Recent content by cburke

Hello, Fairly new to cider making, on my 3rd batch. Last few years things have been OK. Have a better hope for this year as had a better mix of cider apples. About to take out of secondary. Have not tried to carbonate in the past. Was planning on using normal priming sugar (I have 4...

Hello, At this again and have had some great help in the past and hoping for a bit more to make this year's batch even better. Last year I used "New England" apples - Mac's, Cortlands, Macouns. etc. - all I could get my hands on. No one sold any good Cider apples around me. But gave it...

I planted about 6 trees this spring, some for eating some for cider. But if I'm lucky I might have some apples next year, maybe. Bought most of them from cummins nursery. But until then I will need to buy my apples. On a different note after calling to see about the availability of the cider...

I live in Durham near Demerritt Hill Farm and work in Exeter near Applecrest. Applecrest is near rye, they have the northern spy, Baldwin and golden russet. The others I searched out at www.newenglandapples.org. Do a search under find an apple orchard and choose by variety.

Live in seacoast New Hampshire. Around here everything is dominated by Macintosh, cortland, golden delicious etc. Found a few other places that sell grimes golden, Roxbury russet, ashmead's kernel, and Winesap and maybe dabinett. Would have to drive a ways, but willing to if something will make...

Hello, looking to make a batch of cider for the second time - last year's came out ok, but did not start with a great choice of apples. So, this year I would like to buy apples that are more specific for cider making. Not a huge selection from my local orchards, but from what I have read...

The hyslop is an early/mid blooming. Will help with the Liberty and maybe the goldrush. The goldrush will also be pollinated by the golden delicious and possibly the macintosh, which is a mid bloom, from the 5-in-1 tree. The roxbury should be supported by the goldrush, golden delicious, and the...

Started a thread a few weeks back looking for some advice on what type of trees I should plant. Thought I would give an update. First off, let me say that Cummins Nursery was a great help. Tino was quick to get back to me and gave me some good things to think about. So, taking into...

One reason for use a strainer basket is because I am not a great craftsman. Making the support structure of a press is pretty easy. Making beveled edges etc., I will find plenty of ways to screw up. Did find a stainless steel basket online - a bit more than the aluminum, but not as much as I...

The area for the three trees is a strip about 50-60 feet long, maybe 20 feet wide. The 5-1 tree was going to be placed on a separate spot because it is self pollinating. Probably could fit something bigger than the 6 footers. Looked at the cummins website - will give them a call soon, they seem...

Hello, I was looking to plant a few apple trees for both eating and cider making - sweet and hard. I live in Southeastern New Hampshire in growing zone 5 I have a good spot, but limited in space to only about four trees which still should yield more than enough for my needs. One of the...

Hello, Over the past few years I have made several batches of kit wines and tried making my own cider. The press I bought for the cider (10 quarts or so) was just a bit too small. So I was looking into building my own - as much for the challenge as for the cost savings. I think I have...

Hello, Have made a a half-dozen batches of kit wine and would like to branch out. Recently got a great deal on a small press (you may have seen the post under the equipment forum asking for suggestions on cleaning/sealing). I was thinking about trying to make a batch of hard cider. Found a...

Just bought a wine press at a yard sale. Great condition, no rust, no rot, everything seems to work perfectly. However, wanted to make sure I gave it a good cleaning and if necessary seal the wood with something. Any suggestions as how to best proceed?