006: Paul Zocco | Cidermaker of the Year

Paul Zocco, of Zok’s Homebrewing and Winemaking, is a 12 time winner of the title “New England Cidermaker of the Year” and he is discussing  cider recipes and trends in this episode.

Paul Zocco, New England Cidermaker of the Year with Ria

Paul has been running Zok’s Homebrewing and Winemaking Shop for the past 16 years. Over that time he has seen a growth of the homebrew shift from beer to cider grow exponentially.

In this episode, Paul chats...

Pasteurized versus not pasteurized apple juice

How to choose sweet cider from a cider mill

...Go to the cider mill and buy a pint of the fress pressed juice. Go out to the parking lot and try it. If it is good, go back and make a deal to buy 5 gallons. It is simple as that.

What does Paul uses to chop up his apples?

Answer: A machete

Paul chats about Angry Orchard, Woodchuck and their sweet ciders…and the benefit for new drinkers of cider.

Listen to Paul describe how to make classic New England Cider:

Key additives: Brown Sugar and Raisins

Links or Cidermaker's mentioned:

Zok’s Homebrew shop online :

Zok’s on Facebook

Contact him about his overseas and US beer tours or where to find a good sake bar in New York City.

 Sparkolloid Clarifier – clarifies the cider

Paul’s favorite cider yeast: Wyeast 4766 on Amazon

Another popular option: Sweet mead cider yeast: White Labs WLP720

Urban Farm Fermentory: A Maine Cidermaker

Farnum Hill Cider

Listen to this episode