Barry M
@barmas.bsky.social
Maker of Kertelreiter cider & perry. Planter of orchards. Pear freak, wannabe pomologist, cider historian, homebrewer, former beer blogger. Editor at Cider Review. ACA Certified Pommelier. Irish in Germany. Owned by a border collie.
Look at this amazing pear! The tree has been on my mind the past couple weeks. I recalled seeing it first about two years ago in November, pears still hanging, most unusual, so we drove by it today. Forgot my phone. Pears on the ground but in perfect condition. Maybe a cooking pear. Some tannin.
November 29, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Look at this amazing pear! The tree has been on my mind the past couple weeks. I recalled seeing it first about two years ago in November, pears still hanging, most unusual, so we drove by it today. Forgot my phone. Pears on the ground but in perfect condition. Maybe a cooking pear. Some tannin.
Reposted by Barry M
Modern Myth-Busting: The Cyder Controversi.
In which @barmas.bsky.social debunks the modern myth that ‘cyder’ and ‘cider’ are two different drinks, tracing the spelling history and enduring cultural heritage of cider.
In which @barmas.bsky.social debunks the modern myth that ‘cyder’ and ‘cider’ are two different drinks, tracing the spelling history and enduring cultural heritage of cider.
Modern Myth-Busting: The Cyder Controversi
Barry debunks the myth that ‘cyder’ and ‘cider’ are different drinks, tracing the spelling history and enduring cultural heritage of cider.
cider-review.com
November 29, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Modern Myth-Busting: The Cyder Controversi.
In which @barmas.bsky.social debunks the modern myth that ‘cyder’ and ‘cider’ are two different drinks, tracing the spelling history and enduring cultural heritage of cider.
In which @barmas.bsky.social debunks the modern myth that ‘cyder’ and ‘cider’ are two different drinks, tracing the spelling history and enduring cultural heritage of cider.
This is ridiculous. I assumed if they start Monday on the roof they might need these cladding boards by Wednesday. Nope, Monday. Got the weather protect varnish, scrambled to make some sort of space in the stall & feeding hall, and got first coat on. Stupidly short notice & wood he brought was damp.
November 29, 2025 at 4:45 PM
This is ridiculous. I assumed if they start Monday on the roof they might need these cladding boards by Wednesday. Nope, Monday. Got the weather protect varnish, scrambled to make some sort of space in the stall & feeding hall, and got first coat on. Stupidly short notice & wood he brought was damp.
I started writing this in April 2024, but decided not to finish it as it didn’t seem worth it (potential Pandora’s box). But as I’m increasingly hearing cider makers say that cyder was something different to & better than cider (spoiler alert, it wasn’t), it was time to set the record straight.
Modern Myth-Busting: The Cyder Controversi.
In which @barmas.bsky.social debunks the modern myth that ‘cyder’ and ‘cider’ are two different drinks, tracing the spelling history and enduring cultural heritage of cider.
In which @barmas.bsky.social debunks the modern myth that ‘cyder’ and ‘cider’ are two different drinks, tracing the spelling history and enduring cultural heritage of cider.
Modern Myth-Busting: The Cyder Controversi
Barry debunks the myth that ‘cyder’ and ‘cider’ are different drinks, tracing the spelling history and enduring cultural heritage of cider.
cider-review.com
November 29, 2025 at 8:48 AM
I started writing this in April 2024, but decided not to finish it as it didn’t seem worth it (potential Pandora’s box). But as I’m increasingly hearing cider makers say that cyder was something different to & better than cider (spoiler alert, it wasn’t), it was time to set the record straight.
Wonder if it’s too wet to be digging holes in the ground. 🤔 Let’s see later on.
November 29, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Wonder if it’s too wet to be digging holes in the ground. 🤔 Let’s see later on.
Reposted by Barry M
Quark, strangeness and charm; PXR5; Spiral Galaxy 28948; Levitation; Master (of the universe) son!
November 28, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Quark, strangeness and charm; PXR5; Spiral Galaxy 28948; Levitation; Master (of the universe) son!
There are four Hawkwind song titles in this photo.
I know… but fermenter need names, as do perries 😜
I know… but fermenter need names, as do perries 😜
November 28, 2025 at 6:52 PM
There are four Hawkwind song titles in this photo.
