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Andrew Byers

With 300 years of tradition behind us, Cider’s complexities are being brought to the people once again.. From England to China from North america to New Zealand apples grow, and sophisticated, accessible wine is made.

This course is for everyone interested in cider, but especially the educators- Chefs, bartenders, cellar managers, and servers. If you want to speak confidently about cider, you’re in the right place. You will connect with others around the country who share your interest in the fastest growing segment of the adult beverage market.

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What's inside

Learning objective

Critically assess the qualities of cider in the glass and cider in the bottle.

Syllabus

Introduction
Important Vocabulary List
Apple History and Traditions
Apple History
Read more

Check your knowledge of what we covered in "Apple History"

Quiz on the videos and materials in "Refinement of a Cider"

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores cider production from apple history and traditions to yeast, fermentation, refinement, and polishing, offering a comprehensive overview
Provides a toolkit to practice tasting and evaluating ciders, which is useful for professionals who need to assess cider quality
Examines the cider maker's choices regarding yeast and fermentation and how they influence the final product, which is key to understanding cider characteristics
Includes quizzes and tests after each section, which allows learners to check their knowledge of apple history, cider fruit, and fermentation

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive introduction to cider

According to learners, this course offers a solid introduction to the world of cider, covering its rich history and traditions. Many highlight the tasting section as particularly practical and valuable, providing useful skills for evaluation. Students appreciate the breadth of topics, from apple varieties to fermentation basics. While providing a good overview, some learners found the technical sections lacked sufficient depth for those with advanced interests or prior brewing/fermentation knowledge. The course is generally seen as well-suited for beginners and those in the hospitality industry, though some experienced reviewers found certain parts too basic.
Covers the history and traditions well.
"Really enjoyed learning about the history and global traditions of cider."
"The sections on apple history and regional differences were fascinating."
"Gave me a much deeper appreciation for the beverage's heritage."
"The historical context provided a rich background for understanding modern cider."
Provides a great overview for newcomers to cider.
"This course was the perfect starting point for me to learn about cider."
"I had very little knowledge before, and now I feel I have a solid foundation."
"An excellent introduction to the history, culture, and basics of cider making and appreciation."
"Ideal for someone completely new to the subject who wants a broad understanding."
Offers useful techniques for evaluating cider.
"The tasting matrix and evaluation methods taught are incredibly practical and useful."
"I feel much more confident assessing and describing ciders after completing the tasting module."
"The hands-on tasting assignments really helped solidify the concepts."
"Learning how to properly taste and evaluate cider was the most valuable part for me."
Some found the flow or organization confusing.
"Felt like some topics jumped around a bit, not always a smooth flow."
"The sequence of videos and readings could sometimes be confusing."
"Needed to revisit some sections multiple times to piece things together due to the structure."
"While the content is good, the presentation and organization could be improved."
Lacks depth in technical production details.
"Wish the sections on fermentation and yeast went into more technical detail."
"Good for an overview, but not sufficient if you want to deeply understand the production process."
"As a homebrewer, I found the technical parts too basic and didn't learn much new."
"Could use more in-depth coverage on the science behind fermentation and maturation."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cider to the World with these activities:
Review Apple Varieties and Characteristics
Reinforce your understanding of different apple varieties and their impact on cider flavor profiles before diving into the course.
Show steps
  • Review notes from previous horticulture or botany courses.
  • Research common cider apple varieties like Kingston Black or Yarlington Mill.
  • Create a chart comparing the characteristics of different apple varieties.
Read 'The World of Cider' by Bill Bradshaw
Expand your knowledge of cider history, production techniques, and regional variations by reading a comprehensive book on the subject.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The World of Cider'.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts and regions.
  • Reflect on how the book's content relates to the course syllabus.
Develop a Cider Tasting Journal
Practice your tasting skills and document your sensory experiences with different ciders to improve your evaluation abilities.
Show steps
  • Design a template for your tasting journal, including sections for appearance, aroma, taste, and overall impression.
  • Taste a variety of ciders, recording your observations in the journal.
  • Reflect on your tasting notes and identify common characteristics or differences between ciders.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow Online Cider Making Tutorials
Refine your understanding of cider production by following online tutorials and learning from experienced cider makers.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable online tutorials on cider making.
  • Follow the tutorials, paying attention to the techniques and equipment used.
  • Document your learning process and any challenges you encounter.
Read 'Cider Hard and Sweet' by Ben Watson
Deepen your understanding of cider production techniques and the role of apple varieties by reading a detailed guide on cider making.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Cider Hard and Sweet'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the sections related to fermentation and apple varieties.
  • Compare the book's content with the course materials and identify areas for further exploration.
Research and Present on a Specific Cider Region
Consolidate your knowledge by researching a specific cider-producing region and presenting your findings to others.
Show steps
  • Choose a cider region to research (e.g., Normandy, Asturias, Pacific Northwest).
  • Gather information on the region's history, apple varieties, production methods, and cider styles.
  • Create a presentation summarizing your research.
  • Present your findings to a group of peers or colleagues.
Create a Cider and Food Pairing Guide
Apply your knowledge of cider tasting and evaluation to create a guide that suggests appropriate food pairings for different cider styles.
Show steps
  • Research common food pairings for different cider styles.
  • Taste a variety of ciders and experiment with different food pairings.
  • Create a guide that suggests appropriate food pairings for each cider style, explaining the rationale behind each pairing.

