Fresh or Sotre bought

[Baycider]

What's best fresh pressed apples or store bought?
I want the best tasting cider I can make and I've seen a few posts touting bottles of store bought. I am trying to do this relatively inexpensively and like the idea of fresh juice.
I am just wondering if its better to use fresh juice and if there is any extra work involved doing so?
Or is it better to use apple juice that's from the store and will I have to add any extra flavour after the fact?

 

[bucketnative]

Try both... see what works for you.

I have been using store bought for the past year (since I haven't really had access to fresh-pressed), and there is a tremendous difference in the quality of cider depending on the brand of apple juice that I use. I am finding that sweeter juices mean less flavorful, watery ciders.

Apples intended for cider fermentation are often not good for eating (very tart) or drinking fresh (at least for the general public). However, when fermented they make a good product. I am trying to source some this fall to compare against my favorite store bought juice (White House).

 

[DagoBrewer]

I've made a few batches of cider using store bought walmart brand.. i know, sounds lame.. BUT, it turns out sooooo good!! I do 4 gallons, add 1 to 1.5# of local wildflower honey and about 4-6 tablespoons of brown sugar. I use saf05 yeast and Let it ferment all the way out for about 4-6 weeks, cold crash and then back sweeten with lactose(since its non fermentable) in the keg till i like the flavor! During the holidays I'll add a bit of pumpkin pie spice or ginger and cinnamon to taste as well. People trip out when i tell them it's store bought kids Fricken apple juice!!

 

[DagoBrewer]

I live in north county san diego so I'm kinda close to Julian so this year im planning on heading up there and grabbing about 10 gallons of fresh pressed cider. Found a guy online who presses to order for about 7$ a gallon for small orders.