All posts tagged: craft cider

Small Independent Cider Makers (SICA)

Off 23rd November 2018

Good news for all small cider makers, in the form of a new association in the UK, which is working with the EU and our government on cider duty.

The Small Independent Cider Makers (SICA).

First of all they have arrived at a definition of craft cider. Second they have worked with the EU to give cider a separate definition under the tax law. The net effect is that it is hoped more people will start making cider (much as has happened in the real ale area where tax relief has kicked off many new breweries) and also encourage producers to make the next steps in expanding their business.

SICA will ensure cider drinkers will be enjoying the real thing. Ie: pressed, fermented apple or perry juice. If you are looking for cider that meets these requirements look out for the badge, if you are a craft cider maker become a member.

SICA’S 90% minimum juice standard

We believe that cider and perry should be made from fresh juice, not from concentrate. We are the first association of cidermakers to offers a National Quality Mark of there being at least 90% fresh apple juice in ciders and at least 90% fresh pear juice in perries. This translates into the highest quality drinks with a fascinating range and depth of flavours.

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Craft Cider Making book review

2 Comments 21st October 2009

As a small scale hobby cider maker I have a few books on the subject (more on Cider books), and I was eager to see what this book offered.

There’s a good description on apples and their cultivation, including locating, planting and management – useful if you are thinking of setting up an orchard yourself. Then the chapters after focus on the detail of pressing the fruit, looking after the juice, yeast and its role in fermentation, through to maturation and bottling.

This book is for anyone who wants to grow and to make good cider, apple juice or even cider vinegar. Whether you have a back garden with a couple of apple trees, several acres of orchard deep in the countryside, or you’re just ‘scrumping’ apples from friends and neighbours every autumn, this book is for you. Here you can learn about the equipment you need, the techniques to use and just how they work as they do. You’ll also learn what to do when things go wrong, and how to put them right! Packed with a wealth of practical experience and understanding, Craft Cidermaking is for beginners and old hands alike.

Craft Cider Making book cover

Craft Cider Making book cover

Summary of chapters

    • Chapter 1 The History of Cider
    • Chapter 2 What do I need to make cider?
    • Chapter 4 Juicing and Fermenting
    • Chapter 5 Customising your Cider
    • Chapter 6 When things go wrong
  • Chapter 7 Apple Juice, Cider Vinegar and Perry

Biography of the Author

Andrew Lea is a retired food biochemist who started his career in the tea industry and then spent 13 years at the Long Ashton Research Station (the National Fruit and Cider Institute) in the 1970’s.

He has been a hobby cidermaker with his own small orchard and cider press for over 20 years and has won many prizes at the Bath and West and the Hereford International Cider Competitions.

Buy online

You can buy the book from the publisher, Good Life Press. You can also get it from Vigo. £12.99 / ISBN 978 1 90487 1378

Autumn is here and apples are ready for harvest, so if you fancy making some of your own cider then get reading this book!