Perry's Cider
'It's still the same as it has been for the last 90 years - to produce the very best Somerset Ciders with 100% apple juice, and with as little intervention from ourselves and nasty ingredients as possible.
We also strive to push the boundaries of craft cider - producing free thinking ciders with depth of flavour using only the simplest and purest of means..........'
Perry's Cider
'It's still the same as it has been for the last 90 years - to produce the very best Somerset Ciders with 100% apple juice, and with as little intervention from ourselves and nasty ingredients as possible.
We also strive to push the boundaries of craft cider - producing free thinking ciders with depth of flavour using only the simplest and purest of means..........'
Perry's Cider
'It's still the same as it has been for the last 90 years - to produce the very best Somerset Ciders with 100% apple juice, and with as little intervention from ourselves and nasty ingredients as possible.
We also strive to push the boundaries of craft cider - producing free thinking ciders with depth of flavour using only the simplest and purest of means..........'
BARREL AGING
Barrel aging cider is a technique that adds complexity and depth of flavor to the cider by allowing it to mature and develop in wooden barrels. Here are some key points about barrel aging cider:
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Barrel Selection: Choose barrels that are appropriate for cider aging. Oak barrels are commonly used for this purpose, as they impart desirable flavors, aromas, and tannins to the cider. The type of oak and the previous contents of the barrel can also influence the character of the cider.
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Barrel Preparation: Before using the barrels, they need to be properly prepared. If using new barrels, they may require seasoning to remove any undesirable flavors or tannins. If using previously used barrels, they should be cleaned and sanitized to ensure no residual flavors or contaminants remain.
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Aging Duration: The duration of barrel aging depends on personal preference and the desired flavor profile. Ciders can be aged in barrels for a few months up to several years. Longer aging periods generally result in more pronounced oak flavors and increased complexity.
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Flavor Development: During barrel aging, the cider interacts with the wood, absorbing compounds from the barrel such as vanillin, lignin, and tannins. This interaction can contribute flavors of vanilla, spice, toast, and oak, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the cider.
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Oxidation: Barrel aging allows for controlled exposure to oxygen, which can contribute to the development of desirable oxidative characteristics in the cider. However, excessive oxygen exposure can lead to unwanted oxidation and spoilage. Cider makers need to monitor the aging process carefully to ensure proper balance.
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Blending: Cider makers often blend barrel-aged ciders with other ciders or aged ciders to achieve the desired flavor and balance. This allows for the creation of unique and complex cider blends that showcase the influence of barrel aging.
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Maturation and Stabilization: After the desired aging period, the barrel-aged cider may require additional maturation and stabilization in tanks or bottles before it is ready for consumption. This allows the flavors to integrate and the cider to become more balanced.
Barrel aging cider is a time-intensive and nuanced process that adds depth and character to the final product. It requires careful attention to the selection and preparation of barrels, as well as monitoring the aging process to achieve the desired flavor profile. The resulting barrel-aged cider can showcase unique flavors and aromas that are influenced by the specific characteristics of the chosen barrels.