Citizens Cider Cherry Crush

Cherry Crush is a 5.2% ABV cherry cider from Citizens Cider in Vermont, built on crisp apples with tart cherries. No IBU applies here, since cider isn't hopped. Bitterness isn't the point. The structure comes from the contrast between apple sweetness and cherry acidity. Expect a bright, fruit-forward nose, a mid-weight body typical of fruit-infused ciders, and a tangy finish. The producer describes the sweetness as balanced, so expect it to land between dry and dessert-sweet. At 5.2%, it's lighter than many craft ciders and easy to drink slowly. The tartness is what keeps it from reading as sugary. Cherry in a cider like this usually shows up as a sour-cherry snap rather than a candied, maraschino note, and the apple base supplies the clean, crunchy backbone underneath. If you usually reach for dry ciders and find fruit versions cloying, a tart-leaning cherry cider like this one sits in a useful middle ground. On the table, the acidity makes it a good match for rich, salty or fatty food. Try it with roast pork or pork chops, where cherry and apple are classic partners. It also works with charcuterie, sharp cheddar, and creamy, rind-ripened cheeses like brie or camembert, whose richness the tartness cuts through. Smoked sausages, barbecue ribs and grilled chicken thighs suit it well, and it can handle mild spice, such as a lightly seasoned curry or jerk chicken. For dessert, pair it with a not-too-sweet dark chocolate or a plain almond cake rather than anything sugary, which would flatten the fruit. Serve it well chilled, around 38 to 45°F (3 to 7°C). Cold keeps the acidity crisp and the cherry lively, while letting it warm too far tends to push the sweetness forward. A tulip or stemless wine glass works best, because the tapered rim gathers the fruit aroma. A standard pint glass is fine for casual drinking. Pour gently down the side of the glass, since fruit ciders tend to foam, and skip the ice, which dilutes the flavor quickly.