Stormalong Red Skies At Night

Red Skies At Night is a 5.8% ABV cider from Stormalong in Massachusetts, and its defining ingredient is blood orange. The citrus gives the cider a rosy, sunset-tinged color and a zesty edge that sets it apart from a straightforward apple cider. The producer positions it as a balance of tartness and sweetness with a fruity character, so expect apple to supply the body and blood orange to add a bright, slightly tangy top note. At 5.8%, it sits a little above the typical 5% cider, which gives it enough weight to hold up to the citrus acidity without tasting thin. Fruit-forward ciders in this style usually show juicy orange aroma first, followed by a tart finish that keeps the sweetness from becoming heavy. Because the producer describes both tartness and sweetness, it will likely land as off-dry to semi-sweet rather than bone dry. The cider is not an IBU-driven drink, so there is no meaningful hop bitterness to look for. Any slight bitter edge would come from citrus pith rather than hops. Serve it well chilled, around 38 to 45°F (3 to 7°C). Cold temperatures keep the citrus lively and the sweetness in check, while letting it warm a few degrees in the glass will bring out more of the fruit. A tulip glass or a stemmed wine glass works well, since the narrowed rim gathers the orange aroma. A standard pint glass is fine for casual drinking, though it spreads the aromatics out more. Pour gently down the side if it is carbonated, and leave the fruit garnish out, as the blood orange is already doing the work. For food, the tartness and sweetness pair well with salty, rich dishes. Think roasted pork or pork sausages, sharp cheddar, brie or goat cheese, and charcuterie boards with cured meats. The citrus acidity also cuts through fried foods such as chicken or fish, and it complements spicy dishes like jerk chicken or Thai-style salads, where the sweetness tempers the heat. For dessert, try it with an orange-scented cake, a simple apple tart or a dark chocolate square.