Introduction:
As a seasoned brewer, I get this question quite often: what is the difference between apple ale and hard apple cider? Both beverages are popular, especially during autumn when apples are abundant, but there is still some confusion as to what sets them apart.
The main difference between apple ale and hard apple cider lies in their base ingredients and fermentation process. Apple ale is a beer brewed with malt and flavored with apples, while hard apple cider is made by fermenting apple juice or cider.
In this blog post, I will delve into the differences between the two, touching on aspects such as smell, appearance, and the brewing process. If you are an apple lover, or simply curious about these two delicious beverages, this post is for you.
1. Base Ingredients:
Apple Ale:
- Made with malted barley
- May contain hops for added bitterness
- Apples or apple juice added for flavoring
Hard Apple Cider:
- Made from apple juice or cider
- No malted barley or hops used
- Fermented with a variety of yeasts
2. Fermentation Process:
Apple Ale:
- Fermented with beer yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
- Fermentation temperature typically between 60-70°F (15-21°C)
- Fermentation time ranges from 1-3 weeks
Hard Apple Cider:
- Fermented with wine, cider, or champagne yeast (Saccharomyces or Brettanomyces strains)
- Fermentation temperature typically between 50-75°F (10-24°C)
- Fermentation time ranges from 1-6 months, sometimes longer for more complex ciders
3. Alcohol Content:
Apple Ale:
- Generally lower in alcohol, ranging from 4-7% ABV
- Some high-alcohol apple ales may reach 10% ABV or higher
Hard Apple Cider:
- Alcohol content varies widely, from 3-12% ABV
- Some high-alcohol ciders may reach 14% ABV or higher
4. Appearance:
Apple Ale:
- Color ranges from light gold to amber but usually darker than cider.
- Often has a frothy head
- Clarity can vary, but generally clearer than hard apple cider
Hard Apple Cider:
- Color ranges from pale yellow to deep amber
- No head, similar to wine or champagne
- Clarity can vary, often cloudy due to the presence of yeast and apple particles
5. Aroma:
Apple Ale:
- Malty aroma with apple notes
- May have a hoppy or floral scent, depending on the hops used
- Can exhibit a slight yeasty smell
Hard Apple Cider:
- Dominant apple aroma, often with a tart or sweet character
- May have a yeasty or funky smell, depending on the yeast strain used
- Can exhibit a slight alcohol aroma, particularly in high-alcohol ciders
6. Flavor:
Apple Ale:
- Malty sweetness with apple flavor
- Hop bitterness can be present, depending on the recipe
- May have a slight yeast-derived fruitiness
Hard Apple Cider:
- Apple flavor ranges from sweet to tart, depending on the apple variety and yeast strain used
- May have a tannic, astringent quality from apple seeds and skins
- Can exhibit a slight alcohol warmth, particularly in high-alcohol ciders
7. Mouthfeel:
Apple Ale:
- Medium to full-bodied, depending on the malt profile
- Carbonation ranges from moderate to high
- May have a slight creaminess from malt
Hard Apple Cider:
- Light to medium-bodied, depending on the apple variety and fermentation process
- Carbonation ranges from still to sparkling
- Can have a slight astringent quality from tannins
8. Serving Temperature:
Apple Ale:
- Best served at 45-55°F (7-13°C)
- Can be served in a pint glass, mug, or beer stein
Hard Apple Cider:
- Best served at 40-50°F (4-10°C)
- Can be served in a wine glass, champagne flute, or cider glass
9. Food Pairings:
Apple Ale:
- Pairs well with roasted meats, such as pork or chicken
- Complements dishes with apple, cinnamon, or nutmeg flavors
- Enhances hearty salads with nuts and dried fruit
Hard Apple Cider:
- Pairs well with sharp cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda
- Complements dishes with apple, sage, or rosemary flavors
- Enhances light seafood dishes, like shrimp or scallops
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the difference between apple ale and hard apple cider lies in their base ingredients, fermentation process, and overall characteristics. Apple ale is a beer brewed with malt and flavored with apples, while hard apple cider is made by fermenting apple juice or cider. To sum up, here are ten key facts about the two beverages:
1. Apple ale is made with malted barley and hops, while hard apple cider is made from apple juice or cider.
2. Apple ale is fermented with beer yeast, while hard apple cider is fermented with wine, cider, or champagne yeast.
3. The alcohol content of apple ale is generally lower than that of hard apple cider.
4. Apple ale has a frothy head and is generally clearer than hard apple cider.
5. The aroma of apple ale is malty with apple notes, while hard apple cider has a dominant apple aroma.
6. The flavor of apple ale is malty with apple flavor, while hard apple cider ranges from sweet to tart apple flavor.
7. Apple ale has a medium to full mouthfeel, while hard apple cider is light to medium-bodied.
8. Apple ale is best served at 45-55°F (7-13°C), while hard apple cider is best served at 40-50°F (4-10°C).
9. Apple ale pairs well with roasted meats and hearty salads, while hard apple cider pairs well with sharp cheeses and light seafood dishes.
10. Both apple ale and hard apple cider are delicious and versatile beverages, perfect for enjoying on a crisp autumn day.
FAQs
Is apple cider an ale?
No, apple cider is not an ale. Ales are a type of beer made from malted barley, while apple cider is a fermented beverage made from apples.
Why is it called hard cider?
Hard cider is called “hard” because it contains alcohol, typically between 5-8% ABV, which is produced by the fermentation of the sugars found in apples or other fruits. The term “hard” is used to distinguish alcoholic cider from non-alcoholic or “soft” cider, which is made from fresh apple juice and does not undergo fermentation.
Can you drink hard apple cider?
Yes, hard apple cider is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice and is safe for adults to drink in moderation.
What kind of alcohol is hard apple cider?
Hard apple cider is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice. It typically has an alcohol content of 4-8% and is considered a type of beer or wine rather than a type of liquor.
Is there alcohol in hard apple cider?
Yes, hard apple cider contains alcohol.
Is hard cider alcohol free?
No, hard cider is not alcohol-free. It typically contains between 4% and 8% alcohol by volume (ABV).
