverages in the most comprehensive guide to home cidermaking available. With expert advice and clear, step-by-step instructions, The Big Book of Cidermaking equips readers with the skills they need to make the cider they want: sweet, dry, fruity, farmhouse-style, hopped, barrel-aged, or fortified. The Shockeys’ years of experience cultivating an orchard and their experiments in producing their own ciders have led them to a master formula for cidermaking success, whether starting with apples fresh from the tree or working with store-bought juice. They explore in-depth the different phases of fermentation and the entire spectrum of complex flavor and style possibilities, with cider recipes ranging from cornelian cherry to ginger, and styles including New England, Spanish, and late-season ciders. For those invested in making use of every part of the apple, there’s even a recipe for vinegar made from the skins and cores leftover after pressing. This thorough, thoughtful handbook is an empowering guide for every cidermaker, from the beginner seeking foundational techniques and tips to the intermediate cider crafter who wants to expand their skills.'
___________________________________

3.5 stars rounded down to 3 stars.

I have made cider in the past with varying levels of success and I love that this book can help me correct my mistakes and get consistent results. It will tell you literally everything you need to know if you are coming into it with no prior knowledge

The Big Book of Cidermaking: Expert Techniques for Fermenting and Flavoring Your Favorite Hard Cider by Christopher and Kirsten K Shockey is very detailed(from expaining mankind's imbibing of cider through history to go so far as to plant your very own orchard for cider making and everthing in beween) and so as result I think it would be more appropriate for those that are really serious about cider making. The photos are great and serve to visually detail the process and help to clarify the breakdown of steps. It also helps to ceate the least amount of waste possible by using what you can't for the cider in order to make vinegar and and composte.

I found the book to be a bit too long though. I was really inspired early on in the book to try experimenting making different ciders, but it was very long and provided so much information that it became overwhelming and left me feeling that I'm not prepared to expell quite so much effort right now. But I do know that I will do so at some point in the future and when I am ready to try making cider again, this will certainly be the book I'll use to guide me through the simplest method detailed in the book.
_____

I would like to thank NetGalley and Storey Publishing for sharing an eARC of The Big Book of Cidermaking: Expert Techniques for Fermenting and Flavoring Your Favorite Hard Cider by Christopher and Kirsten K Shockey with me. This is my honest review.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC electronic copy of this How-To from Netgalley, Kirsten K. Shockey, and EBookDigital. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this work of my own volition, and this review reflects my personal, honest opinion of The Big Book of Cidermaking.

This Self-Help book is very complete, giving us all the necessary steps to preparing, aging, and storing cider of all sorts. Shockey includes methods of naturally flavoring ciders with companion fruits, making vinegar and alcoholic ciders, Also included are recommendations for on-site computer aids, and sources for the necessary tools required for successfully producing cider of all sorts.
pub date September 1, 2020
Storey Publishing LLC
Reviewed on January 19, 2020, at Goodreads and Netgalley. Reviewed on September 1, 2020, at AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and GooglePlay.

EBookDigital

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Big Book of Cidermaking by Christopher Shockey and Kirsten K. Shockey


Expert Techniques for Fermenting and Flavoring Your Favorite Hard Cider, from Sweet, Bubbly, Botanical, or Hopped to Barrel – Aged Apple Brandy and Pommeau


As my husband continues to bring in fruit from the garden, I truly wish that I had this book available to me in my house. Not only are the photographs gorgeous but the information is excellent and instructions easy to follow…well relatively easy to follow. That said, the book is not out till September 1 so perhaps I will be able to find it before next season’s harvest.


What I liked:
* The gorgeous photographs
* The section on making cider and what is needed to do so
* Information on the years used in fermentation, the differences in plain, infused, iced, drinking and spirited varieties of beverages
* The history portion and mention of the amazing Nick Botner – Ark Keeper of apple varieties
* The anecdotes
* The details included
* Some information on actual cider makers
* The inclusion of French, Welsh, Spanish and perhaps other foreign ciders and their makers
* Learning the types of wild yeasts that can be used
* Finding out that cider is not just made from apples
* The information on a few other fermented foods
* The Appendix that includes information with photos
* Everything except…


What I didn’t like:
* That the book is not already mine to use with the produce I have on hand :)


Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I recommend/buy this book? Definitely


Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.


