The Rise of American Cider
At the dawn of the 21st century, cider was a petite player in the American beverage scene, primarily thriving in the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast. Fast forward to today, and the nation boasts over a thousand cideries. These establishments have burgeoned thanks to a massive sales spike from 2011 to 2017, a period marked by nearly 500% growth. Major allurements came from national brands like Boston Beer Company’s Angry Orchard, while regional brands such as Stem, Schilling, and Blake’s have taken cider to new dimensions. Smaller producers continue to dazzle with innovative techniques, much like our beloved craft breweries.
The cider landscape keeps evolving, with artesians exploring new apple varieties and diversifying fruits to create co-fermented offerings. These cidermakers use otherwise undervalued crops to provide a unique depth of flavor, mirroring how our local breweries thrive on innovation and local ingredients. They, much like brewers, skillfully blend a range of ingredients with a focus on terroir, underscoring the significance of these decisions in the final product.
All About the Apple
Just as craft beer draws from historical traditions, cider has embraced its deep-rooted apple diversity to craft intriguing, complex drinks. Previously seen as a quieter cousin to beer and wine, cider is now captivating the craft beverage scene. There is an increasing focus on high-quality raw ingredients in cider production, a sentiment breweries also share when selecting hops, grains, and yeast. This synergy paves the way for flavorful advancements.
Educational platforms like Michigan State University’s research on apple genetics propel this growth with cutting-edge techniques. Meanwhile, the Cider Institute nurtures the knowledge of a new generation of cidermakers. These inventive approaches have allowed the cider industry to blossom and align with a modern palate, much like the innovation seen in craft breweries. Across the U.S., craft beer and cider are both cultivating a rich tapestry of local flavors and styles.
Discovering New Terroirs
For centuries, North America has primarily grown apples for consumption, leaving European tannic apple varieties for beverages largely unexplored—until recently. Pioneers from regions like Farnum Hill in New Hampshire and Foggy Ridge in Virginia have drawn inspiration from traditional European cidermaking to invigorate the genre. This cross-pollination resembles how craft beer has adopted and adapted old-world techniques for new creations.
As climates shift, cidermakers are exploring native varieties, much like brewers searching for heirloom grains. In regions like the Appalachian Mountains, indigenous apple types like Winter Jon have adapted well. This mirrors how breweries focus on using local grains and hops, ensuring distinctive, authentic regional flavors. Both industries are steadily evolving, learning to thrive within their own environmental contexts and community resources.
Expanding Horizons
Established in 1798, Rose Hill Farm in New York is a perfect symbol of how traditional roots can lead to contemporary innovation. They craft co-fermented ciders that please lovers of natural wine and farmhouse ales, paralleling the creativity seen in many innovative breweries. By using a variety of fruits, cidermaker Matthew Sanford continues to push the envelope in a manner akin to experimental hopping techniques in the beer world.
Sanford’s collaborations with local breweries like Arrowood Farms showcase a fusion of cider and beer, a trend gaining traction as drinkers seek novel experiences. These ventures often result in unique libations that blend the best aspects of both worlds, heralding a future where craft beer and cider unite to offer an even broader spectrum of flavors to their eager enthusiasts.
A Bright Future
Cider’s development echoes the craft beer revolution, driven by passionate creators and curious drinkers. Just as craft breweries have transformed American beer culture, cideries are reinvigorating interest in their age-old craft. This cross-industry inspiration ensures each sip is an exploration of quality, sustainability, and cultural heritage.
The surge of craft beer has redefined American drinking habits, just as the cider revival seeks to introduce a new generation to its crisp allure. As cider intertwines with the vibrant craft beer community, both stand poised to enhance their reach and impact. BreweriesNearMe.us is proud to highlight these burgeoning trends, helping you discover the vibrant tapestry of brews and ciders across the U.S.
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