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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/490399
www.cheersonline.com 38 • April 2015 HOW 'BOUT THESE APPLES Hard cider is having a renaissance: It's now the fastest growing category of adult bev- erages sold in the U.S., increasing 66% in 2013, according to the Beverage Information Group. At the U. S. Association of Cider Makers' 2015 CiderCon show, held in February in Chicago, sessions included topics such as cidery operations, orchard care, fl avors and blending, alongside tastings and cider mixology demonstrations. Ciders bring together fruity aroma, tannins and acidity, most of all malic acid in the bitter-sharp cider apples, as well as fermentation notes of yeast, spice and funk, plus fl avors ranging from baked pie, berries, even hops and tropical fruit. Balance, body and fi nish play their parts, as ciders can range from bone dry to sugary in the extreme. Here are a few ciders to consider. E.Z. ORCHARDS CIDRE (SALEM, OR) E.Z. Orchards' Cidre, fermented from Willamette Valley, OR-cultivated varieties of traditional European cider apples, was a crowd favorite at the 2015 Cider Summit. The fl agship Cidre pours pale gold, sprightly, with fresh apple skin and quenchingly tart aftertaste. Cider maker Kevin Zielinski uses mostly bittersweet apples to achieve that tart profi le, including Domaines, Marie Menard and Yarlington Mill, as well as some medium-sharp apples, Champagne Reinette and Roxbury Russet (an early American variety). Its signature dryness extends on the palate, making it an excellent pair to sticky Korean barbecue. At 6% ABV, it is a balanced and drinkable cider on its own, as well. Available in 750-ml. bottles. ACE CALIFORNIA CIDER CO. (SEBASTOPOL, CA) Ace is one of the fi rst American cider brands, founded 21 years ago by British-born Jeffrey House. Ciders are made from apple juices and concentrates sourced primarily from the Pacifi c Northwest. Ace produced a limited release for its anniversary, the Black Jack, a version of the fl agship cider aged in chardonnay oak barrels for hints of vanilla and toasty aromatics. Flavored ciders include Ace Pumpkin cider and Pear, ranging from 6% to 7% ABV. These can stand alone as dessert or pair with aged cheeses. Available on draft and in 12-oz. bottles, with some seasonal releases in large-format 750-ml. bottles. By Lucy Saunders