Angry Orc Crisp Apple

Angry Orc Crisp Apple is a cider, and the "crisp apple" name points to a fresh, fruit-forward style rather than a heavy or heavily sweetened one. No ABV or sweetness level is listed for this bottling, so check the label for both. Ciders in this style usually run from about 4.5% to 6% ABV. Expect bright apple on the nose and a clean, tart-leaning finish. Ciders have no hop bitterness, so any dryness comes from apple acidity and, in some cases, a little tannin. Serve it well chilled, around 3 to 6°C. Cold temperatures keep the acidity lively and stop a sweeter cider from tasting syrupy. Over-chilling mutes the apple aroma, so let a bottle straight from the coldest part of the fridge sit for a few minutes. A pint glass or tumbler works for casual drinking. A tulip or stemmed beer glass concentrates the apple aroma better. For a drier cider, pour over ice only if you want it to taste lighter. Otherwise serve it neat. Crisp apple ciders suit foods with fat, salt or spice. Try roast pork or pork belly, sausages, sharp cheddar, brie or aged gouda, fried chicken, pork pies and burgers. The acidity cuts through richness the way a squeeze of lemon would. Mild curries and Thai-style dishes also work, because the fruit cools moderate heat. For dessert, an apple tart or a slice of cheese with sliced pear echoes the cider without competing with it.