“Does the limited-edition labeling make Ruby’s Gay Hard Cider taste any different than our regular Ruby Hard Cider? No. Will it make you gay? You can always hope.”
Setting the tone for the specially labeled flagship cider on the back of the bottle, Mountain West Cider aims to “put some gay in your day” for June and July’s Pride festivals throughout North America. Proud natives of Salt Lake City—which just elected its first openly gay mayor and was named the “8th queerest city in America” by Advocate magazine—Mountain West repackaged its popular mainstay, Ruby Hard Cider, to rally support for its supporting community. The cidery also donated a portion of the cider’s proceeds to Utah Pride Center, a local nonprofit that “plays the vital role of providing information, programs, referrals and services to the diverse LGBTQ+ community in Utah.”
Mountain West exclusively sources ingredients from its namesake region and titles the cider after the Ruby Canyon, a 25 mile stretch of the Colorado River between Utah and Colorado. At 6.8 percent ABV, this cider delivers all the sass and sparkle you’d expect from its shimmering label and golden hue. The nose is focused on pure red apple and approachable earth aromas, with the apple and amiable acid pushing through onto the semi-dry palate—juicy, bright and uncomplicated—perfect for a night out on the town, celebrating the power of love and cider.