I know… but fermenter need names, as do perries 😜
I know… but fermenter need names, as do perries 😜
Yard cleaned of leaves and the whole place hosed down. Time for a Feierabendbier. The little keg that keeps on giving.
November 28, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Yard cleaned of leaves and the whole place hosed down. Time for a Feierabendbier. The little keg that keeps on giving.
I think I’ll make medlar jelly this weekend. But I’d better grab them soon.
November 28, 2025 at 8:09 AM
I think I’ll make medlar jelly this weekend. But I’d better grab them soon.
So, I’ve finally said no to doing a talk in January for the pomology society. I’m just feeling too thinly spread at the moment. A start to 2026 being a year of trying g to saying no to things, yet I feel bad about it.
Might need some retail therapy! As if I haven’t done enough of that this week 😬 😁
Might need some retail therapy! As if I haven’t done enough of that this week 😬 😁
November 27, 2025 at 8:56 PM
So, I’ve finally said no to doing a talk in January for the pomology society. I’m just feeling too thinly spread at the moment. A start to 2026 being a year of trying g to saying no to things, yet I feel bad about it.
Might need some retail therapy! As if I haven’t done enough of that this week 😬 😁
Might need some retail therapy! As if I haven’t done enough of that this week 😬 😁
While eating, doing some final edits on a long myth-busting article for @ciderreview.bsky.social this Saturday. I suspect some people may not be happy with what I have to say, but the truth doesn’t care, it just is. Thanks @lzbth.bsky.social for casting an eye over for the sake of my sanity ☺️
November 27, 2025 at 5:57 PM
While eating, doing some final edits on a long myth-busting article for @ciderreview.bsky.social this Saturday. I suspect some people may not be happy with what I have to say, but the truth doesn’t care, it just is. Thanks @lzbth.bsky.social for casting an eye over for the sake of my sanity ☺️
Cidery got upgraded. Had my eyes on this kit for some time but could never justify cost. Saw a good reduction, so screw it. This will ease measuring alcohol content & residual sugars of not just stuff we make, but will be fun to see what it does with other tasting samples 😈 Should do unboxing vid 😆
November 27, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Cidery got upgraded. Had my eyes on this kit for some time but could never justify cost. Saw a good reduction, so screw it. This will ease measuring alcohol content & residual sugars of not just stuff we make, but will be fun to see what it does with other tasting samples 😈 Should do unboxing vid 😆
As thinking about pots the other day made me recall our Römertopf, I’ve dusted it off to make a bean and veggie stew. I don’t eat enough veg, being mostly a meat and cheese freak, but I do like this simple recipe. Let’s see how it looks in a couple of hours.
November 27, 2025 at 3:28 PM
As thinking about pots the other day made me recall our Römertopf, I’ve dusted it off to make a bean and veggie stew. I don’t eat enough veg, being mostly a meat and cheese freak, but I do like this simple recipe. Let’s see how it looks in a couple of hours.
Reposted by Barry M
Yes, we have a short midweek post again! This time, Claire takes us back to the sunshine of July 2025, when the Cider Women convened at Artistraw for their AGM, celebrating a shared passion for cider and perry. A reminder of the sunshine that will return to this northern hemisphere.
Cider Women Cider Share 2025
Claire takes us back to the sunshine of July 2025, when the Cider Women convened at Artistraw for their AGM, celebrating a shared passion for cider and perry.
cider-review.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Yes, we have a short midweek post again! This time, Claire takes us back to the sunshine of July 2025, when the Cider Women convened at Artistraw for their AGM, celebrating a shared passion for cider and perry. A reminder of the sunshine that will return to this northern hemisphere.
Anu would like some pizza.
November 26, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Anu would like some pizza.
That 15L keg of Märzen I tapped last Saturday night after the final pressing (quince) is still giving. And it is now decided that was the final pressing. Anu and I walked through the orchard this evening and I think we’re done. The freezing temps a few days ago put an end to any more harvesting.
November 26, 2025 at 4:48 PM
That 15L keg of Märzen I tapped last Saturday night after the final pressing (quince) is still giving. And it is now decided that was the final pressing. Anu and I walked through the orchard this evening and I think we’re done. The freezing temps a few days ago put an end to any more harvesting.
