What's so special about cider?
Before we explore the various ciders available, it's essential to first grasp what hard cider actually is. Most people are familiar with regular apple cider, which should not be confused with apple juice, as the latter is significantly more processed. Hard cider, on the other hand, is produced by adding yeast to apple juice, which ferments the naturally occurring sugars into alcohol. The unique characteristics of each cider stem from the different types of apple juice used and the various fermentation techniques employed.
"Fermentation methods can range from traditional and straightforward to highly advanced and innovative, with everything in between," explains Christine Walter, president of the American Cider Association and head cidermaker at Bauman's Cider Company. "Ciders can be sweet, dry, funky, crisp, apple-flavored, or even blended like a cocktail, offering a wide array of styles." This diversity is what makes ciders so adaptable. Now, let’s take a closer look at these distinctions to help you find the perfect cider that aligns with your taste preferences.
Classic: Portland Cider Company's Original Gold
For those in search of a quintessential hard cider experience and unsure where to begin, Portland Cider Company's Original Gold stands out as an excellent option. "This lively, crisp cider caters to all tastes," praises Ackerman Bacon. "[It's] subtly sweet yet classically dry, perfect for cider enthusiasts." Over the past few years, this cider has garnered numerous awards, including a gold medal at the 2024 International Cider Awards.
Original Gold exemplifies the art of traditional cider-making, emphasizing the natural flavors of the apples without unnecessary embellishments. Its well-balanced profile, featuring just the right blend of sweetness and dryness, makes it a perfect gateway into the realm of hard cider. You certainly can't go wrong with its timeless charm and outstanding quality. Pair it with a serving of fish and chips for the ultimate refreshment.
Tropical: 2 Towns Ciderhouse's Tropical Cosmic Crisp
If you're dreaming of a getaway to the Caribbean or craving tropical rum-infused cocktails, there's a cider that can satisfy your thirst even more: 2 Towns Ciderhouse's Tropical Cosmic Crisp. It's an ideal choice for anyone wanting to escape to a tropical paradise without leaving their own backyard. This distinctive cider is crafted from 100% Cosmic Crisp apples, a new and highly coveted variety celebrated for its crisp texture and sweet, juicy flavor.
What sets this cider apart is the addition of passion fruit and hibiscus flowers, which contribute a delightful tartness and a refreshing floral aroma to each sip. The tropical notes are beautifully balanced, enhancing the natural apple flavor without overwhelming it, creating a harmonious blend that complements the apple's inherent sweetness. Whether you're relaxing by the pool or braving the frigid winds in your snow-covered yard, Tropical Cosmic Crisp is a revitalizing choice that transports you to an island escape.
Bourbon fans: Island Orchard Cider's Brut in a Barrel
Apple and bourbon make for a timeless fall drink pairing, but their appeal isn't confined to cocktails. For bourbon enthusiasts eager to delve into the realm of hard cider, Island Orchard Cider's Brut in a Barrel is an essential choice. This remarkable cider undergoes a year-long aging process in bourbon barrels, infusing it with the rich, intricate flavors of the spirit. The barrel aging also brings forth subtle spice notes, enhancing the cider's overall complexity and elegance.
What sets Brut in a Barrel apart is its bottle conditioning, which produces a bubbly quality akin to sparkling wine. Ackerman Bacon notes that this method allows the bourbon characteristics to emerge, complemented by hints of vanilla. "The apple flavors remain the star of the show in this cider, sure to please any whiskey or bourbon enthusiast," she remarks. This cider beautifully bridges the gap between cider and bourbon, making it a delightful choice for both fan bases. For a perfect pairing, enjoy it alongside grilled flank steak tacos topped with stone fruit salsa for a sophisticated flavor experience.
Bone dry: Noble Cider's Black & Gold
Noble Cider's Black & Gold stands out in the realm of dry ciders, delivering a classic and sophisticated option for those who favor a less sweet taste. This cider is expertly crafted from a blend of Arkansas Black and Gold Rush apples, each known for their unique qualities.
The Arkansas Black apple is particularly distinctive, featuring a waxy, thick, nearly black skin that contributes high tannins, lending the cider a robust structure and dryness. In contrast, the Gold Rush apples infuse the blend with bright acidity and freshness. The result is a beautifully balanced cider that highlights the strengths of both apple varieties, creating a dry and elegant beverage that pairs wonderfully with a range of dishes, such as our easy slow cooker pulled pork or sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or Parmesan.
Those who like it hot: Blake's Hard Cider Co's El Chavo
Blake's Hard Cider Co.'s El Chavo is an excellent option for those craving a bit of spice in their cider, particularly during the chillier months. This semi-sweet cider blends the tropical flavor of ripe mangoes with the zesty heat of habanero peppers, resulting in a beverage that warms you from the inside out.
