Stowe Cider Tips Up

Tips Up is a 6.5% ABV cider from Stowe Cider in Vermont, and the producer describes it as its flagship, made from local apples with a touch of sweetness left in. That makes it a semi-sweet style rather than a bone-dry one. At 6.5% it sits a little above a typical session cider, so the apple character is full and the body has some weight, though it isn't heavy. No IBU is listed, and ciders don't use hops in the way beer does, so expect little to no bitterness. Any grip on the finish would come from apple skin tannin, not from hops. Ciders in this style usually lead with fresh-pressed apple aroma and a flavor that reads as ripe eating apple more than baked or caramelized fruit. The sweetness is meant to round off the tartness without turning syrupy, which is what the producer's "smooth and balanced" wording points to. Expect moderate carbonation and a clean, fairly short finish that leaves you ready for the next sip. It's an easy cider to hand to someone who finds fully dry versions austere but doesn't want a dessert-sweet one. For food, the touch of sweetness works well against salt and fat. Sharp cheddar, which Vermont is well known for, is the obvious match. Smoked sausage, roast pork, pulled pork sandwiches, and bacon-heavy brunch dishes also suit it, as does a fried chicken plate, where the cider's acidity cuts through the breading. Mildly spicy dishes such as Thai-style curries or buffalo wings are another good fit, since residual sugar softens the heat. For something sweeter, apple crisp or a cinnamon-spiced pastry will echo the fruit. Serve it well chilled, around 38 to 45°F (3 to 7°C). Colder than that, the apple aroma tends to shut down, and warmer, the sweetness can start to feel heavy. A standard pint glass works fine for everyday pouring. A tulip or stemmed white wine glass concentrates the aroma better and is worth using if you want to pick out the fruit. Pour at a slight angle to keep the foam in check, and leave any sediment-free bottle undisturbed rather than shaking it before opening.