It has been decided that my wife will get me a cast iron Dutch oven for Christmas 😉 I’d better order so 😆
I’ve been resisting an impulse buy of an on sale cast iron Dutch oven all day, but if I wake at 4 in the morning again, there’s a high chance I’ll succumb. Don’t really need it, but I like the idea of throwing one into our fire pit with chilli or a beef stew. Look how inviting they make it! 😭😄
November 26, 2025 at 3:20 PM
It has been decided that my wife will get me a cast iron Dutch oven for Christmas 😉 I’d better order so 😆
Meanwhile, on a long walk and it just struck me how odd it feels that there’s not a single person in sight the whole time I’ve been out of the village, and with a good couple km view in all directions. So quiet. It’s nice.
Anu patiently posed for that shot, she’s pleased with herself 😁
Anu patiently posed for that shot, she’s pleased with herself 😁
November 26, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Meanwhile, on a long walk and it just struck me how odd it feels that there’s not a single person in sight the whole time I’ve been out of the village, and with a good couple km view in all directions. So quiet. It’s nice.
Anu patiently posed for that shot, she’s pleased with herself 😁
Anu patiently posed for that shot, she’s pleased with herself 😁
Just to reassure those concerned about Pancakes health (as she peed in my office yesterday), she’s fine. She just made a poor choice (maybe because someone forgot to clean out her toilet)😄
November 26, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Just to reassure those concerned about Pancakes health (as she peed in my office yesterday), she’s fine. She just made a poor choice (maybe because someone forgot to clean out her toilet)😄
I’ve been resisting an impulse buy of an on sale cast iron Dutch oven all day, but if I wake at 4 in the morning again, there’s a high chance I’ll succumb. Don’t really need it, but I like the idea of throwing one into our fire pit with chilli or a beef stew. Look how inviting they make it! 😭😄
November 25, 2025 at 9:01 PM
I’ve been resisting an impulse buy of an on sale cast iron Dutch oven all day, but if I wake at 4 in the morning again, there’s a high chance I’ll succumb. Don’t really need it, but I like the idea of throwing one into our fire pit with chilli or a beef stew. Look how inviting they make it! 😭😄
Look at her. Like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth. She’s trying to be nice to me after taking a piss in my office earlier today. Admittedly, most unusual for her!
November 25, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Look at her. Like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth. She’s trying to be nice to me after taking a piss in my office earlier today. Admittedly, most unusual for her!
The juice froze overnight (was -8 sat night), giving a slight gravity increase from 1.045 to 1.055 once drained from the ice. Would have liked to recreate the next night but temps rose again. Will ferment with bay leaves for shots and giggles.
November 24, 2025 at 4:52 PM
The juice froze overnight (was -8 sat night), giving a slight gravity increase from 1.045 to 1.055 once drained from the ice. Would have liked to recreate the next night but temps rose again. Will ferment with bay leaves for shots and giggles.
Reposted by Barry M
If you're stuck for ideas as to how to do something a bit different with this year's massive fruit harvests, I have a growing collection - 125 and counting - of historical and modern orchard and soft fruit recipes, wherein you might find a bit of inspiration:
orchardnotes.com/fruit-recipes/
orchardnotes.com/fruit-recipes/
November 23, 2025 at 11:28 AM
If you're stuck for ideas as to how to do something a bit different with this year's massive fruit harvests, I have a growing collection - 125 and counting - of historical and modern orchard and soft fruit recipes, wherein you might find a bit of inspiration:
orchardnotes.com/fruit-recipes/
orchardnotes.com/fruit-recipes/
Reposted by Barry M
Massive shoutout out to whoever handles the Royal Canadian Air Force’s social media account. They responded to every single comment on their already very solid Trans Day of Remembrance post and they responded like this…
November 22, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Massive shoutout out to whoever handles the Royal Canadian Air Force’s social media account. They responded to every single comment on their already very solid Trans Day of Remembrance post and they responded like this…
Just tapped a keg of Märzen, as you do. I’m hoping someone comes by to help!
November 22, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Just tapped a keg of Märzen, as you do. I’m hoping someone comes by to help!