As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that Angry Orchard Crisp Apple is not a beer. While it may be found in the beer section of many stores, it is actually a hard cider. Hard cider and beer may have some similarities, but they are distinct beverages with different ingredients and production processes.
Beer is traditionally made from a combination of grains, typically malted barley, hops, water, and yeast. The grains are milled and then mashed with hot water to extract the sugars. The resulting liquid, known as wort, is boiled and hops are added for bitterness, flavor, and aroma. After cooling, yeast is added to ferment the sugars into alcohol, and the beer is then conditioned and carbonated.
In contrast, hard cider, like Angry Orchard, is made from fresh fermented apple juice. The apples are crushed and pressed to extract the juice, which is then fermented with yeast. The yeast consumes the natural sugars in the apple juice and converts them into alcohol, resulting in a crisp and refreshing beverage with a distinct apple flavor.
Angry Orchard specifically uses a variety of apple juices to create their ciders, including culinary and bittersweet apples. This blend of apple varieties contributes to the unique flavor profile of their ciders, ranging from sweet and fruity to dry and tart. They also offer different styles, such as Crisp Apple, which is known for its balanced sweetness and crisp finish.
In terms of taste, Angry Orchard Crisp Apple has a distinct apple character with a crisp and refreshing quality. It is often described as having a balance between sweetness and acidity, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a slightly sweeter cider.
Personal experience-wise, I have had the opportunity to taste and evaluate a wide range of ciders and beers in my career. While I appreciate the complexity and diversity of both beverages, I can confidently say that Angry Orchard Crisp Apple falls into the category of hard cider rather than beer.
To summarize, Angry Orchard Crisp Apple is not a beer but a hard cider. It is made from fermented apple juices, not grains like beer. The distinct apple flavor and crispness of Angry Orchard ciders make them a popular choice for those looking for a refreshing alternative to beer.