If you ever get to the states go to Door County in Wisconsin and get a jug of something called "Woodchuck" it is 100% apple juice and it is by far the best juice you have had. There is somethinf failry close at the markets here but it has other fruits mixed with it, can't get just straight fresh apple juice anywhere that I have found.
You only slightly ferment it, and drink it right away (within a week or so if kept in the fridge), so unless you are having a party a few litres is enough, I have never tried to carbonate it, though it might be interesting to do so.
To get the fermenting right I just tap a bit off and taste it every day until it gets to the point where it starts to dry but it is important not to be able to taste the alcohol, the alcohol produced ends up being very harsh and apparent in the drink and if you let it go too long it will be undrinkable IMHO.
The markets are tomorrow morning, and it is apple season, so maybe I will pick up a few kilos and have a go