Angry Orchard is neither a beer nor a liquor, but rather a hard cider. Hard cider is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from apples. It is similar to beer in terms of the fermentation process, but it is not made from barley or other grains like beer. Instead, it is made from the juice of apples.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and study various types of alcoholic beverages, including hard ciders. Hard cider has its own distinct characteristics that set it apart from beer and liquor.
Firstly, the base ingredient for Angry Orchard and other hard ciders is apples. The apples used in cider making can vary in type and flavor, just like grapes in winemaking. The apples are pressed to extract their juice, which is then fermented using yeast.
The fermentation process converts the natural sugars in the apple juice into alcohol, resulting in a crisp and refreshing beverage with a moderate alcohol content. Unlike beer, which is typically brewed using malted barley, hard cider does not contain any grains and is gluten-free.
In terms of taste, Angry Orchard and other hard ciders often have a sweet and tart flavor profile, with hints of apple and sometimes other fruits. They can range from bone dry to semi-sweet, offering a wide range of flavor options for different palates.
While beer is typically carbonated through the addition of carbon dioxide during the brewing process, hard cider can be naturally carbonated or carbonated through the addition of carbonation before bottling. This gives hard cider a different level of effervescence compared to beer.
When it comes to serving and enjoying hard cider, it is common to drink it chilled, much like beer. It can be served in a variety of glassware, such as pint glasses or even wine glasses, depending on personal preference and the style of the cider.
Angry Orchard is a hard cider, not a beer or liquor. It is made from apples and goes through a fermentation process similar to beer but without the use of grains. It has its own unique taste and characteristics, making it a distinct category of alcoholic beverage.