Hard Apple Ciders - Post your favorites (Read 3470 times)

eyeeatingfish

Hard Apple Ciders - Post your favorites
« on: April 19, 2016, 09:23:18 AM »
So we had one for beer, and one for whiskey, neither of which I care for so I am starting my own!

Discuss your favorite hard apple ciders and where to buy them!
(Other types of fruit ciders welcome as well)

I discovered hard ciders a few years ago and have been trying more and more brands. It is a good alternative to beer but won't get you teased like drinking mike's hard lemonade or smirnoff ice (my old drinks of choice)

Out of the mass market brands I think my favorite has been the Angry Orchard brand so far. Tried maybe 6-8 of the larger brands. Foodland has a decent selection, and still have two new brands to try.

Had a bunch of smaller craft brands when I visited Washington recently.
« Last Edit: April 19, 2016, 04:03:33 PM by eyeeatingfish »

Tom_G

Re: Hard Apple Ciders - Post your favorites
« Reply #1 on: April 19, 2016, 08:18:09 PM »
I've made a couple of batches.  Not as successful as my beer.  I imagine it would be better if I knew someone with an orchard and a cider press! 
The difference between theory and reality is that, in theory, there is no difference between theory and reality.

GlockNewb

Re: Hard Apple Ciders - Post your favorites
« Reply #2 on: April 19, 2016, 09:17:59 PM »
Angry Orchard - too sweet for me, but their Green Apple seasonal has a good sourness to it
Smith & Forge - strong as far as ciders go, flavorful too
Strongbow - light, very little flavor, thought more of cheap champagne
Stella Cidrè - favorite single-serve, lightly sweet, crisp, holds very good fizz
Iceman (Angry Orchard) - 10% alcohol...good times ;)
"Fast is slow, slow is smooth, smooth is fast."

eyeeatingfish

Re: Hard Apple Ciders - Post your favorites
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2016, 06:45:02 AM »
Angry Orchard - too sweet for me, but their Green Apple seasonal has a good sourness to it
Smith & Forge - strong as far as ciders go, flavorful too
Strongbow - light, very little flavor, thought more of cheap champagne
Stella Cidrè - favorite single-serve, lightly sweet, crisp, holds very good fizz
Iceman (Angry Orchard) - 10% alcohol...good times ;)

I loved the Angry Ochard Iceman. Costco had it at one point.
Smith and forge tasted very appley, good but it is made by one of the big beer companies, coors or budweiser I think.
Strongbow - wasn't a fan either. Kind of had a bitterness like wine, not enough apple flavor.
Perry Apple cider and Pear cider - both tasted very watery to me, never buying that again.

I have a jar od Wilde Cider and Square mile brands I have been waiting to try.

eyeeatingfish

Re: Hard Apple Ciders - Post your favorites
« Reply #4 on: April 25, 2016, 12:15:35 AM »
I've made a couple of batches.  Not as successful as my beer.  I imagine it would be better if I knew someone with an orchard and a cider press!

Where did you get the yeast and what type? I have been wanting to try.

From what I have read, doing it from fresh apples is difficult. You have to worry about getting botulism.