We Dig: Hopping Ciders

by | Jul 5, 2016

When we think of cider, the first thing that may come to mind could be the distinguishing taste of apples, or perhaps the other multitudes of fruit cider can be infused with. It’s time to break away from the standard ciders and experiment with ciders whose flavor packs a punch: like those with hops. Cideries have found magical pairings with select hops that transform traditional ciders into craft delicacies — it’s up to you to decide what stays, and what goes.

Tieton Cider Works Yakima Valley Dry Hopped || This Yakima, Washington, cidery ferments its hopped cider from trees found at the estate Harmony Orchards, and they call this their most versatile food-pairing cider to date, chosen from a select blend of traditional and exotic hops to enlighten their cider. The blend of hops produces an aroma of a fruity nuttiness, followed by a citrusy palate. || 6.9% ABV

Rogue Brewing 7 Hop | | The beverage powerhouse in Newport, Oregon, has always been about its beer (and more recently its spirits), but perfected its 7 Hop cider. The sipper is a bold collaboration with Mother Nature and made with seven varieties of aroma hops at Rogue Farms in Independence, Oregon. Brewmaster John Maier decided to use all varieties of apple available in his orchard to create a proprietary palate for this hard cider. || 6.9% ABV

Cider Riot Everybody Pogo || Perfect after a day out hustling and bustling, this dry cider quenches with a hint of sweet apples and melds with Goldings hops. Made from apples grown in Hood River and hops from Willamette Valley, the unfiltered and lightly carbonated cider from the Portland cidery pairs well with select cheeses as well as spicy foods and curry dishes. || 6.7% ABV

ANTHEM Cider HOPS || Kid sister cidery to Wandering Aengus Ciderworks in Salem, Oregon, ANTHEM’s flagship cider is this hopped rendition, made in tribute to the Northwest’s love of hops. Dry-hopped with Oregon grown Cascade hops for more than three weeks, the light lager-resembling cider brings sweet citrus and floral aromas of Cascade hops with only a slight bitter-zing on the finish. || 6.9% ABV

The Methow Valley Ciderhouse Howling Wolf || From the top of the Cascade Valley in Winthrop, Washington, this family-run ciderhouse produces the Howling Wolf, a semi-sweet ginger infused cider with a hint of effervescence. This “dangeroulsy drinkable” cider is handcrafted with French, English and American cider apples, and is a fine complement to any sort of meal, whether it be for breakfast, lunch or dinner. || 6.8% ABV

Central City Brewers + Distillers Hopping Mad || From Surrey, British Columbia, this brewery and distillery has dipped into cider, making the Hopping Mad Cider which blends traditional cider apples with Yakima Valley hops. Just within the threshold of overly-sweet and too-dry, the citrus-spiked tipple is ideal for a hot day. The Hopping Mad Radler is a blend of cider and grapefruit juice which adds another dimension to the taste. || 6.5% ABV

North Idaho Cider Idaho Pale Cider || Hailing from the lakeside Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, this young cidery produces its hopped cider inspired in style to an India pale ale beer, only in cider form. Showing off its signature aroma with a pleasing flavor, this dry, crisp and perfectly balanced hoppiness provides a clean finish and leaves you wanting to take that next sip. || 6.9% ABV

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