Harpoon was started by three college buddies who wanted to bring the beer culture of Europe back to the U.S. More than 30 years later, they've made dozens of beers and ciders, like this original Craft Cider. One of the things I really like about their brand is the fact that they really make the apple the hero of the story. Crispin makes a Pacific Pear cider that's bright and fresh with a bit of a woody taste. It’s actually much closer to wine than beer; after all, hard cider is (like wine) the fermented juice of a fruit. The one that caught my eye is the Great Blakes Coffee Cider, which partners with Great Lakes Proud and Freshwater Future to raise awareness and funds for the conservation of the Great Lakes. The Lost Apples – Shacksbury Cider Website, My Celiac Disease Story: Diagnosis to Thriving, Gluten Free Hard Cider: A Beginner’s Guide, Traveling with Celiac Disease in New Zealand: NZ South Island Trip Recap, An Unforgettable Washington Road Trip Itinerary: A Local’s Complete Guide, Your Complete Guide to the 8 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, 9 Incredible Day Trips From Portland, Oregon to See the Best of the PNW, 2 Weeks in Colombia: Complete Guide to Planning Your Colombia Itinerary, Your Complete Guide to the Best Places to Stay in Olympic National Park. Disclaimer. Updated on 8/8/2019 at 4:55 PM. City: Minneapolis, Minn. ABV: 6.9% Sweet or dry: Dry Tastes Like: Cider mixed with Scotch ale and molasses We put hours of research into each of our trips, and we write detailed travel guides to share all of that knowledge with you and help you plan an unforgettable trip. Specifically, the Vermont apple. https://wheatlesswanderlust.com/best-hard-cider-brands-2019 One of my favorite parts of traveling is exploring the world of local cider, gluten free beer, and wine. In 2020, they’ll be opening their taproom. All of their ciders are gluten free. Crisp Unfiltered — Angry Orchard. Except it’s 6% alcohol, so maybe not. Hard cider’s renaissance has led to the proliferation of numerous cideries across the nation – all the way from the East Coast, in Boston and New York, to the Pacific Northwest and California. Cider Riot! Each of the ciders were poured into fresh glasses from new sealed bottles and served well chilled. My fiance and I went on a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park in the morning, and stopped at Stem Ciders on the way back. They make sour ciders that are much different than most cider companies, which goes back to what I said about “there’s something for everyone in the cider world. Below are some of the smaller best hard cider brands that I’ve discovered that you should keep an eye out for as you explore the world of gluten free hard cider. Their ciders are super approachable, and a great first step into the world of hard cider. Here is the list of the best cider brands (according to me – I am by no means an expert, just an enthusiast) in no particular order: The best and most innovative hard cider brands aren’t necessarily coming from a specific part of the country. reputation. all dry, all good. All I do is work so why not have a lot fun with it you know?”. OK Cider Co. has been serving up their beer-inspired hard ciders from their mobile taps at events in and around Oklahoma City for a while now. We love just about everything we've ever … With the best cider making kit of 2021, an easy recipe, and useful recommendations you can make wonderful cider without stress, frustration, and hassle.Once you see how easy it is, you’ll never want to buy hard cider again. Great cider for a great cause. There are phenomenal ciders coming from the West Coast, in California and the Pacific Northwest, the East Coast in New York, Boston and Vermont, and the Central US in Michigan, Texas, and Colorado. They also do some really interesting seasonal releases that change often, but are worth grabbing if you see them around. With retail sales exceeding the 200 million U.S. dollar mark, Angry Orchard was undoubtedly the leading brand of cider in the United States in 2019. Transcontinental — Anxo. The Tasting: The Fifty Best held a “blind” tasting of hard ciders with members of our judging panel. The Absolute Best Hard Ciders to Welcome the Fall Season 1 Angry Orchard Rosé Hard Cider (6-Pack). Grab a snack, pop a can and get ready to enjoy. All Rights Reserved. Updated Nov 07, 2019; Posted Nov 07, 2019 . As the leaves start to change, make your way to the grocery store (or Drizly, because delivery, duh) and try some of our fave hard ciders. Drink ... Woodchuck Hard Cider; Previous Winners. Makes 3 batches of hard cider with easy-to-follow videos and instructions. First, it’s the prettiest packaging I’ve ever seen on a cider. They have 45,000+ apple trees! The Rose is also very pleasant – a surprisingly deep red color with lots of berry notes. Golden State Cider has blown up over the last two or three years. All of their ciders are gluten free. Listen: The Angry Orchard classic cider isn't anything game-changing, but it's a light and crisp crowd-pleaser you always want to have around. 