If you're looking for a great way to take your cider drinking experience to the next level, hopped cider is the perfect choice! Hopped cider is a type of hard cider that's been infused with hops, just like in beer. This adds a unique flavor and aroma profile to your drink, as well as providing additional body and mouthfeel from the hop oils.
The process of making hopped cider begins with selecting hops that will work well with the tannins found in good quality apples. Some popular hop varieties used in this process include Citra, Mosaic, Cascade, and Amarillo. When adding hops to the mix during fermentation, it's important not to boil them as this can lead to burnt sugar flavors. Instead, let them steep for about 30 minutes before removing them from the mixture.
Once finished fermenting, hopped cider has a fresh taste with subtle hoppy flavors and floral aromas. It's dry hopped too so thre isn't an overly bitter flavor like one would find in an IPA. Hop-infused ciders have notes of grapefruit and pine which provide a crispness and brightness that regular ciders don't have.
For those looking for something different than the traditional apple cider taste or even beer lovers who want something new to try, hopped ciders are a great option! With its unique flavor profile and unbeatable mouthfeel, it's no wonder why these drinks have become so popular among craft beverage enthusiasts everywhere!
What is Hopped Hard Cider?
Hopped hard cider is a type of cider that has been infused with hops during the fermentation process. The addition of hops gves the cider a unique flavor profile as well as a floral aroma. Hops also act as natural preservatives, so hopped hard ciders tend to have a longer shelf life than non-hopped ciders. Unlike IPAs, which are heavily hopped and can have a strong bitter taste, hopped hard ciders have more subtle hoppy flavors and aromas. Dry hopping is the most common method for infusing hops into ciders, where the hops are added in the fermenter without being boiled, giving them an even more delicate taste. Hopped hard ciders offer an interesting twist to traditional cider recipes and can be enjoyed by both beer and cider connoisseurs alike.
The Dryness of Hopped Cider
Hopped cider is typically dry. This type of cider has been brewed with the addition of hops, which gives the beverage a distinctive flavor profile and a drier finish than traditional ciders. The hop additions can add floral, citrus or even grassy notes to the cider and impart a brisk, refreshing taste. Cascade hops are often used in hopped ciders, and they contribute grapefruit and pine flavors that further enhance the dryness of this unique beverage.
What Types of Hops Should Be Used for Cider?
When selecting hops for cider, it is important to cnsider the type of tannins found in the apples you are using. If your cider apples contain strong tannins, then bittering hops such as Magnum, Galena and Fuggle may not be necessary. Instead, aromatic hops such as Citra, Mosaic, Cascade and Amarillo can be used to enhance flavor and aroma. These hop varieties are popular in beer making but can also work well in ciders. When adding these hops to your cider, it is important to keep the amount low so as not to overpower the other flavors of the cider. A good starting point is 1/2 ounce per 5 gallons of cider.
Conclusion
Hopped cider is a unique and flavorful alternative to traditional ciders. It offers a bright and grassy flavor with notes of grapefruit and pine. It is dry-hopped, which means the hops are added in the fermenter and never boiled, resulting in a subtle hoppy flavor witout the strong bitter taste of an IPA. The key to creating a balanced hopped cider is to avoid boiling the juice in order to preserve the natural acids and sugars that give it its unique flavor. With careful consideration of flavors and ingredients, hopped cider can be a delicious addition to any drink menu.
