Not exactly beginner friendly. [The Big Book of Cidermaking by Christopher Shockey; Kirsten K. Shockey]
Long name, The Big Book of Cidermaking: Expert Techniques for Fermenting and Flavoring Your Favorite Hard Cider, Christopher and Kirsten K. Shockey's how-to on cidermaking gives a detailed overview of expert methodology and tricks to optimization of the fermentation process.
Ignoring lack of access to pounds of fresh fruit for experimentation and practice, ignoring the weird U.S. restrictions on cidermaking and homebrewing, ignoring all the pre-conceived and actual barriers to entry into the world of cidermaking, I didn't walk away from this book confident that all I needed were those resources. That having read this book I could be confident joining the ranks of cider makers. I left confused and apathetic. The imagery of vast orchards and the community of makers, as with many agriculture-relevant discussions, left me pondering on issue of disparate land access and barriers to access. Still, that doesn't and shouldn't reflect on the book.
And I honestly don't know if my general displeasure with this book is a result of the fact that from what I learned about cidermaking I was put off by it entirely, which if the case might be a testament to the book, that I didn't feel the techniques were clearly explained, or a constellation of reasons that just meant I simply didn't enjoy the book. Because I do recognize that were I already a brewer this book would likely be an excellent resource. A detailed glossary, step-by-step pictured tutorials, a troubleshooting section and the random tidbits of international history were my favorite parts of this book. I have a friend who experiments in brewery. Though he home brews beer I think he'd enjoy this book. As in my case, I think people who are interested in one form of fermentation have a general interest in fermentation and how it applies to other products.
Because a husband and wife pair wrote the book different sections are voiced differently, which has the weird effect of a pseudo-third-person voicing. That was weird. The general tone of the book, the attempted colloquialism, was not something I necessarily enjoyed either. Again, this book is best for hobby brewers. Though I tried to read each I ended up skimming over the recipes that followed the recipes that followed the recipes, and so on. Some of them I found interesting, but a vast majority I glanced.
Being that I'm not a hobby brewer perhaps I'm not the best person to be reviewing this book, but I think a great how-to book should inspire interest and passion, not a general sense of apathy. So if I were recommending this to someone I felt fell into the preset audience I'd say this was a 4 star book. But because I read this for me and because I don't feel particularly passionate about cidermaking (quite the opposite) as I walk away from this book I'm giving it 3 stars. Funnily enough, I am interested in their vinegar book.
The best-selling authors Christopher Shockey and Kirsten K. Shockey turn their expertise to the world of fermented beverages in the most comprehensive guide to home cidermaking available. With expert advice and clear, step-by-step instructions, The Big Book of Cidermaking equips readers with the skills they need to make the cider they want: sweet, dry, fruity, farmhouse-style, hopped, barrel-aged, or fortified. The Shockeys’ years of experience cultivating an orchard and their experiments in producing their own ciders have led them to a master formula for cidermaking success, whether starting with apples fresh from the tree or working with store-bought juice. They explore in-depth the different phases of fermentation and the entire spectrum of complex flavor and style possibilities, with cider recipes ranging from cornelian cherry to ginger, and styles including New England, Spanish, and late-season ciders. For those invested in making use of every part of the apple, there’s even a recipe for vinegar made from the skins and cores leftover after pressing. This thorough, thoughtful handbook is an empowering guide for every cidermaker, from the beginner seeking foundational techniques and tips to the intermediate cider crafter who wants to expand their skills.Maybe it was much of me to expect otherwise, especially given the "flavoring your favorite hard cider," but I didn't find this book as accessible as I'd hoped it'd be.
Ignoring lack of access to pounds of fresh fruit for experimentation and practice, ignoring the weird U.S. restrictions on cidermaking and homebrewing, ignoring all the pre-conceived and actual barriers to entry into the world of cidermaking, I didn't walk away from this book confident that all I needed were those resources. That having read this book I could be confident joining the ranks of cider makers. I left confused and apathetic. The imagery of vast orchards and the community of makers, as with many agriculture-relevant discussions, left me pondering on issue of disparate land access and barriers to access. Still, that doesn't and shouldn't reflect on the book.
And I honestly don't know if my general displeasure with this book is a result of the fact that from what I learned about cidermaking I was put off by it entirely, which if the case might be a testament to the book, that I didn't feel the techniques were clearly explained, or a constellation of reasons that just meant I simply didn't enjoy the book. Because I do recognize that were I already a brewer this book would likely be an excellent resource. A detailed glossary, step-by-step pictured tutorials, a troubleshooting section and the random tidbits of international history were my favorite parts of this book. I have a friend who experiments in brewery. Though he home brews beer I think he'd enjoy this book. As in my case, I think people who are interested in one form of fermentation have a general interest in fermentation and how it applies to other products.Because a husband and wife pair wrote the book different sections are voiced differently, which has the weird effect of a pseudo-third-person voicing. That was weird. The general tone of the book, the attempted colloquialism, was not something I necessarily enjoyed either. Again, this book is best for hobby brewers. Though I tried to read each I ended up skimming over the recipes that followed the recipes that followed the recipes, and so on. Some of them I found interesting, but a vast majority I glanced.
Being that I'm not a hobby brewer perhaps I'm not the best person to be reviewing this book, but I think a great how-to book should inspire interest and passion, not a general sense of apathy. So if I were recommending this to someone I felt fell into the preset audience I'd say this was a 4 star book. But because I read this for me and because I don't feel particularly passionate about cidermaking (quite the opposite) as I walk away from this book I'm giving it 3 stars. Funnily enough, I am interested in their vinegar book.
The Big Book of Cidermaking is set for publication June 2020.
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