New to cider!

[zproducer]

I've been brewing beer for many years, and I am now thinking about trying a hard cider. I've only ever had store bought stuff, and I do like the Woodchuck brand, as (to me) it has some beer characteristics. Does anyone have a recipe that resembles woodchucks that they would be willing to pass on, I was thinking of just using some apple juice and some light DME with a nice ale yeast and see what happens. Also, I'm concerned about bottling, I would like some carbonation but I'm worried about exploding bottles. If I bottle with corn sugar (like beer) after the fermentation subsides will I be OK?

 

[david_42]

Woodchuck's flavor is a result of the blend of apples they use & they ain't talk'n! Bottle just like ale, but remember a straight cider will finish under 1.000.

 

[zproducer]

David,
Thanks for the advice, you've eased my mind about botteling. With the Woodchucks, I'm not necessarily wanting to copy the flavor, but more the character - I don’t want it to be like a sparkling apple wine, but more like an apple beer. Also, what do you mean by "straight cider?"