5 Stars

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is dangerous to those of us that have flights of fancy to run off and buy an orchard and live off the land!

"If beer is Country music and wine is Classical, then cider is a playlist of your favorite tunes at the moment.
It's an Adventure, and it starts with finding a flavor worthy of your quest."

I am gluten intolerant. I probably have Celiac BUT who wants to actually get their gut biopsied?!? So, I live my life gluten-free, which makes me feel tons better, BUT beer. Yeah, yeah... there are gluten-free beers but most of them are like bad renditions of watery 'ol 'lite' pilsners that are popular among the taste challenged members of society. So, I usually drink "gluten filtered" beers but sometimes I have a reaction. Don't even get me started on the ins and outs of wine and liquor, just KNOW that, Yes! they can have gluten in them and, No! they never label if they do. It's like Russian roulette every time you try a new drink. Given all this loveliness... a few years ago my husband and I went on our first us trip since we got married (10-years people!) to New Orleans. Now to say I was nervous about getting 'glutened', is a vast understatement. We went, and just up the street from our Inn was a pub with so much craft beer and top-shelf liquor your eyes would cross. Now, I had never thought much of cider because I thought it was like sweet apple juice with alcohol in it. I don't like sweet drinks. BUT, the highly knowledgeable bartendress suggested a cider that was on tap after hearing what I was looking for in a beverage and double-checking that it would be safe for me to drink... and OMG, it was awesome! She explained the history of Ciders and their differences, like 'dry', not sweet varieties. I was so hooked from then on out!

Now, my husband brews his own beer and has for about 15 years. I have been brewing my own kombucha for about 2 years now. And after my most recent trip back to New Orleans I am also obsessed with Ginger Brew and have started making my own ginger bug (look it up). So the idea of culturing my own wild yeasts from nearby plants and flowers!!! OMG, I'm so in! (there are also recommendations for purchasing your own yeast strains if that idea is too off the wall for you)

This book is chock-full of history, ideas, and recipes that can head you in the right direction with the only limits being your own imagination. I cannot wait to start on some of these recipes during the winter break!

I highly recommend this book to those who are curious about ciders, their history, and may be looking into gathering the basics to start making your own brews at home.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.*

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In-depth Exploration of Home Cidermaking

I have enjoyed what we Americans typically call hard cider—by the way, the authors prefer just calling it "cider"—for quite a while. Living in Oregon, I have access to some fantastic local ciders as well as the national brands. Cider even shows up on restaurant menus. I had never considered making my own until I saw this book. If you ever considered making your own small-batch cider, this book is chock-full of techniques, photographs, information, and recipes. While, of course, they advocate working with juice that you press yourself or buy from a local farmer, they have a whole page discussing using apple juice from other sources to make your cider. I think that's a great idea if you want to test out to see if you enjoy doing this before you invest in more expensive equipment or purchase a large number of apples for cider making. Facebook goes into so much detail, completely demystifying the process. As I enjoy flavored ciders as well as straight-up ones, I loved that this book included techniques and recipes for those. Honestly, even if you only just enjoy cider with no interest in making it yourself, this book has so much information about the process that you might just enjoy the book to see how small-batch cider is made. The book is lushly photographed. Some pictures out in the authors’ orchard and of the apples are just beautiful. And, too, I also appreciate the practical photographs that help instruct how to do the different parts of the process. If you love cider or want to make it, I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An appealing, you-can-do-it guide to making cider. One great advantage is the author includes three different "levels" of cidermaking, depending on how much the prospective cider-maker wants to invest in materials, learning, and time. Also, the best breeds of apples (and some other fruits) and methods for various types of flavors, as well as how to make both sweet (non-alcoholic) and hard ciders is included. I started reading this just to review it for possible purchase and ended up tempted to try "level 1". Highly recommended for libraries where patrons have an interest in home brewing and/or homesteading and for anyone who wants to try making their own cider.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Big Book of Cidermaking is a neat book for those who are clueless about cidermaking. It's easy to follow with instructions in addition to a great variety of actual ciders one can make and lots of information. I think I'll purchase a physical copy of this book, as it was so neat.

