Cidermakers have been looking for unique ways to get craft beer drinkers excited about the cider industry. It seems they have found the way paved with hops. Hopped ciders are an ingenious way of making cider that entertains the palate of both the beer drinker and cider drinker alike. By dry hopping cider, the cider retains the flavor of a smooth craft beer with the drinkability and functionality of a cider.
Potter’s Craft Cider Hopped Cider || Free Union, VA
Dry-hopped with Citra and Amarillo hops, this citrusy and floral cider tantalizes the senses with a familiar aroma. Gold Rush, Jonagold and Albemarle Pippin apples supply the cider part of the drink and add sweet fruity notes to the hopped concoction. The cider is cold-infused and never heated; it represents a perfect balance between the best of both worlds.
Anthem Cider Anthem Hops || Salem, OR
This gluten-free treat is dry-hopped over a three-week period with Oregon-grown Cascade hops. The ABV can range anywhere from 5.5 percent to 6.9 percent and the cider finishes slightly dry, but chalk full of citrus and floral aromas. One of Anthem’s favorite sippers, this cider is sure to be a mainstay within their cider “line-up” for years to come.
Finnriver Farm and Cidery Dry Hopped Cider || Chimacum, WA
Founded in 2008 by partners Eric Jorgenson and Keith and Crystie Kisler, Finnriver Farm and Cidery embraces the spirit of cooperation. That being said, it isn’t much of a surprise one of their most popular beverages is their dry-hopped cider. Taking after the owners themselves, this dry-hopped cider beautifully combines Heirloom and Organic Dessert apples with Cascade hops to create a sip that is as fresh as a Pacific Northwest spring day.
Bad Seed Cider Co. India Pale Cider (IPC) || Highland, NY
It’s a story everyone experiences at one point or the other. You and your childhood friend come up with a business plan and decide one day you are gonna make it a reality, maybe even strike it rich. Fast forward a few years (or quite a few years later) and Albert and Devin’s business plan for Bad Seed Cider Co. has come to fruition. The two friends craft and sell unique ciders out of their Highland, New York location. The India Pale Cider, brewed with Cascade hops and distributed only in cans, has all the qualities of both a good IPA and cider.
Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider Hallelujah Hopricot || Portland, OR
This urban cidery presents a unique variation of hopped cider with their Hallelujah Hopricot. Dubbed Reverend Nat’s most popular cider, this drink takes classic American apples, steeps them Belgian-wit style and finishes it off with fresh apricot juice and Oregon-grown Cascade hops. Need we say more?
Tieton Cider Works Yakima Valley Dry-Hopped Cider || Yakima, WA
Known across the globe for their superior apple growing, the Yakima Valley in Washington is a true diamond in the rough within the cider industry. With the complexity and balance of intermingled citrus and nutty notes this dry-hopped cider can easily win anyone over. Pair with a spicy pork stew or a warmed tuna salad sandwich.
Colorado Cider Company Grasshop-ah || Denver, CO
Denver, Colorado’s Colorado Cider Company knows what it takes to make a stand-out cider. It just so happens, their stand-out cider is one that is also dry hopped. Lemon zest and cut grass infuse together to form a wonderfully palatable beverage to be enjoyed by all.
Portland Cider Co. Hop’Rageous || Portland, OR
With a motto like “Drink it, it’s good!” Portland Cider Co. wants to reel you in before you have even had your first sip. Well, trust us – they aren’t lying. The Hop’Rageous takes everything good about drinking and magically tosses it all into one beverage. Balanced, dry and fragrant, this hopped cider uses a healthy dose of Citra hops to create a refreshing sipper.
Bull City Ciderworks Smooth Hoperator || Durham, NC
This Southeastern cidery isn’t afraid to make things a little hoppy. The Tar Heel State’s Bull City Ciderworks has created a one of a kind beverage with the Smooth Hoperator. And, with a name like that, of course it has to be good. Tropical notes and mild bitterness give way to an exciting finish that dances on your palate. Cheers.
