MtnGoatJoe
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- Joined
- Jul 30, 2015
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Ok, as I attempt to make cider for the first time, I thought it might help other newbies doing research to share my cost breakdown.
Takeaway: Starting out isn't cheap, though it's hardly out of reach.
The biggest thing that can reduce the cost is to buy juice. My costs are high because I bought a juicer (and most of the apples to go with it). But even if you buy juice, it's still going to be a bit pricey. I won't hit $1/12oz bottle for quite a while because I'm going to plant 5 trees this winter, and eventually I will need a cider press. My guess is that I will need to hit several hundred gallons in order to get cider cheaper than the supermarket sells it.
Other cost reduction options: use your neighbor's apples (though here in Western Washington, a lot of homeowners don't keep the apple maggots under control); find a friend with a cider press; keep a yeast starter from the yeasts you like (I bought 4 yeasts this year because I'm experimenting); and buy cheaper ferment containers (again, I'm experimenting so I bought six 1 gallon jugs).
So, that's my experience. I'd love to hear what others have to say!
Edit: Small adjustment to the chart.
Edit 2: I should also mention that I'm buying all of my equipment at my local homebrew store. Buying on the internet would probably save 10%, but the advice I get at the store is priceless.
Takeaway: Starting out isn't cheap, though it's hardly out of reach.
The biggest thing that can reduce the cost is to buy juice. My costs are high because I bought a juicer (and most of the apples to go with it). But even if you buy juice, it's still going to be a bit pricey. I won't hit $1/12oz bottle for quite a while because I'm going to plant 5 trees this winter, and eventually I will need a cider press. My guess is that I will need to hit several hundred gallons in order to get cider cheaper than the supermarket sells it.
Other cost reduction options: use your neighbor's apples (though here in Western Washington, a lot of homeowners don't keep the apple maggots under control); find a friend with a cider press; keep a yeast starter from the yeasts you like (I bought 4 yeasts this year because I'm experimenting); and buy cheaper ferment containers (again, I'm experimenting so I bought six 1 gallon jugs).
So, that's my experience. I'd love to hear what others have to say!
Edit: Small adjustment to the chart.
Edit 2: I should also mention that I'm buying all of my equipment at my local homebrew store. Buying on the internet would probably save 10%, but the advice I get at the store is priceless.