Cider, Hard and Sweet: History, Traditions, and Making Your Own

Written in a conversational style- I didn't really find any recipes for various ciders (there are recipes for dishes that use cider as an ingredient although I wasn't clear on whether it was "hard" or "sweet" that was used…up to you?).The most valuable part of the book for me were the tables of American and Euorpean apples used for cider, a chart for blending types and proportions- and one for yeasts used. Watson's conversational way of leading you through preparing and grinding your apples was a little short on detail for the total novice I thought but common sense would help get you through. I myself would want more detail on preparing for fermentation (a couple of tables in the Appendix are beyond me).Good looking Resources section, looks like places to get just about everything from trees to equipment to information.

Loved this book. Very quick and easy read. Very informative and yet the small stories inside are also very interesting. As someone who has dabbled with making cider at home for only the past two winters I found this book to be very helpful. You will find information to make basic batches of cider all the way up to adding more complex steps. I really enjoyed a lot of the information regarding cider styles, origins and traditions. I've already read this twice and will probably skim through it again next winter!

The book is comprehensive in its approach to cider, and you could make your own after reading it.

This book is great for the beginner cider maker. It is written in a way that is easy to understand. There is not a lot of chemistry and complicated concepts in this book. If you are looking for that, you will need to find an advanced book.

The single best cider book in its price range. Ben Watson has refined and enhanced his book with each edition, and it may be difficult to top this one. Entertaining and informative, and a rich reference for home cider makers and professionals. I use it as the text for cider making and appreciation classes, and students comment on the fun of going through the book. Do yourself a favor and start here!

Decent recipes and history doesn’t explain all but explains enough to give you better understanding. Botany of Desire is a good read on ciders as well

Very comprehensive book covers everything you need to know. I recommend also gett The Everything Hard Cider Book as well. They pair very nicely together. one has recipes the other does not. They also include information in both books that isn't in the other.

So much history and trivia packed into this book, who knew there was so much to know about cider! Gives a great overview of every style of cider conceivable, but not a single recipe for any of them. Would be a 5 star book if a recipe was given for every style talked about.

Top class

Best book about cider. Ever.

was interested in making Cider maybe some day.

Interesting book about cider, including a lot of history, but it is not a how to make cider book. Has a chapter of nice cooking recipes using cider and cider products.

Great book with good practical experience to back up his information.