I grew up in apple farming country in upstate NY. My grand dad, a small family farmer, would take me down to the cider mill to collect the leftover pulp to feed to his animals from time to time. I did watch the pressing operation and could not believe some of the crap that went into those presses. I have never purchased retail apple juice/cider in my life because of it. I own a juicer and make my own.

i've just drunk 2 ltrs of my home grown cider produced from our garden. I've also had 3 cans of strongbow. Thing is I feel absolutley pissed and it's not the stronbow. Peter Kay was wrong Garlic bread is not the future Home Brew is!!

Some of my hard cider turned out too sweet. I am going to try and freeze it and pour off the unfrozen Apple Jack. Should be fun.

Cliff (Start a rEVOLution, grow a garden)

Before you do, bring it in the house and warm it up.

I thought mine was dead, and left in the shed for a month it didn't condition (ie pressurise the bottles or go fizzy).

It was very strong, and too drink it I was adding lemonade/ soda water to it and it was vey nice.

The other night I brought a bottle in and didn't drink it, and after leaving it in warmer conditions the bottle was very (explosive) pressurised. When I eventually let the pressure out, the cider was like (rocket fuel) nectar.

I have never tasted anything better or got so pleasantly drunk as quick and easy in my life and all organic from my own apple tree!!

There might be hope for us yet. Brewers might yet be the millionares of the Post Peak Oil future.