As we usher in a new year, it’s time to explore the vibrant world of hard cider and discover the exquisite brands that will define your 2024. Hard cider has experienced a remarkable renaissance, offering a delightful alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages. With a multitude of flavors, aromas, and styles, there’s a hard cider to tantalize every taste bud. So, without further ado, let’s embark on a journey through the top hard cider brands that you simply must try in the coming year!
The world of hard cider is diverse and exciting, offering a delightful alternative to beer and wine. With a rich history dating back centuries, hard cider has experienced a renaissance in recent years, with craft cideries popping up across the globe, offering innovative takes on traditional techniques and flavors. In 2024, the hard cider landscape promises to be more enticing than ever, with a myriad of brands vying for a place in your drinking repertoire. So, what are the top cider brands that you need to sample in the coming year?
Topping the list is Angry Orchard, a brand that has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the hard cider scene. With a diverse range of ciders, from the classic Crisp Apple to the more adventurous Stone Dry, Angry Orchard showcases the very best of American cider-making. Their commitment to innovation is exemplified in their Small Batch series, featuring unique blends like the Knotty Pear, a harmonious marriage of pear and apple cider.
Another standout brand is Woodchuck, hailed as a pioneer in the hard cider industry. With over 30 years of experience, Woodchuck has perfected the art of cider-making, offering a vast array of options to suit every palate. From their flagship Amber cider to the more experimental Ginger Cider, there’s a Woodchuck variety for every occasion. Their limited-edition releases, such as the Summer Cider, are highly anticipated annual events for avid cider enthusiasts.
Ace Cider, too, deserves a place on your must-try list. This California-based cidery showcases the West Coast’s vibrant cider culture with its superb range. Their signature offering, the Apple Cider, is a refreshing take on a classic, while the Pineapple cider adds a delightful tropical twist. For those seeking a more indulgent experience, Ace Cider’s Apple Honey blends the crispness of apples with the luscious sweetness of honey for a truly decadent sip.
If you’re seeking a truly unique cider experience, look no further than Crispin Cider. This brand pushes the boundaries of cider-making, crafting distinctive and inventive ciders that defy convention. Their signature Cider, Original Hard Cider, is a refreshing and crisp delight, while their Celtic Honey Cider introduces a touch of honey for a smoother, fuller flavor. Crispin’s commitment to innovation shines through in their Special Reserve ciders, featuring small-batch releases that showcase experimental ingredients and unique blending techniques.
When it comes to hard cider, variety is the spice of life, and you’ll want to explore the full spectrum of flavors and styles on offer. A brand that encapsulates this ethos is Strongbow, known for its diverse and universally appealing ciders. From the quintessential Gold Apple to the more daring Dark Fruit, Strongbow delivers a range of flavors that cater to all tastes. Their distinctive Dry Cider, with its crisp and refreshing character, is a testament to the brand’s ability to craft ciders that appeal to connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
No exploration of hard cider would be complete without mentioning the gluten-free and vegan-friendly offerings from Smith & Forge. This brand has carved a niche for itself by creating ciders with a bold, rugged appeal. Their Hard Cider, crafted with a unique blend of apples, boasts a crisp and invigorating taste. Smith & Forge also pays homage to the heritage of cider-making, employing time-honored methods to produce a cider that embodies the very essence of craftsmanship.
For a truly magical cider experience, look no further than the offerings from Ciderboys. With a whimsical array of ciders, this brand captures the playful side of cider-making. Their flagship First Press is an uplifting blend of fresh-pressed apples, while their Magic Apple overdelivers with a delightful burst of green apple flavor. For a more exotic escape, Ciderboys Tropical Lightning combines the sweetness of pineapple with the crispness of apples for a mini vacation in every sip.
Rounding out your hard cider journey is an iconic brand that needs no introduction: Stella Artois. While they are renowned for their beers, Stella Artois has ventured into the world of cider with their Cidre. This exquisite offering is crafted in Europe using hand-picked apples, resulting in a crisp and refreshing cider with a delicate sweetness. Stella Artois Cidre is the perfect choice for those seeking a touch of European sophistication in their hard cider experiences.
Lastly, we turn to an award-winning brand that is making waves in the hard cider realm: Summit Hard Cider. This brand is all about celebrating the adventure of the great outdoors, infusing their ciders with a sense of exploration and wonder. Their flagship offering, the Outdoor Pack, is a diverse collection of ciders that includes the crisp and refreshing Peak Performer, the more robust and full-bodied Trail Blazer, and the fruity and fragrant Summit Seeker. Summit Hard Cider embodies the spirit of adventure in every sip.