Event Recording
Making Cider With Vander Mill
Award-winning cider maker Paul Vander Heide of Vander Mill leads an in-depth session at Gnome Brew on the fundamentals of cider making, covering apple selection, fermentation, balance, and practical techniques for producing high-quality cider at home.
About This Video
Paul Vander Heide, founder of Vander Mill, shares his experience building one of the Midwest’s most respected cider producers while explaining the core principles behind great cider. The talk begins with an overview of cider history, the growth of modern American cider making, and how Vander Mill developed its approach to producing balanced, expressive ciders.
The presentation explores the role of apples in cider production, including the importance of acidity, tannin, sugar, and aroma in creating structure and balance. Vander Heide explains how different apple varieties contribute these elements and how cider makers blend apples to achieve specific flavor profiles.
He also walks through the practical steps of cider fermentation, including juice preparation, yeast selection, fermentation management, and maturation. Special attention is given to maintaining balance between sweetness, acidity, tannin, and alcohol.
Throughout the session, Vander Heide offers practical guidance for home cider makers, discussing equipment options, fermentation troubleshooting, and techniques for improving clarity, flavor stability, and overall cider quality.
