Citizen Cider Co Dirty Mayor

Dirty Mayor is a ginger cider from Citizen Cider Co in Vermont, bottled at 5.2% ABV. The fresh ginger is what sets it apart from the typical apple cider. Ginger cider usually carries a warm, peppery bite on the back of the palate over a base of crisp apple, and the ginger tends to read as zesty and bright rather than medicinal or sweet like a ginger ale. No IBU figure is listed, which is normal for cider, since bitterness comes from fruit tannin and spice instead of hops. Expect a gentle, lingering heat in place of any hop bitterness. The 5.2% ABV is close to a standard cider, so the spice does most of the work and the alcohol stays in the background. The style sits between sweet and dry. The apple gives some fruit sweetness, and the ginger cuts it so the cider finishes fairly clean. That makes it more versatile at the table than a plain sweet cider. Ginger pairs well with pork, so try it with roasted pork shoulder, bratwurst, or pulled pork sandwiches, where the spice picks up the savory, smoky notes. It also suits Thai and Vietnamese dishes, such as lemongrass chicken or noodle bowls, because ginger is already part of their flavor base. Sharp cheddar, which is common in Vermont, makes a good contrast with the apple and spice. For something sweet, try gingerbread or an apple tart. Serve it well chilled, around 38 to 45°F, which is standard refrigerator temperature to a little above. Cold keeps the ginger lively and the apple crisp. If it is served too warm, the sweetness can feel heavier and the spice can seem sharper. A tulip glass or a pint glass works well. The tulip's narrower rim concentrates the ginger aroma, while a pint glass suits casual, bigger pours. Dirty Mayor also works as a mixer. Added to a shot of bourbon or aged rum over ice, it makes a quick, easy highball with a ginger-forward profile. A squeeze of lime and a wedge of apple on top will brighten it.