The Difference Between Hard Cider and Apple Cider Beer.docx

1. The Difference Between Hard Cider and Apple Cider Beer Beer is the go-to beverage for many when hanging out with friends or having fun after a hard day’s work. Ciders are often confused with beers. But they are not the same. One of these is apple cider beer. You can find an apple cider beer and a hard cider beer. But first, it’s better to know the difference between cider and beer. So, let’s dive into it. What is cider? Cider is a beverage made by pressing and fermenting fruits like apples. It can be non-alcoholic or alcoholic. Depending on where you buy cider, its nature will change. For example, cider in North America is an unfiltered apple juice without any alcoholic content. In other places in the world, however, cider is an alcoholic drink. Cider, however, is not beer. It ranges in types from dry to sweet cider. Apples are mostly used, but cherries and pears may also be used to some extent. The apple’s type determines the cider’s dominant flavor.

2. The process involves harvesting good-quality ripe apples that are washed thoroughly. They then go through sweating, in which they are ground after softening. They are then pressed, cooled, tested for acid and sugar, go through alcoholic fermentation with yeast, filtered, and bottled. What is beer? Beer is manufactured from water, yeast, hops, malted barley, or other grains. Some fruits may be added for flavor, but they are not the main ingredients. Difference between hard cider and apple cider We have already established that apple cider beer is not beer. But it can be alcoholic. Hard cider is technically not a beer, either. But you can find it listed as beer in beverages. Apple cider Apple cider is made from apples. First, apples are turned into juice, removing the seeds and other unwanted parts. Then, after being grounded and clarified (optional), it is fermented. While apples contain some yeast and other microorganisms naturally, the right kind of yeast will give the desired flavor. So, after juicing the apples, the juice is filtered or pasteurized to eliminate unwanted microorganisms for health safety. Next, the juice is fermented with yeast. This yeast in the juice turns its sugar into alcohol. After multiple days or weeks, alcoholic apple cider is ready. However, the apple cider is shifted to a new tank for another fermentation round to get a better flavor. While not much alcohol is formed at this stage, the flavor still keeps developing. For a good flavor, the cider makers add tannins. The cider may also be aged in wooden barrels like oak barrels for a richer flavor. Even though some call it apple cider beer, this cider has a sweetness in its taste that is missing in a beer. Hard cider Hard cider is also made from apples, like apple cider. It is usually made from various types of apples that are blended. Compared to apple cider, hard cider is much higher in alcohol content. Different types of hard ciders vary in their sugar and alcohol levels. These are:

3. ● Dry cider- It has the lowest sugar level but the highest alcohol among all the hard ciders. With 0.5%, the alcohol is up to 7%. In dry cider, all its sugar is converted into alcohol, making it the strongest in alcohol. ● Off-dry cider- Off-dry cider is slightly higher in sweetness than dry cider. It has residual sugar of 1-2%. This sugar provides a comparatively richer flavor. ● Semi-sweet cider- This hard cider is the sweetest of all types. It has residual sugar of 2% to 4%. It also has an intense apple flavor. Conclusion Ciders can be still or sparkling. They vary in sweetness, alcoholic percentage, and type of apple flavors. If you want a cider higher in alcohol, hard cider is the one. To enjoy an alcoholic cider, whether apple cider beer or hard cider, using a bowl-like glass with a long stem is best. You can serve it chilled like white wine but avoid freezing it. The cider has a fruity aroma. If you want to buy beer online, visit Prancing Pony Brewery, they have a wide range of beers available.