As a beer taster, I’ve had the pleasure of sampling a wide variety of brews. One of my favorites is Angry Orchard, a popular hard cider that’s both refreshing and delicious.
If you’re a fan of Angry Orchard and looking to broaden your horizons, you’re in luck! I’ve compiled a list of five other ciders that are similar to Angry Orchard in taste and quality. Each has its own unique twist, and I’m sure you’ll find a new favorite among them.
In this post, we’ll explore the following ciders similar to Angry Orchard:
1. Woodchuck Hard Cider
2. Crispin Original Hard Cider
3. Magners Irish Cider
4. Strongbow Gold Apple
5. Ace Joker Hard Cider
Without further ado, let’s dive into these five fantastic ciders and explore their origins, brewing methods, and taste profiles.
1. Woodchuck Hard Cider
Origin and Brew Method
Woodchuck Hard Cider hails from Vermont, where it has been produced since 1991. The cidery uses a blend of both culinary and bittersweet apples to craft their delightful ciders. Woodchuck prides itself on crafting small-batch ciders using only the finest ingredients and no artificial flavors or sweeteners.
Taste Profile
Woodchuck offers a variety of ciders, but their Amber is most similar to Angry Orchard. It has a beautiful amber color, with a slightly sweet, crisp, and refreshing taste. The apple aroma is prominent, and the finish is clean and smooth. If you’re a fan of Angry Orchard, you’ll definitely want to give Woodchuck Amber a try.
2. Crispin Original Hard Cider
Origin and Brew Method
Crispin Cider Company was founded in 2004 in Minnesota and is now a part of the MillerCoors family. The company uses fresh-pressed apple juice sourced from the Pacific Northwest to create their exceptional ciders. Their brewing process is unique, as they use both apple and pear juices and a special blend of yeasts to ferment their ciders.
Taste Profile
Crispin Original is a perfect alternative for Angry Orchard lovers. It has a clear, pale golden color and a bright apple aroma. The cider is medium-bodied, with a crisp and lightly sweet taste. The finish is clean and leaves you wanting another sip. If you enjoy a well-balanced cider, Crispin Original is worth a try.
3. Magners Irish Cider
Origin and Brew Method
Magners Irish Cider has a long history, dating back to 1935 in Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland. The cider is made using 17 different varieties of apples, which are harvested, pressed, and left to mature for up to two years. This lengthy maturation process contributes to Magners’ distinct flavor profile.
Taste Profile
Magners is a great choice for those who love Angry Orchard, as it has a similar sweet taste and smooth finish. It has a rich golden color and a pleasant apple aroma. The cider is medium-bodied, with a balanced sweetness and a hint of tartness. The finish is clean and refreshing, making Magners a delightful alternative to Angry Orchard.
4. Strongbow Gold Apple
Origin and Brew Method
Strongbow is a well-known English cider brand that was founded in 1960. The cider is made using a blend of bittersweet and culinary apples sourced from local orchards in Herefordshire, England. The apples are fermented using a unique process that involves both cold and warm fermentation techniques.
Taste Profile
Strongbow Gold Apple has a bright golden color and a strong aroma of fresh apples. The cider is medium-bodied, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The finish is clean and crisp, leaving you refreshed and ready for another sip. If you enjoy Angry Orchard, you’ll likely find Strongbow Gold Apple to be a satisfying alternative.
5. Ace Joker Hard Cider
Origin and Brew Method
Ace Joker is produced by California Cider Company, which was founded in 1993. The company uses apples sourced from Sonoma County, California, and ferments their ciders using champagne yeast. This unique fermentation process results in a drier, more refined cider.
Taste Profile
Ace Joker has a pale golden color and a bright apple aroma. The cider is light-bodied, with a crisp, tart flavor that’s less sweet than Angry Orchard. The finish is clean and refreshing, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a drier cider.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are plenty of alternatives to Angry Orchard that offer a similar taste profile and high-quality brewing methods. Each of these five ciders – Woodchuck Hard Cider, Crispin Original Hard Cider, Magners Irish Cider, Strongbow Gold Apple, and Ace Joker Hard Cider – provide a unique and enjoyable drinking experience.
My personal recommendation for an Angry Orchard alternative would be Woodchuck Amber, as it offers a fantastic balance of sweetness and crispness that’s perfect for any occasion. Cheers!
FAQs
What is the number 1 cider in the world?
The number 1 cider in the world is difficult to determine definitively as it can vary based on personal preferences and regional popularity. However, some well-known and highly regarded cider brands globally include Strongbow, Magners, and Bulmers.
What are popular hard ciders?
Popular hard ciders vary depending on personal preference and availability, but some well-known brands include Angry Orchard, Strongbow, Woodchuck, and Crispin. These brands offer a range of flavors and styles to cater to different tastes, from traditional apple ciders to innovative fruit-infused options.
Why is cider not popular in America?
Cider is not as popular in America compared to other alcoholic beverages for a few reasons. Firstly, cider production requires specific apple varieties that are not as widely grown in the US as they are in Europe. Additionally, the dominance of beer and wine in American drinking culture has limited the market for cider. Furthermore, historical factors such as Prohibition and the subsequent focus on beer production hindered the growth of the cider industry. However, in recent years, the popularity of cider has been increasing as more craft cider producers emerge and consumer tastes expand.
What is the most sold cider in the world?
The most sold cider in the world is difficult to determine definitively as it can vary depending on different regions and markets. However, some of the popular and widely recognized cider brands globally include Strongbow, Magners, and Bulmers.
Which cider is the best?
The best cider is subjective and depends on personal taste preferences. There are various factors to consider, such as sweetness, acidity, fruitiness, and overall flavor profile. It’s recommended to explore different cider brands and styles to find the one that suits your individual palate.
What is the number 1 selling cider in the world?
The number 1 selling cider in the world is Strongbow.