[Sergio Rico · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
Highly recommended for anyone interested in cider, wine or fruit fermentation in general.

[Tove R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book for anyone interested in making great tasting cider! You get the options of a beginner and more economical, a more devoted, or a semi-professional cider maker when it comes to equipment and use of time. Naturally, many other factors have an impact like ingredients, where you get them from, do you press the apples and so many more things.

Great pictures, step-by-step stages of cider making, and lots of tips and suggestions. Very in-depth knowledge, and it’s clear that the authors have a real passion for cider making. I started dreaming about my own orchard and a small farm of my own. You don’t need it though, you can make cider in a small place at home.

Intriguing recipes I want to try immediately! Plentiful of apples, fruit, berries, herb etc hat can be used in the process. I want to try them all. I think my favorite thing about the book is that you can easily scope out the information you need at this particular moment, and always go back to the book for more information later. It’s a book you will turn back to many times over the years if you’ve decided to make your own cider.

[Kyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book received for free through NetGalley

I wasn’t able to get all the way through this arc before the ebook expired but, from what I read, it was very informative and easy to read. I think I’m going to hold off on making cider for now but I’m in love with the idea of this and if I ever want to make the jump I now know I don’t need much equipment and this is the book I’m going to buy. Thank you

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Big Book of Cidermaking is a must-have for anyone who wants to get started making cider or expand beyond cider basics.

Filled with sections about the author's journey into cidermaking, various equipment and ingredient suggestions, the "Master Process," and recipes for six different types of ciders, this "Big Book" will certainly remain a valuable resource in my cidermaking journey.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an early release copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advanced copy received from NetGalley/Publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this book and learned a few tricks that would help improve my cider making. The explanations and level of detail throughout this book were perfect. There were beautiful photos to help illustrate concepts and the author did a great job teaching how to make cider for both the novice with little equipment to the pros that have all they need. I like that simple recipes using store bought cider/juice were available along with those made from fresh apples. This made the book feel very accessible. There were a few recipes, namely in the Botanical Section that aren't practical for me, but there's enough in this book that is that I think it's well worth the read for anyone interested in learning more about (hard) Cider.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every fall when the abundance of apples hits my kitchen, I'm looking for new and different ways to preserve them and expand my family's use of this table staple. When I saw this book, I thought, Why have I never tried cider making? The answer of course was it always seemed complicated and too much hassle. Now I know how wrong I was. The Shockey's have given us the steps needed and the wonderfully easy methods to make our own ciders. As a trend, cider has never died out. Find out why when you make your first batch then you too will become an avid maker of all things cider.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely comprehensive guide to cidermaking. I found myself looking up terms constantly which was distracting. Possibly a list of terms in the front or back would have been helpful.

A little advanced for me but I did enjoy reading through the book and checking out the recipes. Even though I’ll probably never make my own cider.

I did enjoy the insight to cider making, vinegars, and just good background information.
The photographs were lovely.

I received an advanced copy of this e-book from Netgalley. I am not required to leave a positive review.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m inspired! I started this book curious about the process of making my own cider. This is a clearly written and accessible book and I’m excited to give this a try!


** I received an electronic ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review of this book.

[Lisa Zinkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Offers all the things you need to make cider. From simple set-ups to microbreweries. A nice wide variety of recipes. all making it feel doable. Gorgeous pictures also.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The Big Book of Cidermaking is a technique and tutorial guide for making hard (alcoholic) ciders by Christopher and Kirsten Shockey. Due out 1st Sept 2020 from Storey, it's 272 pages (in the print verstion) and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is an exhaustive and encyclopedic manual for the keen amateur homebrewer. Ciders have long lacked the same cachet as homebrew and artisanal beers, but are deservedly enjoying a renaissance amongst savvy brewers.

