Cider - the crisp, complex, alcoholic beverage made from pressed apples that originated in Britain, but what is cider exactly?
Cider is basically fermented apple juice fermented by fruit-borne yeast or added yeast. There are sparkling and still variations, but it mostly depends on what type of apples are being used and the production process. Ciders commonly found in Singapore are typically low in alcohol content with about 3-4% ABV, but most ciders are about 6-8% ABV, with some French variations going up to above 10% ABV.
Most American ciders are produced with Winesaps and Golden Russets, which are also commercially sold for consumption as a fruit. However, apples used to make ciders should traditionally be extremely tart and tannic, with high levels of acid and sugar, making them unsuitable for eating.
Types of Ciders
Heritage Ciders
Heritage ciders, or otherwise known as traditional ciders, are made from cider-specific bittersweet/bittersharp apples, with wild or crab apples added for acidity. These apples yield ciders that are higher in acidity, bitterness and complex aromas. Heritage ciders in the market include Strongbow Gold and Magners Original Irish Cider.
Flavour: Complex with dryness and bitterness
Appearance: Yellow or amber, clear to hazy variants
Modern Ciders
Modern ciders are made with table apples such as Mcintosh, Golden Russets or Gala. They are usually low in tannins and higher in acidity but taste incredibly refreshing. Popular modern ciders include Singapore favourite Somersby Apple Cider and Growers HoneyCrisp Apple Flavoured.
Flavour: refreshing with strong apple character
Appearance: Pale to yellow, clear to hazy variants
Fruit Ciders
Fruit ciders are apple-based ciders that have other fruits or fruit juices added before or after fermentation. With the addition of fruits other than apples, the cider’s flavour changes according to the added fruits. Fruit ciders typically include cherry, cranberry, blueberry and peach on top of apples.
Flavour: additional aroma and flavour from added fruits
Colour: varies according to fruits added
Wood-Aged Ciders
Wood/barrel-aged ciders are apple-based ciders that have a wood or barrel-aged character as part of their overall flavour profile. Its flavour intensity is mostly based on the proportion of wood and cider used.
Flavour: notable cider character along with wood/barrel character
Appearance: clear to brilliant
Cider Around The World
Most of the cider we consume are produced in England, France and Spain, the three leading producers of the world’s ciders.
English ciders taste just like modern ciders because, well, they are modern ciders. However, its traditional farmhouse cider, Scrumpy, is drier, more complex and comes still or sparkling.
French cidre, on the other hand, produces the world’s most elegant ciders - sweet, tannic and naturally sparkling, thanks to the unique process of keeving.
Spain’s sidra is probably the most interesting of the bunch. Made with high-acid apples, the ciders are fermented in oak barrels at warmer temperatures to produce a “funky” and sour cider that resembles beer.
Get Somersby Apple Cider From JARBARLAR
Thinking of knocking back a couple of cold ciders with your friends this weekend? Why not get your supply of Somersby Apple Cider online at JARBARLAR instead of lugging back a heavy case of 24 cans back from the supermarket.
Simply make your purchase online, and JARBARLAR will deliver your alcohol to your doorstep the next day. Spend a minimum of $50 to be eligible for free delivery within Singapore. Don’t forget to register as a member and earn points for your purchase! Points can be used to redeem cash vouchers that can be used for your next purchase.
Visit our website to take a look at our full collection of alcohol.