Pick Your Blend- The 4 Main Apple Types for Cider Making

We know there are thousands of apple types that can be used for cider making and that each cider producer has their own views on the best types to use. In this article, we discuss the four main types of apple for cider making and give a mention to the cider making equipment that makes producing great cider possible.

Apples for Cider Making – Finding Your Combination

Firstly, let’s distinguish the main difference between cider making apples and garden apples. The key difference is the substantial level of tannin found in cider making apples, compared to garden apples. A high amount of Tannin, which is an organic substance, is commonly found in cider apples; giving them a real bitter taste and a distinctive flavour.

Different combinations of bittersweet, sweet, bittersharp and sharp can create different flavours. It is important to note the combinations you try as once you find a winning formula, you’ll want to emulate it going forward.

Cider Making Equipment – From Start to Finish

maurer pasteuriser cider making equipment

At Vitikit, we have quality cider making equipment that helps producers refine and perfect their chosen blend. A trusted supplier of ours is Hungarian manufacturers Maurer, who provide us with cider making equipment throughout the year from pressing right through to pasteurisation. Their cider equipment, such as belt presses, fruit washers and elevators and fruit mills, are used to help ensure the smooth running of the apple pressing process.

In addition to our Maurer equipment, Vitikit also provides cutting edge Romfil Crossflow Filtration equipment, which provides cider makers with a filtering system that enhances productivity, efficiency and quality of produce. For when the cider is nearing completion and extra care is required to complete the job, we have final stage processing cider making equipment, such as our labelling and pasteurising machinery.

Head to the dedicated cider making equipment section of our website to browse all equipment types.

4 Apple Types for Cider Making 

Sweet or acidic. That is a fundamental question to ask when you set out to make your ideal cider. The variety (s) of apple that is used in the cider making process will determine the aroma and flavour of the drink. Here we breakdown the four main types of cider apples and the traits that you can expect from each:

Bittersweets

The level of bittersweetness in your given apple can vary from full to mild. Generally speaking, a full bittersweet is too tannic or bitter to be used to produce a single variety cider. In comparison, mild bittersweet apples are more appropriate for single variety ciders due to the lower level of tannin within. Some popular type of bittersweet apples include:

  • Yarlington Mill
  • Tremlett’s Bitter
  • Ashton Bitter
  • Dabinett

Sweets

Sweets are low in acid and have their own distinguished character. While some particular sweet apples are high in sugars, which can contribute to a strong cider, this type of apple does not typically add much to the blend as the other three. The Morgan Sweet apple, once a popular eating apple among Bristolians, can be a great addition to your blend and is also used as a single variety cider apple.

apples for cider making

Bittersharps

Just as with bittersweet cider apples, you can have bittersharp cider apples ranging from mild to full. While you may get away with producing a single variety cider from a bittersweet apple, the same can’t be said for a single variety cider from a bittersharp apple!

Take the Foxwhelp for example, a cider made from just this full bittersharp apple would be far too harsh to drink. However, when blended with other varieties, full bittersharps can really contribute to the character of a cider. A mild bittersharp would provide a nice tasting single variety cider. Some other bittersharp apples include:

  • Porter’s Perfection
  • Kingston Black
  • Breakwell’s

Sharps

Most cooking apples are also classified as sharps. This type of cider making apple provides an up front, refreshing element to a blend and a hint of sweetness in the aftertaste. One of the most recognised ciders that is produced with a sharp apple is Katy, from Thatchers in Somerset – a cider with great body and character.

Produce Your Perfect Blend With Vitikit Cider Equipment

cider with apples

At Vitikit, we love trying out the different types of ciders that have been created with the use of our cider equipment. Contact us today if you would like to learn more about any of the pieces of cider making equipment in our range and to discuss your visions for your blend. A member of our friendly team will happily assist you in the quest for your perfect cider.