[Debbie]

Having just finished my last bottel of imported Bretagne Cidre :cheers I was wondering if any one has found any good local made cider in the North Island. Auckland area even better but if further afield then it's a good excuse for a road trip.
I do miss France being so close.
Debbie

[jubjub]

Not yet, but would love to have some real proper cider, if there is any to be had!

I love cider, and do drink the supermarket stuff on occasion, but the selection is pretty poor.

[thepiesleys]

Any magners lovers will be pleased to here that it has hit Oz - so fingers crossed will be here soon.

[jubjub]

was inspired to go for a google.... found this, its won awards so could be quite good stuff!

http://www.redwoodcellars.co.nz/products.htm

Dont tell Marie, but they do feijoa and boysenberry wine too.... ;)

[StevieD]

I fancy a go at making cider, and as apples are abundant in NZ I may just take the plunge one day.....

[Ana&Steve]

I fancy a go at making cider, and as apples are abundant in NZ I may just take the plunge one day.....
Let me know, StevieD, and I could give you some pointers, as long as you have access to a brew store! Hubby and I make Cider and Mead, and Cider is very easy!
Ana

[StevieD]

Thanks Ana - will remember that one :)

[Leccy-Lee]

I was meaning to post about Cider myself soon, as i only drink cider when in pubs etc here and was wondering if it was readily availble in NZ bars etc?

Or will i (god forbid) have to change my tipple

[Marie P]

Dont tell Marie, but they do feijoa and boysenberry wine too.... ;)

:cheers hmmmmmmmmm sounds tasty :cheers

[jubjub]

:cheers hmmmmmmmmm sounds tasty :cheers

See, I knew you would be up for those.... :p

[Moorf]

Let me know, StevieD, and I could give you some pointers, as long as you have access to a brew store! Hubby and I make Cider and Mead, and Cider is very easy!
Ana

Oh, we'd love to know too, got a few heavily laden apple trees outside...

What about plum wine? Got more plums than a small country can deal with...m:roll

[StevieD]

You see, you could have self sufficient forum meets couldn't you- HIC? Cider, wine, mead, beer, all made with our own hands... that would be interesting LOL

http://bestsmileys.com/drinking/8.gif

[Ana&Steve]

I thought I'd just jot down a cider recipe now since it sounds so good! :)
First, get supplies. a good sanitizer, a small carboy or glass container (needs to fit in fridge), a nice strain of yeast(I like cider yeast or a Belgian yeast), and a bubbler(make sure bubbler cork fits carboy w/o falling in). A siphon is nice as well, if you're dropping the cash. Next, either juice your cored, peeled apples with a press or juicer (the skins of fruit have a lot of tannin, I personally don't like too much tannin) or buy apple cider (juice) from the store. An advantage to store-bought is the nice glass jug it comes in is perfect to brew small batches. Next, fill carboy with juice leaving 6inches from top, add(pitch) the yeast, (at this time I add 1/4cup of honey per gallon, makes it smoother and slightly sweeter, but you don't have to) put a little water in the bubbler, and set the bubbler in the bottle. Once fermention kicks in, (the bubbler will start releasing gas bubbles) let it ferment in a quiet place for 48hrs, then put the whole thing in the fridge to stop fermention. (if you go longer than 48hrs, you will be making apple cider vinegar!) after a day or so, a lot of sediment will form in carboy; either pour gently when serving, or siphon liquid into new container. Keep cider refrigerated, unless you bottle it, which is a whole 'nother story! It is drinkable but "hard" after that day in fridge, if you leave it in the fridge for a month to age, you won't be disappointed!
Here is a pic of a carboy with an assembled bubbler on top
http://www.joekaz.net/photos/dandelion_wine/scaled/carboy_start.jpg
there are ways to make your own bubbler or siphon, but brewing is addictive, and it's nicer to have the right tools. :) After you get the hang of cider, you can experiment by adding other fruit (like blueberries!), spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, etc), and/or vanilla beans or extract. Just remember to leave more room in the carboy if you add sugary stuff! (yeast eats sugar and poops alcohol, and is gassy in the process ) If you have any questions, I love to help a fellow brewer! ;)
Ana

[Mal]

I was a cider drinker back in the UK, but since moving here have started drinking beer. Whether you will be content with drinking cider here will depend upon what you are used to drinking. If you are happy with Strongbow and the like you will be OK here. Most places here sell 'Brightstone' or similar, probably made from a concoction of corn cyrup and apple concentrate ala Strongbow etc. If you are used to drinking 'real' cider (made from apples alone), you will find it a little more difficult. I have seen Westons for sale in a few places, and I think many micro-brewerys turn their hands to it (Founders in Nelson I know does). I'm surprised there aren't any specialised brewers of cider here, but I've yet to find any.

[Rabbit]

I saw this one today in the wine shop in Martinborough.

Three Rivers, made in Featherston?, I have not tried it.

http://wairarapa.co.nz/times-age/weekly/2001/cider.html

[hels1977]

Oh my, I see a business empire in the making :laugh.

That looks absolutely awesome :cheers. I want some!!