The layout is accessible and the text is understandable and well written. The authors explain each of the steps logically and well. The introduction includes some history, definitions of types of cider and terms, an overview of equipment, and the general process of moving from apples, to cider step by step.

The second section contains numerous recipes, both basic and advanced, including tutorials for different methods of fermentation (including a good solid introduction to wild fermentation) infusing, spiking with wine and other spirits, and finally enjoying the fruits of one's labors.

The recipes each contain an introduction, ingredients listed bullet style in a sidebar, and step by step instructions. Measurements are given in American standard, with metric in parentheses (yay!). The ingredients are mostly relatively easily sourced, but some will obviously require access to mail order or a specialty brewing supplier (especially the equipment).

The book is not lavishly illustrated, but the included photography is clear and easy to follow and sufficient.

Five stars. This book would make a superlative selection for homebrewers, sustainable agriculture folks, smallholders, orchardists, gardeners, local food fans, adventuresome cooks, and other lifestyle readers. This is a passionately written, eminently reasonable, usable guide to making and enjoying good cider.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an amazing resource. This book gets into all of the details of going from Apple to cider. It includes tips and tricks for producing exact the type of cider you want.
Many recipes and pictures are included! This is a great resource for anyone looking to get into cider making!

*I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book that shows how you can make apple based drinks of various types and various amounts!

[Jacqui Huntley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Innovative and enthralling book covering every aspect you can think of in respect of making cider.. Beautiful apple photographs, helpful "stages in the process" photographs and and a huge wealth of recipes makes this an enjoyable book to read. There's enough about the background processes, the chemistry and "techie" stuff to keep one happy but the encouragement to find your particular 'thing' for flavours also appeals. I make my own cider from our various apple trees, a dry traditional English type generally, but will now think about some of the flavour additions for next season's juice. Must also watch out for the 'slow in faster out' effect of perry - made that for the first time in 2019 and it's just about ready to drink!! Thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book, for free, in exchange for an honest review.

The authors of this book clearly have a love for cider. They cover almost every major aspect of cider in depth. I came into this looking for material on apple cider vinegar and it was pretty lackluster there.
Other than that, the only other thing missing would be more coverage of alternative ciders like perry.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly inspiring manual for making all types of "hard" ciders, with step-by-step instructions, gorgeous photographs, and interesting profiles of cider-makers worldwide. I liked the variety of recipes - from single apple to fruit blends to distilled to barrel-aged - but I would've liked some non-alcoholic recipes as well.

[Basicsadie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this very nicely photographed, this is educational and provides step-by-step directions on how to make apple cider. Everything you ever wanted to know about the craft and how to do it is explained and shown in great detail. The photography is stunning! Absolutely fascinating!

[Miki · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Big Book of Cidermaking" is an informative, well written and easy to grasp book. I'm not someone who often makes ciders homemade but I found this to be really healthful in my beginning to.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this via NetGalley from the publisher.

A great book that walks you through the steps of cidermaking. After reading the process, I don't think I will do this myself, at least not at this point in my life, but it gave me a greater appreciation of what goes into my beloved ciders, including tips on how to chose them in the future. I immensely enjoying reading this.

This book is filled with gorgeous photos. However, the one bit that is lacking is photos in the equipment section. it would be nice to not have to google everything.

One thing that this book does great, is that it gives different pathways to follow for different budgets and production scale. Making it easily modifiable to those just wishing to try it out, and those looking to take it steps further.

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very in-depth walk through of the Cidermaking process, with enough personal story to make it relateable. Instagram-pretty pictures and an excellent job breaking up a large amount of information into short, useful sections that aid with comprehension. I particularly like their no-judgment approach to the process, where the authors really encourage following the processes that make you happy and catering to your own tastes. A great introduction for beginners, and probably an excellent handbook for jumping off into sophisticated experiments for more advanced makers. As a cider aficionado, it adds to my appreciation of the process and infinite factors that lead to creating something I enjoy.

Advanced Reader's copy provided by Edelweiss.