Lawrence Brewers Guild

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

I use Rees fruit farm also. Makes a great cider.