I have really started liking hopped hard ciders. I discovered them three years ago and have kept my eyes open for different kinds and ciders makers. I've tried five so far.
Every season seems to bring a difference in the batches. I tasted the Tieton for the first time three years ago, and it was amazing! The next summer produced a hopped cider that was very different and not to my liking. Finn River's hopped cider was a little overpowering the first time I tried it and underwhelming the second time. Anthem has been to most consistent so far over the last three years and very good.
I just discovered Schilling's and Red Tank's hopped ciders this year. Both are fantastic! Schilling is sweeter but has the best nose of any hopped cider I have tasted. The balance of the hops and the cider flavors is really nice. Red Tank's Cascade hopped cider is less sweet and also nicely balanced. It's my favorite. I got the Red Tank at the Schilling Cider House in Fremont (Seattle), and I highly recommend a visit if you're in the area. I got to taste a cider on nitro, and that was a wonderful experience!
Here are some pictures of the Schilling Hopped Cider. It's easy for me to get and very enjoyable. I'm excited to taste it next year.
what's hopped cider? apple beer?
ReplyDeleteYeah, kind of. It's hard apple cider with a subtle flavor and smell of beer.
Delete