"[It's] an ideal winter warmer; this semi-sweet cider offers juicy mango notes upfront, followed by a warming habanero kick without any lingering burn," remarked Ackerman Bacon. While it’s easy to go overboard with spice, El Chavo strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and heat, ensuring that the habanero's warmth enhances rather than overwhelms the palate. This cider is perfect for enjoying by the fireplace or pairing with spicy dishes, such as a zesty slow cooker beef chili, as the mango's sweetness helps to mellow the heat of the peppers. For those wanting to spice up their cider selection, skip the hot sauce in your pantry and opt for a case of Blake's Hard Cider's El Chavo instead.
Sour: 1911 Established Hard Cider's Sour Tangerine
Established in 1911, Hard Cider's Sour Tangerine is a tantalizing treat that will delight any sour beer enthusiast. This cider marries the sharpness of a sour base with the vibrant, juicy essence of tangerines, resulting in a refreshing and zesty beverage that's hard to resist. Just be prepared for minimal sweetness—this hard cider is the antithesis of sugary.
Fortunately, the subtle hints of tangy, juicy tangerines provide a slight balance to the tartness of this cider. Ackerman Bacon praised it as mouthwatering, highlighting the dynamic interaction between the sour foundation and the sweet, citrusy tangerines that makes this cider truly unique. Its complex and layered flavor profile will keep you coming back for more. If you enjoy sour beers or kombucha, or if you're simply seeking something different in your cider collection, this cider will be a delightful surprise. It's especially great for pairing with roast chicken made with tangerines instead of lemon.
Adventurous: Stormalong's Light of the Sun
Stormalong Cider's Light of the Sun is an excellent option for adventurous cider enthusiasts seeking a new experience. This distinctive and invigorating blend combines fresh lemon, lime, yuzu, and jasmine green tea. It may sound unusual, but that's part of its charm. "The name of this cider perfectly captures its flavor profile," notes Ackerman Bacon.
She suggests bringing this refreshing cider along on your next hike. The citrus fruits deliver a vibrant and tangy taste, while the jasmine green tea contributes a gentle floral essence and a hint of earthiness. This cider is ideal for enjoying outdoors on a warm day, as its light and refreshing nature makes it a perfect thirst-quencher. If you're eager to venture beyond your usual choices and try something truly exceptional, this cider is a must-try.
Sweet: Seattle Cider Co's Honeycrisp Hard Cider
Seattle Cider Company's Honeycrisp is a dream come true for fans of sweet cider. Crafted from 100% Honeycrisp apples, this single-varietal cider highlights the inherent sweetness and juiciness of this cherished apple type. With a perfect balance of aroma, crispness, and natural sweetness, Ackerman Bacon praises the drink for its freshness, evoking the experience of biting into a fresh apple.
Renowned for its crisp texture and well-rounded sweet flavor, the Honeycrisp apple shines brilliantly in this cider. The authentic taste of the apples is allowed to take center stage, resulting in a cider that is both refreshing and luxurious. Seattle Cider Company's Honeycrisp is a celebration of simplicity, showcasing the remarkable flavor of a single apple variety in all its splendor.
For something sparkling: Eden Ciders' Brut Nature
For an exceptionally luxurious cider that feels like a celebration in itself, you simply must experience Eden Ciders' Brut Nature. Crafted from a blend of 14 heirloom apple varieties and taking nearly two years to perfect, this sparkling cider stands shoulder to shoulder with the finest champagnes in terms of sophistication and fizz.
Brut Nature is produced using the traditional méthode champenoise, which includes a secondary fermentation in the bottle to achieve its signature effervescence. The base cider is made from meticulously selected heritage and bittersweet apples, providing an ideal balance of acidity and tannins for a beverage of this quality. It is then aged for an impressive 18 months, allowing the flavors to mature and harmonize beautifully.
It's important to note that this cider is exceptionally dry, with vibrant bubbles that make it an ideal choice for champagne enthusiasts. With its delicate and persistent mousse that rivals the best sparkling wines, this cider is perfect for marking special occasions and celebrations.
Hoppy: Finnriver Farm & Cidery's Dry Hopped Cider
Finnriver Farm & Cidery's Dry Hopped Cider is an essential experience for anyone who appreciates the vibrant, citrusy notes found in Northwest IPAs. Originating from Washington State, a region famous for supplying 80% of the world's hops, this cider beautifully merges the characteristics of both cider and beer.
The foundation of this cider is crafted from a mix of dessert apples, delivering a crisp and invigorating base. It is then dry-hopped with organic Cascade hops, a traditional variety celebrated for its grapefruit and floral fragrances. Ackerman Bacon noted that this process results in a dry-hopped cider with just the right level of zest. The outcome is a cider that skillfully balances the hop bitterness with the inherent sweetness of the apples, offering a distinctive and refreshing flavor that will resonate with any beer enthusiast. This cider pairs wonderfully with dishes typically enjoyed alongside a cold, bitter beer, such as fish taco bowls, Bavarian pretzels, spicy noodles, or even a bowl of popcorn.
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