Cider Tanks
Cider Fermentation Vessels
Brewing cider requires some specific equipment to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here’s a list of the essential brewing equipment you’ll need for making cider:
1.Fermentation Vessel: You’ll need a container to ferment the cider. A food-grade plastic or glass carboy or fermentation bucket with an airtight lid and an airlock is ideal. The vessel should be large enough to accommodate the volume of cider you plan to make.
2.Apple Press: To extract juice from apples, you’ll need an apple press. This can be a manual or electric press, depending on your preference and the quantity of cider you intend to produce. You can also rent a press or use a juicer if you don’t want to invest in one.
3.Apples: Of course, you’ll need fresh apples to make cider. The variety of apples you choose will greatly influence the flavor of your cider. You may also need a fruit grinder to break down the apples before pressing.
4.Sanitizing Equipment: Proper sanitation is crucial to prevent contamination. You’ll need sanitizer (e.g., potassium metabisulfite or Star San), cleaning brushes, and a separate vessel or bucket for sanitizing equipment.
5.Hydrometer and Test Jar: A hydrometer is used to measure the specific gravity of your cider, helping you determine its alcohol content and fermentation progress. A test jar is a clear tube for holding a sample of the cider for hydrometer readings.
6.Airlock and Bung: An airlock and bung are essential for sealing the fermentation vessel to allow gases to escape during fermentation while preventing air and contaminants from entering.
7.Siphoning Equipment: To transfer cider from one vessel to another while minimizing oxygen exposure, you’ll need a siphon tube, racking cane, and a bottling wand.
8.Thermometer: A thermometer helps you monitor the temperature of the cider during fermentation, as yeast activity is temperature-sensitive.
9.Yeast: You can use specific cider yeast strains or wine yeast for fermentation. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for rehydrating and pitching the yeast.
10.Sugar: Depending on the desired sweetness and alcohol level, you may need to add sugar to your cider. You’ll need a method to measure and add the sugar, such as a scale and a funnel.
11.Acid Blend: Acid blend is a mixture of tartaric, malic, and citric acids. It can be used to adjust the acidity and balance the flavor of your cider if necessary.
12.Campden Tablets: Campden tablets (potassium or sodium metabisulfite) are used for sterilization and to inhibit wild yeast and bacteria growth.
13.Aging Containers: If you plan to age your cider, you’ll need glass carboys or other containers with airlocks.
14.Bottles and Caps: For bottling your finished cider, you’ll need glass bottles or plastic PET bottles, along with caps or corks.
15.Bottle Capper or Corker: Depending on the type of bottles you use, you’ll need a bottle capper or corker to seal them.
16.Labeling Supplies: If you plan to share or store your cider long-term, labeling supplies like labels, markers, or heat shrink capsules can be useful.
Remember to follow proper sanitation and safety practices throughout the cider-making process to ensure a successful and safe batch of homemade cider. Additionally, consider investing in a good cider-making book or joining a local homebrewing club to learn more about the process and techniques.