How to age cider in bottles?

[cheyneco]

I keg most of my cider but I try to do most of my batches in the fall or winter when it is easier to ferment it with cool temps. Since I have 4 kegs, I usually fill those and then make a couple more batches that I bottle and use when I want to take a 6 pack with me to the lake or a party.

My problem is that by 6 months if I haven't finished my bottles they start to get a strong carmel taste and it's not good anymore. How can I prepare these so they last longer in bottles? I go straight from the bucket to a bottling bucket where I back sweeten then straight into bottles. I bottle carb them a few days then pasteurize them in the dish washer and store them in boxes in the garage.

 

[Yooper]

Are you using any sulfites (campden) as an antioxidant? That makes a HUGE difference in aging and protecting the cider from oxidation.

 

[cheyneco]

I have campden tablets but have not used them with my cider. I dont rack my cider during fermentation... I go from primary (usually 1-2 months) straight to keg or primary to bottling bucket to bottles.

How and when would you recommend using the tabs? I would love to be able to save a few bottles from each batch to age for a couple years.