Spring is just around the corner and sunny days are peeking behind those dark rain clouds and winter chills. Beloved groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil may say six more weeks of winter, but we’re already thinking about what we’ll be drinking this spring. Here are seven floral ciders to look forward to when the flowers start to bloom.
Wildcraft Ciderworks Wild Rose | This Eugene, Oregon-based cidery crafts their newest botanical, Wild Rose. They source their rose buds locally from Mountain Rose Herbs. Picked at dawn for prime aroma, this cider does not shy away from rosiness in its flavoring.
Finnriver Farm Cider Lavender Black Currant | An elegant blend of lavender and black currant, this cider uses organic Washington apples and lavender sourced from Purple Haze Farm in nearby Sequim, Washington. Right now, lavender is a trendy flavor seen in everything from ice cream to alcohol but risks a soapy taste. Finnriver aimed for delicate and refreshing notes in their cider.
Angry Orchard Elderflower | The biggest name in cider brings its Elderflower to the botanicals section, available March through August. It is inspired by elderflower cordials, a historically popular soft drink in Europe. You may also recognize elderflower in teas and hard alcohols. It brings a bright, subtle floral flavor that balances the lighter-flavored tropical fruits Angry Orchard uses to pair.
Graft Peace Offering | Hailing from Newburgh, New York, Graft Cidery is a newcomer to the cider world, but with lots of flavors already in hand. Graft has fields of florals in its collection, and this unique gose-style cider features sumac, rose hips and sorrel.
Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider New Moon Mandarin | Released for Chinese New Year each February, this cider will hit the shelves in just a couple of short weeks. It’s a sweet, off-dry sip with citrus and a hint of chamomile. This cider was inspired by a trip to Northern China and a stumble into a wild New Year’s celebration.
Woodchuck Hard Cider Oopsy Daisy | Fresh from one of the oldest cideries in the industry, Woodchuck brings its Oopsy Daisy to the floral table. This cider carries chamomile and honey to calm the nerves of any “oopsy daisy.” Woodchuck categorizes this cider as semi-dry, smooth and medium-bodied. An easy sipper from this Vermont-based cidery.
Harpoon Brewery Hibiscus Cider | A deep pink ale to match the color of the vibrant hibiscus flower, the flavor emerged from Harpoon’s Kettle Cup, their annual employee brewing competition. The sweet florals create a tart light-bodied cider. This Boston-born brewery may be known for their beers, but this semi-sweet cider made the seasonal cut.
