Exploring the World of Cider and Perry with Gordon Strong
Gordon Strong, a venerable name in the world of craft beer and the President Emeritus of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), recently dove into the art of making cider and perry at home. While primarily recognized for his contributions to beer judging and authorship of Modern Homebrew Recipes, Strong has been channeling his expertise into revising the BJCP 2025 Cider Style Guide. In this conversation, he shares invaluable insights on crafting cider and perry, making these delightful beverages accessible to craft beer enthusiasts.
Many homebrewers might be surprised to find that they already possess the necessary equipment to embark on cider making. Strong emphasizes using quality raw cider juice and highlights the steps of fermentation, kegging, and even backsweetening your creation. As cider continues to carve its space in the craft scene, understanding these processes can enrich the drinking experience whether you’re savoring a New England-style dry cider or a spiced hopped cider.
Cider Styles and Perry: Tantalizing Alternatives
Diving into the different cider styles, Strong outlines the broad categories that craft drinkers can explore, from traditional dry ciders to more unconventional fruit-infused varieties. The discussion also touches on perry—a beverage lovingly crafted from pears—which stands as a delicious counterpart for those looking to expand their palates beyond the standard apple cider offerings. Strong brings an element of adventure into home brewing by experimenting with non-traditional fruits and spices, suggesting enchanting combinations that push creative boundaries.
For those contemplating adding a twist to their cider recipes, Strong suggests incorporating herbs or spices. He introduces the concept of hopped ciders, which merges the worlds of cider and beer, appealing to hopheads with its aromatic and bitter characteristics. This creative approach allows personalizing each batch and understanding the regional flavor nuances, making every sip a new experience and showcasing the diverse potential of the cider category.
The New BJCP Cider Style Guide
Gordon Strong has poured extensive efforts into updating the BJCP cider style guide, slated for release in early 2025. This comprehensive overhaul aims to reflect the evolving landscape of cider making, introducing clearer guidelines and categories to enrich the judging and brewing experience. As cider becomes more prominent in the craft beverage community, such structured resources are vital in ensuring both brewers and aficionados have a common language to describe and appreciate the rich diversity of styles available.
BreweriesNearMe.us celebrates these advancements by offering curious drinkers a chance to explore local cider scenes alongside beloved craft beer journeys. As the cider guide rolls out, staying informed through such dynamic resources opens doors to new appreciation, whether you’re a seasoned brewer or someone embracing the refreshing world of cider just now.
Engage and Discover More
Thoughts on broadening the craft landscape through cider and perry are valuable for all enthusiasts. Join the conversation by leaving a comment, sharing your experiences, or exploring more content through BreweriesNearMe.us. Whether it’s cider, beer, or new brewing adventures, the platform offers an array of resources to ignite curiosity and deepen your passion for craft beverages.
To delve deeper into this exploration with Gordon Strong and stay updated on evolving trends across the craft beverage landscape, make sure to subscribe to relevant podcasts, and don’t miss out on weekly articles curated to enrich your home brewing journey.
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