807 NE Couch Street. Made with the juice from rare, red-flesh apples sourced from France and a kiss... 2 Shacksbury Semi-Dry Hard Cider (4-Pack). This is the second part of a two-part series on the gluten free hard cider scene in America. In the summer, you can do a guided tour of the orchard! Don't give up rosé once summer is over...just turn it into cider. Redd's Apple Ale is a lower-carbonated cider, which makes sipping it lightly all the more enjoyable. They started in 2012 on a farm in Northern California, started popping up around the Bay Area in 2015 or so, and now they are the go-to cider for every bar in San Francisco. One of the ciders that changed my impression of cider and what it could be is Finnriver Cider’s Black Currant. It reminded me of “Sidra” from Spain – super dry, wild and unpredictable, tart, and a little bit sour. They have set up a place for cider enthusiasts to explore the world of cider – from the PNW to France and the UK – not just to show off their brand. I have my eyes on the Chile Guava, which I have yet to try. What they say: “Ace Joker has rapidly become our second top selling cider…made form our driest cider yet and made form 100% apple juice; it has champagne characteristics, a bit yeasty with a 6.9% ABV.It has won many awards and recently took the 2013 San Diego Cider and Beer Festival by … by FelMasterMind | Sep 27, 2019 | Drinks | Summer is nearing its end, and autumn is fast approaching. Their cider lineup is impressive. That being said, there are two East Coast cider companies and two Midwest cider companies that I have discovered that are doing some REALLY interesting things – from making Vermont apples the hero of their cider, to experimenting with new and interesting ways of making cider, to working with nonprofits to raise awareness and funds for the conservation of the Great Lakes. Because of that, I certainly am biased towards West Coast ciders because that’s what I know best. Conclusion: There’s Something For Everyone In the World of Hard Cider! I have no doubt that I am missing some of the best East Coast and Midwest cider brands, and I will add them as I come across them in the wild. Woodchuck Sangria Hard Cider. As soon as I see it, I will be buying it no questions asked. Hey friend! Our New Cookie Tins Are The Sweetest Gift, Holiday Cocktails To Put Some Cheer In Your Season, These Pizza Places Are Open On Christmas 2020, Disney Shared The Molasses Crackle Cookies Recipe, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. We're Matt and Alysha, and we quit our jobs to travel the world in February of 2020 (oops). You're going to want to try cider from a state known for their juicy, delicious apples. Cider doesn't always mean apple. Second, it was SOUR. Though it’s often lumped in with beer on store shelves and bar menus, cider is a category all its own. Don't give up rosé once summer is over...just turn it into cider. Some drinks just sound better at a certain time of year. The Mitten — Virtue Cider. What a delightful surprise. And it also happens to be where you’ll find some of the best American hard cider brands. Welcome! But that one time made me want more for two reasons. Try the Gingergrass and the Mighty Hops – both are fantastic, easy drinking dry ciders that are among my favorites of all time. Their motto is “No Shortcuts!” which shines through in the quality of their cider, and they have quickly risen up the ranks of my top cider companies. Founded in 2010, Citizen Cider is the brainchild of Justin Heilenbach, Bryan Holmes and Kris Nelson, three friends who made a commitment to make quality New England hard cider varieties using only fresh fruit from Vermont and New York. Sue me. Looking past Angry Orchard, which now has some varieties that are noticeably less sweet, you’ll find a range of ciders from dry, to sour, to sweet and syrupy – and everything in between. You can join their Cider Club here to check out some new and exciting experimental ciders that they put out. 10 Best Hard Ciders You’ll to Drink This Fall Wölffer Estates Vineyard: No. The Redstreak is a bittersweet apple that makes a cider with a spice apple pie flavour and a rich colour. To this day, it is probably the best hard cider I’ve ever had. I was on the lookout for Blake’s on my last trip to Chicago, and I was able to find it (multiple times, might I add). Best Overall: Dunkertons Dry Organic Cider . “Light” Hard Ciders are generally between 1.5 - 7% abv while “Strong” Hard Ciders are generally between 7 - 15% abv. By Susanna Forbes On 5/16/19 at 2:09 PM EDT Susanna Forbes They had never tried hard cider before, and we enjoyed cider