Ciders for Wine Lovers

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Ciders for Wine Lovers

Now that Spring is here and the weather is beautiful, it is time to spend more time outside. One of the most refreshing but little understood categories of beverages is ciders. Much like the Rieslings of the wine world, most people assume that all ciders are sweet. In fact, most ciders are made in a dry style with a super complex flavor that will amaze white wine lovers of Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. 

One of our favorite producers is Farnum Hill out of Vermont. These guys are not just cider makers who buy apple juice (like most of the big cider makers). These are apple farmers who use their ancient apple groves to produce ciders of exceptional quality that are well balanced and dry. If your in the mood to enjoy a Spring evening with a good drink, then pick up a bottle of Farnum Hill Farmhouse Cider.

Chad the Tie Guy's Drink of the Week: I love farmhouse ciders because this is the original style of cider simply made from fresh pressed apples and natural wild yeast (used to ferment the sweet apple juice). These ciders are not overly syrupy and sweet like the newer ciders can be but are very easy drinking with a hint of sweetness. This makes the cider taste, well like fresh apples that are juicy but not overly sweet. Think of this as a liquid apple with a little bit of a buzz as a bonus. Enjoy with the gorgeous Spring weather!

Food Pairings: This pairs well with soft cheeses (such as goat cheese) drizzles with fresh honey and topped with toasted salty almond. Try this with a slow cooker pork and sauerkraut topped with crisp apple slices for a real sweet and sour treat!

Cocktail Ideas:

Basic Recipe (aka Kick it Up a Notch): Combine 6oz of Cider with 1oz other flavor

Some Classic Examples:

     Apple Blossom= 6oz Farnum Hill Farmhouse Cider + 1oz Elderflower Liqueur

     Irish Apple= 6oz Farnum Hill Farmhouse Cider + 1 oz Irish Whiskey 

     Apple Pie= 6oz Farnum Hill Farmhouse Cider + 1oz Fireball

     Carmel Apple= 6oz Farnum Hill Farmhouse Cider + 1oz Caramel Vodka

Ciders with a Snap! (Plus Cheese Pairings)

CIDERS WITH A SNAP
(& Cheese Pairings)

What's the trendiest drink this season? Ciders! They're amazingly versatile and food-friendly, especially with cheeses plus they are GLUTEN FREE. They make perfect partners for pork, chicken, veggies and fish. Rule of Thumb: If you'd pair it white wine, it'll go with cider. 

These snappy brews have a tart crispness that cuts through the rich butterfat in creamy cheeses, refreshing your taste buds for the next delectable bite. Here are a few of our favorite along with some great cheese pairings from the Market!

DEMUNK'S BELGIAN STYLE HARD CIDER 

A great small batch cider made for distinct flavor. This 100% pure apple juice cider is fermented with Belgian Abbey-style yeast.

CHEESE PAIRING: Di Bruno Bros. Gouda $10.99/lb

CRISPIN HONEY CIDER

A crisp, fruit forward cider made with organic honey. This is an unfiltered cider so it retains alot of its natural flavor. A true cider made from fresh apples not an "apple" flavored beverage.
CHEESE PAIRING: Delice de Bourgogne $19.99/lb 
NAKED FLOCK PUMPKIN CIDER 

Locally harvested pumpkins and apples are combined with seasonal spices to craft this pure and natural cider.

CHEESE PAIRING: Cranberry Cinnamon Goat Cheese $3.49 (4oz) 

JACK'S HARD CIDER

This crisp and refreshing cider mixes the sweetness of the apples with a subtle dryness for a balanced cider taste. The fresh apple aroma and slightly sweet, ripe apple flavor this hard to resist.CHEESE PAIRING: Di Bruno Bros. 3yr Cheddar $8.99/lb

CIDER BOYS FIRST PRESS CIDER

Pure Apple bite on the first sip with tight champagne-style sparkle that cuts right though cream cheeses. Very refreshing!

CHEESE PAIRING: Taleggio $15.99/lb

JOURNEYMAN APPLE CIDER LIQUEUR

Pure Homemade Apple Pie in a glass. Pour this one over ice for an even crisper refreshment. This cider is perfectly balanced with apple sweetness and cinnamon, graham cracker nuttiness.

CHEESE PAIRING: Di Bruno Bros. Fontina $10.99/lb