The Cider Thread

[zeg]

Since we now have a wine/whiskey thread and a beer thread, why not discuss another family of booze here. If this is too close to the beer topic, I won't be offended if it's merged with the beer thread...

Anyway, I recently read this article about a potential resurgence in old-fashioned or European-style cider in the United States:

http://www.slate.com/id/2231001/pagenum/all

Thoughts? Any cider drinkers? I'm especially curious for thoughts from UK or European members who might have access to what the article would consider "proper" cider. If you didn't read the article, it likens the US-made ciders that are popular as "girly" alternatives to beer as the equivalent of making wine from sweet table grapes. The UK or French versions it refers to sound like they have a much more sophisticated flavor and are more than just fizzy sweet apple cider with alcohol.

Thoughts? Any suggestions on brands to look for? Anyone know any good ones available stateside?

[Golf'nBiker]

While visiting Ireland, a 'cider' which was popular was called Bulmers. The export version is 'MAGNERS'. Poured and looked like a beer, but a cider none the less.

[ADKBrew]

Cider can be very nice. Some of the American versions of it are lackluster attempts. I enjoy the mentioned Magners as well as Strongbow which are usually on tap at my local bar.

Also perry is good, it is just pear cider and locally I can usually get Babycham and sometimes it is on tap.

[ADKBrew]

Anyway, I recently read this article about a potential resurgence in old-fashioned or European-style cider in the United States:

I am hopeful of a resurgence. Most people usually think of Woodchuck Cider when they thing of cider but those are not truthful of real cider in my opinion.

Only time will tell if some of these small producers succeed or not. The nice thing being from NY is that we can support local groups.

[Lemay427]

I am hopeful of a resurgence. Most people usually think of Woodchuck Cider when they thing of cider but those are not truthful of real cider in my opinion.

All I have had is Woodchuck..I am not a fan at all. Way to sweet, and yes, they are girly

If I wanted juice I would have ordered a juice. I might try a different cider and see how I like that.

[misty_mountainhop]

While visiting Ireland, a 'cider' which was popular was called Bulmers. The export version is 'MAGNERS'. Poured and looked like a beer, but a cider none the less.

Bulmers make some decent cider. Magners is made by someone else and is, frankly, crap. Massive advertising campaign aimed at people who have little idea over here. Stay away from Magners!

Cider can be very nice. Some of the American versions of it are lackluster attempts. I enjoy the mentioned Magners as well as Strongbow which are usually on tap at my local bar.

Perry is, or can be, excellent. It's not anywhere near so well known but this last year over here it's become much more popular. Cider makers used to keep the perry for themselves...or so the story goes. French Normandy ciders are really nice as well. Strongbow isn't bad but there's a lot that's better.

Watch out for "scrumpy" cider, which is usually still instead of sparkling, as this has often got a kick like a mule. In fact, watch out for most of the "real" ciders/perrys as they tend to be over 6%, some as high as 9-10%, and they often don't taste like they're anywhere near that strong . Can get anything from very sweet to bone dry. Dry tend to be more alcoholic. Some of the more popular decent makers include Thatchers, Westons, Gaymers and Bulmers amongst many, many others. Great drink in the Summer served slightly chilled. Welcome to the world of "zoider" - as it's often called where I come from.