Just in Time for Fall! Exploring the World of Hard Cider Beers
Hard cider beers are an incredibly refreshing beverage option, and now that fall is just around the corner, there’s no better time to explore the world of hard cider beers and the many different flavors available. One of the most notable things about hard cider beers, as opposed to other types of beers, is the fact that they retain quite a bit of their fruity flavor profile, which means that there are plenty of ways to jazz them up for a special kick that is sure to send some taste buds tingling.
Apple is, of course, the most traditional hard cider flavor, and there are numerous different ways to craft a hard apple cider beer to take it beyond the ordinary and into the realm of the extraordinary. Playing up the sweeter notes of hard apple cider with other fruity and floral notes is an excellent way to take advantage of all the best parts of the apple flavor. Apple also pairs especially well with tart flavors, which gives them some sharpness that complements their sweetness, and may even pair well with particular flavors such as caramel for a unique and unusual twist reminiscent of carnival flavors.
Another popular fruit cider that has been gaining steam in recent years is pear. Pear has gained popularity in large part because it has the same qualities as apple in that it is sweet and refreshing and pairs well with many different spice flavors while still providing something a little bit different to those who have already whetted their taste buds on the many different apple ciders available for sampling. Pear, on the whole, tends to be a bit lighter and sweeter than apple, and the flavors chosen to flavor apple should be selected accordingly.
One of the important things to take note of is that – while it remains ever-popular – it’s not all about the apple cider. Pumpkin cider, in particular, is a growing fall favorite, as it combines the hearty and full flavor of pumpkin and pumpkin spices with the warm flavor of alcohol for a drink that really brings out the sensation of fall. The addition of cloves, cinnamon, and woody notes help to make pumpkin-flavored ciders embody the sensation of fall. This season is a flavorist’s dream when it comes to crafting incredible cider flavors!