I adore the change of seasons so much, and here we are again at the springtide. A change of seasons heralds a change of wardrobe, of recipes, of activities, of colors brightening in the valley, and beverages.
Before we get started, let me begin by saying that Cider is not Beer. Cider is a kind of wine. It is not a kind of beer. Just like wine is made from fermenting grape juice, cider is made from fermenting apple juice. With all this being said, beer lovers like me are drawn to cider for a variety of reasons. Some ciders are made with ingredients like hops, botanicals, or salt that are reminiscent of beer styles. Different production methods are used to achieve a desired flavor profile. Some ciders are barrel-aged, while others are fermented in stainless steel. Ciders embody a fruitier, dry taste profile, with notes of acids and tannins from the apples.
Hard ciders are a popular and refreshing alternative to the bitter, hop-heavy flavor profiles of many types of beer. It’s time for us to cater to our customers who may not be beer fanatics. Cider can be a gluten-free or lower-alcohol alternative to beer. Many ciders can function as an alternative for people who need a cold one but can’t partake in your typical wheat beer or IPA.
Ciders feel extra special during spring; the flavor profiles complement the rising temperatures. The best way to celebrate the springtide is with a refreshing cider. No one does it better than The Woodchuck Cidery, and this April they are rolling out their Blueberry Woodchuck Cider. Blueberry is an enticing spring release. This crisp apple cider is topped off with a splash of blueberry juice to create a refreshing duo of crisp and light beverages for the top of the season. Perfect to start spring!
If ciders aren’t your thing because they are “too sweet,” remember that some ciders are similar to sour beers, being cloudy, vinegary, and tart. ACE Perry is the perfect cider for the job. This drink blends all-natural pear juice and Madagascar vanilla (for mouthfeel and smoothness). These flavors are added to the apple cider post-fermentation. Perry cider is bold, juicy, and unfiltered. It is delicious! It has a fresh pear flavor, is a little more rounded than their other selections, and is not too sweet.
Closing off our list, this citrus-packed cider lets you know that when it comes to fruity ciders, the sky’s the limit. Orange & pink sunsets are now within reach. You’re lying on the soft sand enjoying an orange creamsicle. The front of your palette is washed with a crisp, bright taste and a sour finish that brings you back for more. Orange and vanilla complement the juicy cider flavor, transporting you back to your childhood and a push-up pop on a hot summer day. This one is my personal favorite, a surprisingly dry submission to our month’s list! This orange cream cider by Country Boy Brewing is worthy of its spot.
The flavor of these ciders varies. Ciders can be classified from dry to sweet. Their appearance ranges from cloudy with sediment to completely clear, and their color ranges from almost colorless to a rainbow of hues. Ciders offer such a great selection that there is something for everyone in the whole catalog. Before summer is here, take advantage of this opportunity to try out a few ciders before hitting the pool when it’s too hot to handle.
The days are getting longer, the mornings brighter, the evenings are vibrant, and in the garden, the flower beds are in bloom. The seasons have changed in the blink of an eye. If you are yearning for a little additional comfort right now, you’ll be happy to hear that Mellow Mushroom is stocked with these powerhouse ciders right now! The flavors of these ciders vary. Spring is here, so take advantage of this opportunity to stop by Mellow Mushroom and get your hands on one of our unique fruited ciders. You don’t want to miss out.
-by Maeve Black
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