Career center

Learners who complete Cider to the World will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Craft Beverage Educator
A craft beverage educator teaches consumers, professionals, or enthusiasts about various aspects of craft beverages, such as beer, wine, spirits, or cider. This course is directly relevant, as it provides in-depth knowledge of cider history, production, and tasting. Craft beverage educators will find the course's coverage of apple varieties, fermentation processes, and refinement techniques invaluable for creating comprehensive and engaging educational materials. You will also learn to critically assess the qualities of cider, which is essential for educating others about the nuances of this beverage. The tasting and evaluation toolkit included in the course provides a framework for teaching sensory analysis skills.
Cider Brand Ambassador
A cider brand ambassador promotes a specific cider brand through tastings, events, and educational programs. This course will assist by providing in-depth knowledge of cider history, production, and tasting, all essential for effectively representing a cider brand. Brand ambassadors will benefit from the course's coverage of apple varieties, fermentation processes, and refinement techniques. You can confidently communicate the brand's unique qualities and production methods. The tasting and evaluation section equips you with the skills to articulate the cider's flavor profile and characteristics. Overall, this course helps brand ambassadors to connect with consumers.
Cider Sales Representative
A cider sales representative is responsible for selling cider to retailers, restaurants, and bars. This course will assist by providing a thorough understanding of cider history, production, and tasting, all essential for effectively selling cider. You will benefit from the course's coverage of apple varieties, fermentation processes, and refinement techniques. The tasting and evaluation section equips you with the skills to articulate the cider's flavor profile and characteristics. Overall, this course helps sales representatives connect with customers and increase cider sales. Also, in the course the fact that there are educators, chefs, bartenders, cellar managers, and servers shows the wide range of people in jobs that can incorporate ciders.
Beverage Director
A beverage director oversees the entire beverage program for a restaurant, bar, or hotel. Their responsibilities include curating beverage menus, managing inventory, and training staff. This course is directly relevant, as it focuses on cider, a growing segment of the adult beverage market. As a beverage director, you will gain comprehensive knowledge of cider history, production, and tasting, giving you the tools to confidently incorporate cider into your beverage offerings. This course explores apple varieties, fermentation processes, and refinement techniques, all essential for understanding cider quality and potential. The tasting and evaluation section is particularly useful for a beverage director, enabling you to assess ciders and make informed purchasing decisions. This ensures a well-rounded and appealing beverage program.
Cider Maker
A cider maker is responsible for the entire process of crafting cider, from selecting apples to fermentation, maturation, and bottling. This course may be useful as it delves into the history and traditions of cider making, providing a foundation for understanding the nuances of the craft. You'll explore apple varieties, yeast selection, and fermentation techniques, which are crucial aspects of a cider maker's work. The course also covers refinement, maturation, and polishing processes, offering insights into creating high-quality cider. Furthermore, the tasting and evaluation toolkit will hone your sensory analysis skills, enabling you as a cider maker to critically assess your product and make informed decisions throughout the production process.
Brewery or Cidery Tour Guide
A brewery or cidery tour guide leads tours of brewing or cider-making facilities, educating visitors about the production process and the history of the beverage. This course is directly relevant, as it provides in-depth knowledge of cider history, traditions, and production methods. As a tour guide, you will be able to engage visitors with stories about apple varieties, fermentation techniques, and the nuances of cider tasting. The course's coverage of cider's place in the adult beverage market can be used to highlight the growing popularity of cider. The tasting and evaluation skills taught can be used to enhance the tour experience.
Quality Control Manager
A quality control manager ensures that products meet certain standards of quality and safety. In the context of cider production, this role involves monitoring the production process, testing cider samples, and identifying any potential issues. This course can be useful as it provides a comprehensive understanding of cider production, from apple selection to fermentation and maturation. Quality control managers will benefit from the knowledge of different cider styles and the factors that influence cider quality. The course's emphasis on tasting and evaluation equips you with the skills to assess cider quality and identify any potential defects. This ensures that only high-quality cider reaches the market.
Beverage Distributor
A beverage distributor is responsible for sourcing, marketing, and selling beverages to retailers, restaurants, and bars. This course is helpful, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of cider, a growing segment of the adult beverage market. You will learn about different cider styles, production methods, and tasting techniques, enabling them to make informed decisions about which ciders to distribute. The coverage of cider history and traditions can be used to create compelling marketing materials. The tasting and evaluation skills taught in the course allow beverage distributors to assess cider quality and provide informed recommendations to their clients. This ensures a well-rounded and appealing product portfolio.
Sommelier
