Citizen Cider Juicy Haze

Juicy Haze from Citizen Cider is an 8% ABV hard cider made in Vermont. The listing gives no IBU figure; the 0 on file just reflects that ciders carry no hop bitterness. The producer says it sources its fruit locally and presses it for a craft cider that is never made from concentrate. The name points to a hazy, hop-forward profile, but the details here don't confirm any hop addition or give official tasting notes. Expect a cloudy, full-bodied pour with ripe apple character. If hops are in play, expect a touch of citrus or tropical aroma rather than any bitterness. At 8%, this cider has more weight and warmth than the typical 5% session cider, so it tastes closer to a strong ale or a dry sparkling wine. Ciders at this strength usually show a rounder mouthfeel and a longer finish, and any residual sweetness is balanced by the alcohol and acidity. Use that as a guide rather than a measured profile. Treat the first sip as a check on how dry or sweet this bottling runs, then adjust your food choices to match. Serve it cold but not ice-cold, around 40 to 45°F (4 to 7°C). That is about an hour in the refrigerator, and it keeps apple and any hop-derived aromatics from being muted. If the cider is hazy, pour gently and leave the last bit of sediment in the bottle or can if you'd like a cleaner glass. A tulip or a stemmed beer glass works best because the narrowed rim concentrates fruit aromas. A standard wine glass is a good substitute. A pint glass is fine for casual drinking but spreads the aroma out. For food, the apple fruit and moderate-to-high alcohol suit pork dishes such as roast loin, carnitas or bratwurst. Sharp cheddar and aged Gouda hold up to the cider's body, and the acidity cuts through the fat in fried chicken or crispy potatoes. If it comes across slightly sweet, spicy dishes like Thai curry or jerk chicken give it something to push against. Because of the strength, a 12-ounce serving goes further than you might expect, so it also works as a sipping cider alongside a cheese board.