Apple Variety Recommendations?

[Matt Wilson]

Hello Everyone,

I am somewhat new to cider making.  I have an old Honeygold tree that I have really enjoyed making cider from.  My neighbor has a McIntosh tree that is also quite established and has blended well with mine. I am looking for another variety to plant that would compliment these trees and eventually replace my Honeygold as it is gradually declining.  It would be great if it would both be relatively easy to grow and be a great single varietal.  Any recommendations?

I live in the Minneapolis St. Paul area. 

Matt

[Jason Cassidy]

Hi Matt,

It depends what you want to contribute to your cider (acid, more sugars, distinct flavor, tannin) but I would recommend Liberty for our region - it's going to be easy to grow and is naturally resistant to many common apple tree diseases. It seems that based on your apple choices you are going for more of a modern american cider (high acid, ligh apple flavor) and it would be in the neighborhood of the other apples you have on hand. We grow a lot of it and it makes very good cider in my opinion although we mainly use it for acid contributions and it's snappy flavor post ferment. 

I'm down in Madison, WI, but I think our climate is essentially the same. Our Liberty trees have weathered many fireblight outbreaks whereas many other cider-specific varieties have withered and died.

Hope this helps!

Jason

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[CGJ]

Hi Matt,

As others will point out, it depends on what you want to bring to your
cider, and how you plan to finish it.

In my experience, "McIntosh types" ( McIntosh itself, but also Cortland,
Liberty, Fameuse, etc.) fermented pure (or a mix amongst themselves) to
dryness can result in a somewhat harsh product that takes several years
to become palatable. However, mixed about 1 part in 3 with others, the
distinctive McIntosh vinous (rose?) flavor brings in a fresh, floral
scent. I'm still at the early stages of learning all this myself, but it
seems that about 1 part McIntosh with 1 part russet and 1 part
"everything else", racked several times to finish out at SG 1.005 to
1.01 gives an easy drink for those of us who grew up drinking only
freshly pressed apple juice (generally heavy in McIntosh).

Carl Johnson
West Barnstable,
Massachusetts

[Jeremie Reinhart]

Actually a chestnut crabapple tree would be perfect imo

Jeremie Reinhart , Cambridge MN- Nord Cider

"Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard"

“Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can't”

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[Charles Claus]

Matt,

I would recommend planting more than one tree as it greatly increases the odds of one of them becoming viable. Things happen over time that can adversely affect a small apple tree - disease, dogs, cats, mice etc. 

Re varieties - why not plant a new Honeygold to replace the old one? Other potential varieties you might consider would be Keepsake, Wolf River or possibly even Belle de Boskoop.

Charles Claus, Terrace, BC

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