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Cider Planet

Exploring the Producers, Practices, and Unique Traditions of Craft Cider and Perry from Around the World

Claude Jolicoeur author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Chelsea Green Publishing Co

Published:8th Dec '22

Should be back in stock very soon

Cider Planet cover

Shortlisted for the Guild of Food Writers Award 2023: Drinks Category

Longlisted for the André Simon Award for Drink Books for 2022

Real cider, craft cider, farm cider, artisan cider: Whatever you wish to call it, at its best, cider is made and should be enjoyed like a fine wine, with all of the sophistication but less of the pretentiousness. Just as there are many volumes devoted to the great wine regions of the world, we now need a ‘cider appreciation’ manual to fully understand and delve into the rich culture of cider and perry. Cider Planet is that book and Claude Jolicoeur is our expert guide.

In Cider Planet, Claude Jolicoeur – a cider expert, a passionate cider maker, and author of the internationally-acclaimed New Cider Maker’s Handbook – takes readers to the world’s greatest cider regions, providing a guided tour and a deep understanding and appreciation for how this ‘Prince of Beverages’ is made. Describing orchard practices and specific apple varieties used in different countries, he reveals the long and proud history of the world’s oldest ciderlands. He also profiles different cider styles and rituals and learns from some of the most knowledgeable producers and local cider experts in each country.

Cider, though, is no longer just a traditional European drink. In recent years it has caught on in other parts of the globe and Jolicoeur talks about these new and emerging regions, which are building upon the old traditions and creating new ones of their own. Jolicoeur also explores the most revered areas for making pear cider or ‘perry’, and he even transports readers to Kazakhstan, famous as the ‘birthplace of the domestic apple’.

"Claude’s unique involvement with the international craft cider scene makes him the perfect guide for the rest of us. He takes a deep look at the way that traditional and industrial cider processes have come to differ as much as they do, and he explores the distinct histories of ciders and perries in different countries and the way in which their fruit and climate have influenced their drinks. Along the way, he introduces us to some exceptional cider making personalities worldwide. In the light of the huge revival of interest in craft cider and its differentiation from the mainstream, this book is both timely and fascinating."

—Andrew Lea, author of Craft Cider Making


"In his new guide to global cider, Claude Jolicoeur offers a characteristically thorough overview of regional traditions and emerging trends. His even-handed descriptions of cider styles, fruit selections, and production methods describe the various influences shaping this often-misunderstood drink. What is ‘modern’ cider? How does it contrast with traditional and more artisanal styles? This is a very helpful and unbiased survey for those planning travel destinations, or are curious to learn where favorite local producers fit within the big picture of the Cider Planet."

—David Buchanan, owner, Portersfield Cider; author of Taste, Memory


"In typical erudite fashion, Claude brings his encyclopedic knowledge of orcharding practice, cidery process, and apple and pear varieties with him. Whether it’s being transported to Kazakhstan (the birthplace of the domestic apple), wandering the perry orchards of Herefordshire with Tom Oliver, exploring the diversity of apple varieties from North America, or a visit to any of cider’s other homes, this is the perfect accompaniment for a fascinating pomologically inspired voyage."

—Susanna Forbes, Little Pomona Orchard & Cidery


"Cider Planet is a delightfully written how-to, history, and travelogue all rolled into one fantastic read. Over the decades, Claude Jolicoeur has become one of the world’s most knowledgeable and articulate cider geeks. If you are a seasoned cider veteran or just getting curious, Cider Planet is for you."

—John Bunker, apple historian; author of Apples and the Art of Detection


"A delightful and deeply researched guide to the world’s best drink. Required reading for every ciderhead."

—Rowan Jacobsen, author of Apples of Uncommon Character


“[Jolicoeur] has brought his sharp intellect and endless curiosity to a new project. . . [Cider Planet is] well-referenced and utterly fascinating.”

—CIDERCRAFT Magazine

  • Short-listed for The Guild of Food Writers Award for Drinks Book 2023
  • Long-listed for André Simon Award for Drink Books 2022

ISBN: 9781645021414

Dimensions: 254mm x 178mm x 45mm

Weight: 989g

336 pages