flights that gave everyone an opportunity to explore the world of cider. Creating an offering to our customers like no other. However, in some ways, the growing popularity of cider has been a double-edged sword. All of the ciders they make are on the dry side of things, which is exactly what I like. Eve's double ferments and bottles all their ciders by hand, so you know this is truly artisanal. The thing I like about Golden State is that all of their ciders are on the dry side. Here is an excerpt from their website that explains what “No Shortcuts” means: “At 2 Towns Ciderhouse we made a commitment to always honor the rich history of cidermaking, and believe that at it’s core, craft cider should be simple, so we simply use the whole fruit and nothing else.Always whole, locally sourced agricultural ingredients”. Other standouts that rank among the best ciders around include the Habanero, the Apple Abbey, and the Dry Hopped. Their flagship is called “The Mighty Dry” and I see it all the time at both grocery stores and local bars in the Bay Area. I live on the West Coast, and spend a lot of time in the Bay Area, Seattle, and occasionally Portland. The standouts in their lineup are the aforementioned Grapefruit and Chill, the Pineapple Passionfruit (super sweet, but even I have to say it’s delicious) and the Excelsior, and 8.5% ABV Imperial-style cider. Like most cider companies, they have a line of year round ciders, including the amazing Hopricot and Sour Cherry, and a lineup of seasonal ciders that rotate throughout the year. 2020 U.S. Open Cider Championship Medal Winners & Grand National Champion. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They certainly deliver on that promise, with their core line delivering a new cider experience to American cider, and some experimental lines like Cloud City – a line of milkshake-inspired ciders including a “tart cherry dreamsicle” flavor – and Book of Nomad, some experimental fruity ciders. Woodchuck has been slinging cider since 1991, long before hard cider became commonplace at liquor stores and bars. Best Cider - 2019 . Now, they’re best known for crafting innovative ciders that push the boundaries of the very culture they helped create. We did a guided tasting and hung out for a few hours, learning about their process and trying experimental ciders that you can’t find anywhere else. The list goes on and on – discovering new and interesting local ciders has become part of the adventure. I missed the mango habanero, but the Rhubarb is fantastic. 8 Best Hard Ciders To Try in Fall 2020. They have a line of core ciders in cans – including a Dry, a Rose, and the Arlo – a wild-tasting hard cider with 0g of residual sugar that is among the best dry ciders I’ve ever had. The Hard Cider Making Kit is perfect for beginners. I still live on the West Coast. This Pacific Northwest-based cidery makes four ciders year round, including this dry hard cider, plus seasonal specialties. 139 Dry Rosé Cider. Their entire line up … For your next Halloween party, make sure you scare up several four-packs of... 2 Towns Ciderhouse: Hollow Jack’d. Seven Daysies Awards 2019. Citizen Cider | Burlington, VT. Angry Orchard, which has paved the way for smaller craft cider producers in the same way that Starbucks did for coffee, is sweet and syrupy. Privacy Policy. Whether you’re into sweet, dry, sour, or beer-like ciders, there’s something for everyone. Strict tasting rules were applied. In addition to being a fabulous place to try ciders, they also offer a full menu of apple-focused dishes made with local ingredients. Shacksbury Cider is one of the OG’s of the cider world. Terms and Conditions. Count me in when I find them. Let’s dive a little bit deeper into the world of American craft cider and take a look at ten of America’s best hard cider brands in 2019. All of their ciders are gluten free and free of preservatives. Lemon and ginger add tart spice, and the Game-of-Thrones-esque bottle is also seriously badass. Downeast makes plenty of great seasonal ciders, but their original will always be a favorite. B. Nektar's other ciders have equally double-take-inducing names, like Zombie Killer and Death Unicorn. In an interview with Cidercraft Magazine, the founder of Graft, Kyle Sherrer, said “I had this idea of setting up this world of Graft as a way of exploring flavors and new ways of thinking of cider. Seriously, look at this. They are based in the Seattle area, so when I came back fresh off of my first cider experience in London, I was super excited to try some local ciders! During the course of writing this article, I joined their cider club. Plus, the North's 31 best ciders. I also love that they have what they call the “Kinder Cider” series that donates a portion of sales to nonprofits. I grew up on the West Coast. 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