Just like everything else, raw materials and fuel costs rising. Mason jars cost, the "good" turbo yeast is danged expensive and imported. I just had over $300 of new equipment delivered today
. Now looking at making watermelon wine and buying even more equipment. Placed another order fer other products that keep all the equipment clean and sanitized for $60 today just to keep my inventory levels up. Sugar is around $24 for 50 pounds and it takes a right smart. How much is my time or their time worth ? It is a dangerous game we play too. Just saying. The fancy distilleries
pay big bucks to keep theirs easy to get and others not so much.
Hard sparkilng cider will take even more equipment...................ain't cheap out here. I use activated carbon to filter and .005 micron filter media. More money. I can't speak for them but I enjoy it but it is not a get rich quick scheme in the small batch world I operate in. All I can say is taste and compare. There are folks that cut corners and you'll know if they do. Be careful, I'll take care of ya next year PROMISE.
New stainless steel pot
New food grade mash buckets
New airlocks
All for your safety