A sommelier specializes in all aspects of wine service, including selection, storage, and pairing. While typically associated with wine, a sommelier's skills are transferable to other beverages, including cider. This course helps by providing a deep dive into the history, traditions, and production of cider, broadening your beverage knowledge. You will learn about apple varieties, fermentation processes, and the nuances of cider tasting. A sommelier who completes this course gains the ability to confidently recommend and pair ciders with food, enhancing the dining experience. The tasting and evaluation skills developed here are directly applicable to assessing cider quality and characteristics. A sommelier can thus expand their expertise by including cider in their repertoire.
Cellar Manager
A cellar manager oversees the storage, organization, and maintenance of a wine or beverage cellar. Included in their responsibilities are ensuring optimal conditions for aging, managing inventory, and assisting with selection. This course may be useful as it provides a deep understanding of cider production, from apple selection to fermentation and maturation. Cellar managers will benefit from the knowledge of different cider styles, helping them to organize and manage cider inventory effectively. You will learn about the factors that influence cider quality, allowing them to create ideal storage conditions. The course's emphasis on tasting and evaluation also equips you with the skills to assess cider quality and identify any potential issues during storage. Cellar managers can also use the knowledge gained to assist with cider selection for the cellar.
Food Writer
A food writer creates articles, blog posts, and other content about food and beverage topics. This course can be beneficial by providing in-depth knowledge of cider history, production, and tasting. With this knowledge, food writers can create engaging and informative content about cider, a growing trend in the beverage industry. The syllabus's coverage of apple varieties, fermentation processes, and refinement techniques will help you understand the nuances of cider production. As a food writer, you can leverage the tasting and evaluation skills to describe cider characteristics in a compelling way. This course will enable food writers to produce accurate and insightful articles.
Food and Beverage Manager
A food and beverage manager is responsible for the overall operation of a food and beverage department, including menu planning, staff management, and cost control. This course may be useful by providing you with specialized knowledge of cider, a growing trend in the beverage industry. You will learn about different cider styles, production methods, and tasting techniques, enabling them to make informed decisions about incorporating cider into your offerings. The knowledge of cider history and traditions adds depth to menu planning. The course addresses cider's role in the adult beverage market could help the manager identify opportunities for increasing revenue. You will be able to train staff on cider service and recommendations.
Restaurant Manager
A restaurant manager oversees the daily operations of a restaurant, ensuring smooth service, customer satisfaction, and profitability. This course can assist by providing a thorough understanding of cider, as it is a growing segment of the beverage market. You will learn about different cider styles, production methods, and tasting techniques, which allows you to make informed decisions about incorporating cider into the beverage menu. The exploration of cider history and traditions helps in creating a unique and appealing dining experience. The tasting and evaluation skills taught in the course allow restaurant managers to assess cider quality and provide informed recommendations to customers. Overall, restaurant managers will learn to better manage and promote cider sales, increasing profitability.
Recipe Developer
A recipe developer creates and tests new recipes for food and beverages. This course can be beneficial by providing specialized knowledge of cider, allowing you to develop innovative and appealing cider-based recipes. Recipe developers will benefit from the course's coverage of cider history, production, and tasting techniques. You will gain a better understanding of the flavor profiles and characteristics of different cider styles. This knowledge can be used to create recipes that complement and enhance the flavors of cider. The consideration of cider as a ingredient for food and beverage, and the exploration of cider in the adult beverage market could give a recipe developer a greater ability to create more interesting and unique recipes.
Agricultural Consultant
An agricultural consultant advises farmers and growers on best practices for crop production, soil management, and pest control. While this role typically focuses on broader agricultural issues, knowledge of specific crops like apples can be valuable. This course may be useful as it provides a deep dive into apple history, varieties, and traditions, offering insights into the specific needs and characteristics of cider apples. You will gain a better understanding of the factors that influence apple quality and yield. This knowledge can be used to provide more tailored advice to apple growers. The course's focus on cider production also gives you a broader perspective on the apple industry.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Cider to the World.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cider production, history, and styles from around the world. It valuable resource for understanding the global cider landscape and the diverse approaches to cider making. It offers a broader perspective than the course alone and useful reference for anyone serious about cider education. This book is commonly used by cider professionals.
Delves into the art and science of cider making, with a focus on traditional methods and the importance of apple varieties. It provides a deeper understanding of the fermentation process and the factors that influence cider quality. It is more valuable as additional reading to expand on the course material. This book useful reference tool for cider makers.

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