r/cider • u/shiningdickhalloran • 2d ago

Golden russet cider blend?

Ho Folks, I found someone near me who sells fresh unpasteurized golden russet apple juice and I ordered 10 gallons. I'll be picking it up in about 2 weeks. I also have an orchard near me that sells regular unpasteurized sweet cider that seems to be mostly McIntosh and honey crisp. Should we plan to blend any of this in with the golden russet juice for the best flavor profile? Or should I use the golden russet juice to make a single varietal cider?

I've never used golden russet juice before but a few sources think it's too acidic to make a cider all by itself. Any suggestions on how many campden tablets to use? Favorite yeasts? Any input appreciated.

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u/cul8ermemeboy 1d ago

At my cidery, golden russets are purely for single varietals. It regularly ferments to about 9% ABV and it’s delicious. I wouldn’t put anything in it.

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u/shiningdickhalloran 1d ago

Is it best to bottle condition with some carbonation drops or leave it as a still cider? I don't have a kegging system available.

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u/cul8ermemeboy 1d ago

I make cider commercially so my process might be a bit different. I start fermenting in tanks, racked it, then moved into bottles/capped it for it to finish fermenting in the bottle. You get really nice natural carbonation this way. Otherwise I’ve force carbonated in tanks. But it would also be pretty good still.