Hard cider brewers are picking up the apple industry
A new frontier for hand-crafted ciders
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FOOD Apple Cider
When most Americans think of apple cider, popping a fizzy bottle of Martinelli's at family parties often comes to mind. However, hard cider is taking over the North American brewery scene and creating the perfect blend of alcoholic drink and refreshing apple taste.
For nearly two decades, Angry Orchard has been the chief hard cider producer in the US. “Each heirloom apple found in the U.S. today carries a unique piece of American history and offers a complex flavor experience that translates into unexpected cider,” Ryan Burk, Angry Orchard’s head cider maker, told Mic.com.
As the demand for hard cider increases, brewers around the country are starting to respond with different variations. Jennifer Seiwald opened Summit Hard Cider and Perry Company in Fort Collins, CO, and is working to create a name for herself amongst the few top cider producers. “Unlike beer styles that are already very well-defined, the cider styles in the United States aren’t well-defined. And that’s great, because hopefully we’re embracing what’s available locally and creating interesting and tasty products and creating our own set of styles,” Seiwald said.
As more and more hard cider companies put down roots in the American beverage scene, consumers may opt for this refreshing option over a beer. Doesn't the old saying go, a hard apple cider a day keeps the doctor away?