July is Dry Cider Month! Whether you’re a seasoned cider enthusiast or new to the cider world, a well-crafted dry cider offers a crisp, refreshing alternative to the season’s sweeter beverages. Dry ciders boast nuanced flavors with reduced sugar content, ranging from bone dry to mildly sweet, allowing the natural fruit essence to shine. In celebration of the American Cider Association’s Dry Cider Month, here are six must-try dry ciders to savor throughout the month, each with its own unique charm.
JUICY & BRIGHT
Mighty Dry Cider
Golden State Cider | Sebastopol, California
This dry cider bursts onto the scene with a juicy profile and crisp apple flavors that will have your taste buds doing the cha-cha. Crafted from 100% West Coast apples, this cider delivers a clean, refreshing taste that’s perfectly balanced between dryness and subtle sweetness. Whether you’re vibing at a summer festival or just hanging out with friends, this one is a true crowd-pleaser.
6.1% ABV | drinkgoldenstate.com
BITTER & FLORAL
Dry-Hopped Cider
Finnriver Farm & Cidery | Chimacum, Washington
A wonderful pairing that combines the zing of dry cider with the complex floral flavors of Cascade hops. Its pleasant bitterness is complemented by notes of citrus and floral aromas, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a hoppy twist.
6.5% ABV | Finnriver.com
FRUIT-FORWARD
BrightCider
2 Towns Ciderhouse | Corvallis, Oregon
This lively, dry blend is made with heirloom Newtown Pippin apples. Its bright, crisp flavor and delicate hints of ripe apples offer a refreshingly clean and straightforward experience. Pair it with sharp cheeses, grilled meats or fish for a satisfying combo you’ll crave again and again.
6.0% ABV | 2TownsCiderhouse.com
CRISP & BRACING
Legendary Dry Cider
Stormalong Cider | Sherborn, Massachusetts
Here, the champagne qualities of dry cider combine with the fresh, bittersweet taste of apple varieties like Ashton Bitter and Ellis Bitter apples, among others. From its crisp apple flavors to its bubbly and refreshing finish, this cider is a great choice for any occasion.
6.5% ABV | stormalong.com
LIGHT & DRY
Texas Brut Cider
Austin Eastciders | Austin, Texas
A crisp, tart, and dry choice for those days when you want something easygoing. Its citrusy and clean finish leaves you refreshed, and its sparkling and invigorating taste is the perfect thirst quencher, providing a delightful escape from the heat.
4.2% ABV | AustinEastciders.com
REFRESHINGLY ROSÉ
Lunettes Roses 2023
Virtue Cider | Fennville, Michigan
Virtue’s 2023 offering brings a delightful twist to traditional cider with its vibrant rosé hue. Featuring the crisp and refreshing taste of heirloom apples and aged on whole cherries for three weeks, this cider offers a balanced profile with a hint of grapefruit and a sparkling finish that is perfect for rosé and cider lovers alike.
7% ABV | VirtueCider.com
