As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and analyze a wide variety of ciders, including both pear and apple cider. When it comes to sweetness, pear cider does tend to be sweeter than apple cider. There are a few reasons for this.
Firstly, pears naturally have a higher sugar content than apples. This means that when the fruits are fermented to make cider, the resulting pear cider will have a higher residual sugar content compared to apple cider. The higher sugar content contributes to the sweetness of the pear cider.
Additionally, pears contain a specific type of sugar called sorbitol. Sorbitol is an unfermentable sugar, meaning that during the fermentation process, it does not get converted into alcohol by the yeast. This results in a higher concentration of sorbitol in pear cider compared to apple cider. Sorbitol adds sweetness to the flavor profile of the cider, making pear cider taste sweeter than apple cider.
In terms of taste, the sweetness of pear cider is often described as more delicate and subtle compared to the sweetness of apple cider. Apple cider can have a tangy and tart flavor profile, whereas pear cider tends to be smoother and less acidic. The sweetness of pear cider balances out any tartness, resulting in a more mellow and rounded flavor.
It's important to note that the level of sweetness can vary between different brands and styles of pear and apple ciders. Some pear ciders may be sweeter than others, just as some apple ciders can have a higher sugar content. It's always a good idea to read the label or do some research to get an idea of the sweetness level before purchasing a specific cider.
In my personal experience, I have found pear cider to be a delightful and refreshing alternative to apple cider. The sweetness of pear cider can be especially enjoyable for those who prefer a sweeter taste or who may find the tartness of apple cider to be too intense. It pairs well with a variety of foods, from light salads to creamy desserts.
Pear cider is generally sweeter than apple cider due to the natural sugar content of pears and the presence of unfermentable sugar, sorbitol. The sweetness of pear cider is often described as more delicate and balanced compared to the tartness of apple cider. However, it's important to keep in mind that the level of sweetness can vary between different brands and styles of cider.