Unfiltered, cloudy-looking ciders are much like the hazy-style IPAs that have been taking the beverage scene by storm. Hold one of the opaque beauties to the light and you might see leftover floating sediment of yeast and apple particles. When the step of the cidermaking process that filters these sediments out is yielded, it results in the clouded appearance of an unfiltered cider.
The appeal isn’t just in the unique appearance, cloudy ciders have a fuller mouthfeel, and many say a rich flavor as well — they’re the rugged cousin of their filtered equivalent. Rebel against the refined with the unfiltered ciders from these seven cideries.
Honey Crisp Artisanal Reserve >> Crispin Cider Co.
Cider juggernaut Crispin Cider Co., combines sweet and bitter flavors in its hazy Honey Crisp Artisanal Reserve. A full-bodied unfiltered cider made with a blend of racked apple-wine and smooth honey is balanced by a bold and bright lemon zest finish. Sip straight from the bottle or pour your refreshment into a pint glass to see the opaque appearance in all its glory!
Cranberry Apple Squall >> Bandon Rain
Oregon-based cidery Bandon Rain caters to those who are fond of berry-blended, hazy cider. Try the unfiltered, semi-sweet Cranberry Apple Squall, a tart and refreshingly unique cider for a bold cranberry flavor. Don’t miss the opportunity to try this tart cider with a refreshing summer salad, or something hot off the grill.
Pacific Pineapple >> 2 Towns Ciderhouse
This unfiltered cider may look stormy, but one sip of the Pacific Pineapple will transport you to the tropical islands of Costa Rica. A cloudy blend of Costa Rican golden pineapples and fresh-pressed Northwest apples, Oregon-based 2 Towns Ciderhouse’s unfiltered cider will help you unwind no matter your location.
Crisp Unfiltered >> Angry Orchard
Angry Orchard’s tribute to traditional American cider comes in the form of Crisp Unfiltered. Made with bittersweet apples, this cloudy draft is on the drier side. While you’re sipping on this timeless cider relish in its dark appearance and full mouthfeel – two of the great things that separate unfiltered ciders from the norm.
Oak Hill Blend >> Carlson Orchards
From Harvard, Massachusetts, Carlson Orchards leaves no apple left behind, blending Empire, Macoun, McIntosh and Golden Delicious into the hazy and refreshing Oak Hill Blend. Unfiltered for a fuller flavor, the mouthwatering taste of this hard cider is thanks to the apples picked and pressed from the ripe fruit of the cidery’s orchards.
All Unfiltered Cider >> Downeast Cider
Based in Boston, Downeast Cider is a cidery that believes filtering their ciders means filtering out flavor. The cidery offers three core ciders : Original Blend, Double Blend and White — all unfiltered, offered year-round and with the same cloudy likeness. Or try one of the seasonal ciders, this summer’s offering is the Aloha Friday, an unfiltered cider infused with fresh pineapple, available April to August.
All Unfiltered Ciders >> Legend Cider
This cidery is proud to be Northwest-born, and it shows in each one of their ciders. In addition to being handcrafted, and locally-sourced, their unfiltered refreshments are brewed with the PNW palate in mind. At Legend Cider, choose from 10 cloudies including the Columbia Gorge Grape, reminiscent of your favorite juice box as a kid, or Pacific POG, which is the region’s take on the tropically inspired Pineapple Orange Guava juice.
