Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider

Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider is a 5.0% ABV apple cider from Ohio, and it sits in the sweeter, fruit-forward part of the mainstream cider range. The producer describes it as balancing sweetness and acidity, made from a blend of traditional cider apples and culinary apples. Expect that mix to show up as ripe, juicy apple aroma with a soft sweetness up front. A tart edge should follow, and the finish should be clean and fairly short. Ciders in this style usually carry little tannin, so there is no drying grip, and the carbonation is typically lively enough to keep the sweetness from feeling heavy. At 5.0% the alcohol is moderate, close to a standard lager, and it is not a dominant part of the flavor. That makes the cider easy to pour alongside a meal instead of treating it as a stand-alone drink. Because the fruit is the main feature, the cider works well with salty and savory foods that benefit from a little sweetness and acid. Pork is the classic match, whether roasted loin, pulled shoulder or bratwurst. Sharp cheddar, gouda and brie all suit it, as do fried chicken and sandwiches with a smoky or salty edge. The acidity also cuts through rich, buttery dishes. Moderately spicy food such as Thai-style curries or buffalo wings is another good fit, since the residual sweetness softens the heat. Very sweet desserts will flatten it, so keep it for savory courses or for lighter fruit-based sweets. Serve it well chilled, around 38 to 45°F (3 to 7°C), which is standard fridge temperature or about 30 minutes in an ice bucket. Colder service tightens the acidity and keeps the carbonation crisp, while a warmer pour tends to make sweet ciders taste syrupy. A pint glass or tulip glass is a practical choice for everyday drinking. A stemless wine glass or a pilsner-style glass will concentrate the apple aroma and show off the bubbles. Pouring over ice is also common with cider of this kind, and it works well on a warm day, though it will dilute the flavor as the ice melts.