Citizen Cider Wits Up

Wits Up is a 6.2% ABV cider from Citizen Cider in Vermont, and the brand describes it as starting like an ale and finishing dry. That points to a cider with more structure than most apple-forward bottlings. Expect a crisp, dry-leaning apple character with a firm, clean finish, closer to a session ale in how it drinks than to a sweet orchard cider. The label doesn't give a sweetness level or any fruit or yeast notes, so treat the following as the usual range for this style, not a measured profile. Dry ciders at this strength tend to show tart apple skin, a faint yeasty or bready edge, and little residual sugar. The 6.2% ABV gives it more body than a sub-5% session cider, but it should still go down easily. The ale-like approach suggests the fermentation character matters here. Ale-yeast ciders often have a slightly rounder, fruitier nose than wine-yeast versions, with a light bready or faintly spicy note. No IBU figure is listed, and cider normally carries no hop bitterness. Any bite you notice should come from apple acidity and tannin. That dryness is useful at the table. Expect it to cut through fried chicken, pork schnitzel, bratwurst, and fish and chips, where the acidity does the work a lager or pale ale would. It also suits sharp cheddar and washed-rind cheeses, roast pork with mustard, and salty snacks like pretzels or roasted nuts. Dishes with sweet glazes or heavy spice can flatten a dry cider, so pair it with savory, salty, or fatty food instead. Serve it well chilled, around 38 to 45°F. Straight from the fridge works, but let it sit a few minutes if it is very cold so the apple character comes through. A standard pint glass or a nonic works well for everyday drinking. A tulip or stemmed beer glass will hold more of the aroma if you want to pick out the yeast and fruit notes. Pour gently down the side of the glass, because a vigorous pour in a carbonated cider can produce more foam than you want. If the bottle or can carries any sediment, you can leave it in or pour it off, depending on how clear you prefer the cider.