Apples to Apples: Modern American Hard Cider vs. Heritage Hard Cider
This refreshing and versatile beverage has a rich history that encouraged the emergence of two primary styles, each with its own unique character and tradition: modern American hard cider and heritage hard cider. Guess what, we like them BOTH!
Lets take a moment and delve into the key differences between these two styles, exploring the techniques, flavors, and cultural aspects that set them apart.
The Modern American Hard Cider
Modern American hard cider is a product of contemporary cider-making practices. It uses standardized methods, including the use of cultivated apple varieties, modern fermentation techniques, and quality control processes to create a mass produced product.
It is typically characterized by a sweet and very pronounced apple flavor that is consistent with every bottle at every time of year and in every location.
If you’re on the hunt for a delicious modern, check out our Peach, High Trestle, Smoked Jalapeno and our Hellbender Hopped.
The Heritage Hard Cider
The Heritage hard cider, on the other hand, is deeply rooted in traditional methods. It involves heirloom apple varieties that are often handpicked, pressed, and fermented using wild yeasts.
The Heritage hard cider is celebrated for its complex and nuanced flavors. It can range from dry to semi-sweet, with earthy, tannic notes that reflect the unique apple varieties used.
These ciders often exhibit the terroir (soil, climate, and sunshine) of the orchard where the apples were grown, creating a rich and distinctive taste.
If you’re looking for more of a traditional flavor, reach for our Moonshot, Springhouse or Farmhouse!
ALL of our ciders reflect the handpicked, complex,
nuanced, rich, and distinctive
flavors of Appalachia
(Speaking of terroir, have you taken a peek at
Kelly Ridge Farm lately?
It’s beautiful and makes for some delicious apples.)
