Does fall make you feel a strong desire to go apple picking at a local orchard? If so, look for one with cider-making capabilities — especially hard cider, the latest and hottest craft brew in America. Read on for a look at the cider industry in the United States, plus reasons why hard cider may just be a better fall spirit than beer.
Hard cider renaissance
You know that old adage about how something is as American as apple pie, right? Well, think about it. It includes an inherently patriotic fruit, the apple, not a mug of beer. In fact, apples and apple cider have been around for centuries. There is evidence that some of the founding fathers were even making their own hard cider and this beverage was quite popular until Prohibition in the early 20th century.
Fast forward about 100 years and hard cider has made a remarkable comeback. According to Tasting Table magazine, the U.S. cider market has grown significantly. There are several factors contributing to cider’s resurgence. One is pure demographics.
Millennials and Baby Boomers — two of America’s largest generational demographics — choose hard cider as their preferred alcoholic beverage. According to Cider Craft Magazine, they comprise 69% of hard cider drinkers. Plus, even though not every member of Gen Z has come of drinking age yet, Cider Craft Magazine said that approximately 20% of Gen Z already consider themselves cider drinkers.
Also, small cideries are growing in popularity because consumers like to support locally produced goods. It’s part of an agritourism trend that encourages people to visit local farms and food producers for entertainment or on special occasions like Maine Maple Weekend, which focuses on maple syrup production.
Maine, in particular, has experienced a hard cider revival. It has matured into a region known for its unique cider offerings and many cider houses that are open for tastings. Cider producers have tapped into the rich history and tradition of cider making, integrating this heritage into modern craft practices.
Along with Maine, other states that are top apple producers are also seeing a hard cider renaissance. This includes Washington State, New York and Michigan. However, the apples these states grow for cider are different from what you see in the supermarket. “Grocery store apples are what we call dessert apples,” explained Bill Michaels, owner of Fly Creek Cider Mill in Fly Creek, New York. “Hard cider apples are often not very sweet but have an astringency that makes great tasting ciders.”
Reasons why cider is better than beer
There are several reasons that Americans might want to choose a hard apple cider over a pint of beer. This includes health benefits, sustainability and overall taste.
Cider tastes better than beer
To some, beer is an acquired taste. To others, they never learn to like beer. For them, choosing the sweetness of cider over the earthiness of beer makes sense. “Ciders are basically fermented apple juice, so they are fruity and taste like a fizzy, easy-going wine or cocktail,” explained Chelsey Rosetter, co-founder of Benny Boy Brewing in Los Angeles. “On the other hand, beer tastes malty and is sometimes bitter.”
Even though apple cider tastes delicious on its own, producers like Benny Boy Brewing are experimenting with blending in different fruits, such as mango, pineapple and pomegranate. During the fall, they’ll blend in seasonal flavors such as oranges and cranberries. This experimentation enhances the product’s appeal and market reach. “Why are our fruited ciders so popular?” Rosetter asked rhetorically. “Because there’s a flavor for everyone.”
Cider could be better for some people than beer
Because cider comes from apples and other fruits, it tends to have a long list of vitamins and nutrients. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, hard cider includes vitamin C and vitamin K — also known as potassium.
If you need a gluten-free drink, cider is a great choice. Beer is made with grains that contain gluten, which is why, for instance, when St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, it’s hard for people avoiding gluten to celebrate with beer.
Hard cider, on the other hand, could be the perfect substitute. “Cider is naturally gluten-free,” added Rosette of Benny Boy Brewing. This means you can enjoy cider without worrying about gluten-related health issues. So if you’re having a social gathering where those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance might be in attendance, cider is a better beverage to serve than beer.
Cider making could be more sustainable than beer brewing
Many small-scale producers focus on sustainable practices and traditional methods, preserving local cider-making heritage. Cider making is also simpler than beer brewing as it uses fewer resources.
For instance, the primary ingredient in hard cider is apple juice. Beer, on the other hand, needs malt, hops, yeast and water. Then there is the production process. Cider ferments naturally. Beer needs to be mashed, boiled and more, which requires electricity and expensive equipment.
You’ll find that many cideries prioritize local sourcing, reducing transportation emissions. In New York State, the New York Cider Association encourages its members to use 100% New York-grown apples in the ciders they brew, keeping everything local and minimizing the carbon footprint. By choosing cider, you’re supporting a beverage that generally has a lower environmental impact than beer.
Raise a glass to hard cider
Fall is an ideal time to sample local hard ciders. Many orchards and cideries celebrate the harvest season with special releases and events just as beer halls do for Oktoberfest. You’ll discover unique blends that showcase the distinct characteristics of regional apples, offering a truly local taste. By choosing a hard cider, you’re not only treating yourself to a delicious autumnal beverage but also supporting local agriculture and artisanal producers.
Leah Ingram writes about how to enjoy Maine on a budget, including through agritourism. You can read her tips for going apple picking, enjoying fall foliage in Maine and more on her blog Southern Maine on the Cheap.