Cider Planet

“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

“A celebration of cider, a subject rooted in tradition and history. This is a well-written, very deeply researched and engaging book. Its easy-style account of cider and perry making, from every conceivable aspect, manages to keep momentum and showcase variety. Jolicoeur’s story shines a light on ciders and perries and their producers around the world.”

—The Guild of Food Writers Awards

Claude Jolicoeur is the author of The New Cider Maker’s Handbook, which has been acclaimed worldwide as a major reference on the topic of cider making. In French, he has authored Du pommier au cidre (From Apple Tree to Cider) and collaborated to the collective work La transformation du cidre au Québec (Cider Processing in Quebec).

A mechanical engineer and research scientist by profession, he started in the late 1980s making cider as a hobby. Since then, he has accumulated vast experience, always searching to obtain the highest quality possible. His ciders have earned many awards at competitions, including Best of Show at the prestigious Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP).

Claude has traveled widely throughout the Cider Planet, is regularly invited to be a guest speaker or cider judge at international cider festivals and events, and actively participates in discussion forums. He currently works on the evaluation of wild native apples for the establishment of collections of high-quality cider apple varieties that are well adapted to the conditions of eastern Canada. He lives in Quebec City.