A World of Cider
For some, cider is just fermented apple juice from somewhere in Somerset. In reality, it’s a drink made with passion, around the globe. Take Stock takes a look at some of the best offerings in the world of cider…
France
The French have been making ‘cidre’ for centuries, particularly in the Pays Basque, Normandy and Brittany areas, from where many of our own cider apple varieties originated.
Try: Ciders from top Calvados distillers such as Christian Drouin, Eric Bordelet or Domaine Dupont, or a classic Cidre Breton Brut Traditionelle
Belgium
There’s a long tradition of cider making in Belgium with Cidrerie Ruwet – established in 1898 – being the only independent producer. The other big name in Belgian ciders is Heineken owned Stassen – producers of premium ciders presented in 75cl champagne style bottles that are made for sharing.
Try: Stassen Cidre Cuvée Rosé – a medium cider made with red-fleshed apples
Spain
Few regions are as passionate about cider as the Spanish Asturias, where the sweet and sour tang of their ‘Sidra’ is brought to dramatic life by pouring into a small glass from a height. With this cider-throwing ritual, spillage is guaranteed, which is all part of the theatre!
Try: El Gaitero – a 5.5% authentic tasting Asturian sidra
USA
Known as ‘hard cider’ to distinguish it from the non-alcoholic forms of ‘cider’, there’s a major revival underway with producers of every size bringing new offerings to the market.
Try: Blind Pig’s 5.5% flavoured ciders that feature whiskey, rum or bourbon
Canada
One of the most unique forms of cider has its origins in Quebec, Canada. Known as ‘ice cider’ the result is stronger and sweeter than most, leading to it often being marketed as an alternative to dessert wine.
Try: Le Glacé – World Cider Awards Speciality Cider Winner, 2017
South Africa
Local law dictates that for a drink to be classed as a cider it must be at least 80% apple juice, with a minimum of 2.5% alcohol content and a maximum of 15%. Over the past decade the cider market has grown rapidly, with dry ciders especially prominent.
Try: Savanna Premium Cider or Savanna Cross – its hop flavoured stablemate
Sweden
Sweden’s craft cider industry has established itself as the home of innovation. They use dessert apples – which give their ciders a distinctive taste – but their addition of the berries that form part of Swedish culture can be said to have sparked the massive fruit cider boom. They produce top ice ciders too.
Try: Rekorderlig New Dry Apple Cider at 5% or their top selling 4% flavoured cider range
Australia & New Zealand
It’s only recently that ciders from here have been exported, the domestic markets accounting for available production. With expanded production there are now some tremendous cider and perry offerings from the Antipodes.
Try: Sidewood Estate Australian Perry Cider or Old Mout flavoured ciders – both are World Cider Awards 2017 winners
Top tips for selling cider
• Make sure you have a choice of ciders on draught
• If you don’t have keg space, look at bag in box options
• Stock quirky flavours and promote them
• Have up-sell ciders – people will pay for a premium experience
• Look for ciders with a genuine heritage or unique story
• Visit worldciderawards.com for stocking ideas
