questions about cider and retail stores

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schwiz
Little Beer
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Joined: Wed Dec 25, 2013 11:03 pm

questions about cider and retail stores

#1 Post by schwiz » Wed Dec 25, 2013 11:13 pm

Hello everybody. I am wanting to learn how to brew beer/cider. I have a few questions. First, is there a good retail store around here to buy some of the stuff I'll need to get started or am I better off ordering a kit online somewhere?

Second, does anybody around here brew hard cider? I really want to do this, however I noticed the mills around here I am familiar with all put preservatives in their juice (both Louisburg and Reese) Has anyone found fresh cider around here without preservatives?

Thanks!

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Frank
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Location: West Lawrence

Re: questions about cider and retail stores

#2 Post by Frank » Sun Dec 29, 2013 3:19 pm

There are a few places around to buy things.


Downtown Craft Brew in Topeka
https://www.facebook.com/downtowncraftbrew/
http://www.downtowncraftbrew.com/

Brew Lab KC
http://www.brewlabkc.com/

Home Brew Pro Shoppe
http://www.homebrewproshoppe.com/

These are my preferred shops in no particular order.

As far as shopping online vs. "brick and mortar" -- This debate rages on with valid points on both sides, do which ever fits your convictions.
Frank Dillon
Twitter @JHawkBeerMaker

"I like beer. On occasion, I will even drink beer to celebrate a major event such as the fall of Communism or the fact that the refrigerator is still working.” – Dave Barry

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Joe Yoder
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Re: questions about cider and retail stores

#3 Post by Joe Yoder » Mon Dec 30, 2013 12:31 pm

To answer the other question in your post, Louisburg does sell cider without preservatives, you can get it at the Merc (and probably other places). It is usually in plastic gallon jugs and states that it is free of preservatives on the label. We have made very good hard cider with this. I have talked to others that have used frozen concentrate apple juice to make a quick and easy cider, but have not tried it myself.
Good luck.
Joe
Interstellar Galactic Brewery

Pentaquark
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Re: questions about cider and retail stores

#4 Post by Pentaquark » Thu Jan 02, 2014 10:43 pm

Like Joe, I've used Louisburg too for excellent cider. You have to be very careful though because there is little to no visual distinction between preserved and un-preserved ciders. You have to read the contents closely to check for potassium sorbate (I think). Some will say pasteurized but NOT preserved and those are the ones you want. I've found them both sitting next to each other on the shelves but the non-preserved is generally a little harder to find.
-Allen

schwiz
Little Beer
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Joined: Wed Dec 25, 2013 11:03 pm

Re: questions about cider and retail stores

#5 Post by schwiz » Sun Jan 12, 2014 12:06 pm

Thanks for the reply guys, I actually ended up taking a trip up to Rees Fruit Farm in Topeka. They sell cider without preservatives if you buy from them directly. They UV pasteurize too so their cider isn't cloudy like Louisburg's.

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Rugger1978
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Re: questions about cider and retail stores

#6 Post by Rugger1978 » Mon Jan 13, 2014 11:02 am

I use Rees fruit farm also. Makes a great cider.
Jared Rudy
Fat Back Brewing
On Tap: Irish Red Ale, Vienna Lager, American Wheat, Belgian Triple, Oatmeal Stout, Saison, Hard Cider
Primary: Oktoberfest-Marzen
Kegged/Ageing: Russian Imperial Stout, Oktoberfest-Marzen
Next Brew: Vienna Lager or an IPA

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