What is the difference between American and English cider?

 What is the difference between American and English cider?

Cider, a popular alcoholic beverage made from fermented apples, has been enjoyed for centuries, with variations in taste and production methods. The two most popular forms of cider are American cider and English cider, each with its unique flavour profile and production methods. In this article, we'll delve into the differences between American and English cider and explore what sets them apart.

American Cider: A Sweet and Refreshing Twist

American cider is known for its sweeter and lighter taste, often made with dessert apples such as Golden Delicious or Gala. These apples have a high sugar content, which results in a sweet and fruity flavour. To enhance this flavour, American cider is often filtered, resulting in a clearer and smoother drink. This type of cider is also typically carbonated, giving it a bubbly texture, and is sometimes flavoured with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

This lighter and sweeter flavour profile makes American cider a popular choice as a refreshing drink, especially during warm weather. It's often served cold and is perfect for those who prefer a less intense drink. American cider is also commonly mixed with other drinks, such as ginger beer or hard lemonade, to create unique and flavorful beverages.

English Cider: A Tangy and Bitter Option

English cider, on the other hand, is made with a combination of bitter and sweet apples, giving it a tangy and slightly bitter flavour. Unlike American cider, English cider is not as heavily processed and is often sold cloudy with sediment, making it appear less refined. This lack of processing allows for the natural flavour of the apples to come through, resulting in a deeper and more complex flavour profile.

English cider is also typically less carbonated, giving it a still texture, and is often stronger, with an alcohol content that ranges from 4-8%. This stronger flavour profile makes it an ideal accompaniment to food, particularly hearty dishes like roast pork or steak and ale pie.

The Art of Cider Production

The production methods for American and English cider also differ. American cider is often produced using modern techniques and technology, such as using high-pressure pasteurisation and filtering methods. This allows for a consistent and uniform flavour profile in every bottle.

English cider, however, is typically produced using traditional methods, with a greater focus on using locally-sourced and hand-picked apples. This focus on tradition and local ingredients result in a more authentic and unique flavour, with variations from year to year based on the apple harvest. English cider producers often blend different types of apples to create a desired flavour profile, and the cider is usually fermented for a longer period, resulting in a stronger and more complex flavour.

Serving and Enjoying Cider

When it comes to serving, American cider is often enjoyed cold and as a refreshing drink, while English cider is often enjoyed slightly warmer and as an accompaniment to food. American cider is also commonly served mixed with other drinks, such as ginger beer or hard lemonade, while English cider is usually enjoyed on its own or with a light snack.

In terms of alcohol content, American cider is often lower, with an average of 5% ABV, while English cider can range from 4-8% ABV. This difference in alcohol content is a reflection of the different flavour profiles and serving suggestions for each type of cider.

Exploring the World of Cider

Cider, a fermented apple drink, has been enjoyed for centuries, with various flavours and production methods across different regions. From sweet and refreshing American cider to tangy and bitter English cider, there are many variations of this popular beverage.

American cider is often made with dessert apples, resulting in a sweeter taste, while English cider uses a combination of bitter and sweet apples, resulting in a tangy flavour. American cider is typically filtered and carbonated, while English cider is often produced using traditional methods and sold cloudy with sediment.

Production methods also play a role in the flavour of cider. American cider is often produced using modern techniques and technology, while English cider focuses on using locally-sourced and hand-picked apples. This results in a more authentic and unique flavour, with variations from year to year based on the apple harvest.

When it comes to serving, American cider is often enjoyed cold as a refreshing drink, while English cider is often enjoyed slightly warmer as an accompaniment to food. American cider is also commonly mixed with other drinks, while English cider is usually enjoyed on its own.

Cider is a versatile and delicious beverage that is enjoyed all over the world. Whether you prefer sweet and fruity or tangy and bitter, there's a cider for everyone. Explore the world of cider and discover your favourite flavour and style.