Cider - Best juice to use

[dvdaniels]

What is the best apple juice to get this time of year to make a great cider. I know in fall there are local choices but I am looking for something year round that I can get as a "Go To" juice.

Thanks in advance.

[beermikester]

A while back, Sean posted a recommendation for Tipton Grove apple juice that is available at Sav-A-Lot. I made an Apfelwein with it that turned out amazing, so I can definitely add my recommendation to it also. The link to the thread is:

http://www.stlbrews.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=2532&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[Witch Doctor Dale]

Louisburg is pricier, but makes a much better cider.

[Lynux]

This juice makes a nice cider:

http://www.motts.com/Products/FamilyHea ... Juice.aspx

[StLBeer]

Louisburg is pricier, but makes a much better cider.

Dale,

Do you have a souce for the Louisburg juice?

Paul

[Witch Doctor Dale]

Schnuks (sp?) In the produce section. This is cloudy, they also have a clear brand there, the name escapes me right now that I have had success with.

[StLBeer]

thanks Dale,

I have to visit Schnucks soon....

Paul

[tlael]

I've had decent luck with Motts.
4 of these from Sam's for a ~5.25 gallon batch:
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/produ ... navAction=

[Witch Doctor Dale]

Indian Summer is the other brand. Both are good, or at least what I use that is store bought.

[johnnymac]

Quick question? Do you boil the juice as you would wort? Or do you simply add yeast to the juice?

[tlael]

Quick question? Do you boil the juice as you would wort? Or do you simply add yeast to the juice?

I add yeast directly to the juice, sugar and other items.
No boil.

[Witch Doctor Dale]

Never boil apple juice, you will set pectin, creating a haze that is difficult to remove.

[tedon_63126]

If you want some spices, such as cinnamon or anise, is it better if done in a secondary or dry spice directly in a keg for a period? I am thinking about using a small hop bag and unwaxed dental floss in the keg for a week or so, but not sure how many cinnamon sticks or anise stars for a 5 gallon batch. Especially for a New England style that has brown sugar, molasses, tincture of 1/2 lb raisins soaked in vodka added at keg time.

[JE]

Ted (et al),

I always recommend spices in secondary with meads / ciders. Allows for the flavors and aromas to blend in without being scrubbed by fermentation. You can, however, add some during primary as well to add a little depth of flavor...but be sparing!

Hope this helps!

[dvdaniels]

Thanks for all the information. Since this is a first attempt at making cider I am going to try the Sav-A-Lot juice this time around. If I can pull this off I will try other brands like the Louisburg and Motts.