Tasting Cider: The CIDERCRAFT® Guide to the Distinctive Flavors of North American Hard Cider

by Cidercraft Magazine, Erin James

Hard cider helped build North America, and this ode to the fermented drink sometimes referred to as scrumpy begins with a snapshot of that forgotten history and then goes on to present the most comprehensive guide to tasting and appreciating the diversity of today's rapidly growing cider movement. An overview of how cider is made and a tasting tutorial prepare readers for the heart of the book: Profiles of 200 cider styles from dessert ciders, spiced ciders, and hopped ciders to perry along with 30 recipes for pairing and cooking with cider, plus 32 cider-based cocktails. More than two dozen stories bring to life the men and women who produce some of the hottest craft ciders around including 2 Towns Ciderhouse in Oregon, Blackbird Cider Works in New York, and Cidrerie Michel Jodoin in Quebec."

Genres: Nonfiction, Cooking, Cookbooks

288 pages, Paperback

Published July 25, 2017

Reviews

[Joshua Lambos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for an introduction to Hard cider, whether you intend to make, or taste and pair it.

[Max Finnance · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a highly approachable entry into the world of hard cider, but this book is disjointed at times and reads like a book written by a staff of authors (it is) rather than a cohesive voice. Focusing heavily on profiles of individual cider-makers, with lots of reviews of commercial ciders, and nearly half the book dedicated to cocktail and culinary recipes, it feels like there’s a lot missing here.

The “what’s missing” includes more in-depth tasting notes (the ciders profiled are often described using what could be described as a back-of-the-label blurb), more depth on the food pairing analysis (again, the descriptions for why these ciders work with specific dishes is often abysmally lacking), and generally better information regarding “tasting cider”. The authors’ advice seems to be “don’t take it to seriously”, but someone who buys this book probably wants to take it a bit more seriously than the authors intended. I know I did.

[Min · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a pleasant entry into drinking cider. I have had the chance to try only a few, this book gives a good structure, and guideline to trying other American, and Canadian brands. Profiles of brewers is the great majority of the text. I wish there was more about the apples, and pears, and the process, but if this is about selling, then it is nice to know more about from whom one is buying.

I appreciate the inclusion of a chapter on perry; that rare beverage that I wish I could find more of locally. As the text mentions 'pear cider' means cider with pear in it. Perry is the fermented pear juice. It is very light, like champagne to me.
A third of the book is devoted to recipes for cocktails, and foods. I am less interested in that so I did not give it a close look.

[Ricky Mikeabono · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am 99% sure that this book was completely AI generated. It contained nothing original. It is full of very general and basic information about cider. I checked it out because I wanted to learn about actually tasting cider, like wine-tasting, but that was less than one page in this book (despite the title). Here's a paraphrased summary of the tasting cider section: "here is a tasting-notes diagram someone else made, but don't look at it too hard, because you should just drink what you like and don't worry about complicated things like this." What a waste of time.

[Scott Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

North American Cider’s Finest

This compilation from the team at Cidercraft is a wonderful overview of the cider landscape across the United States and Canada. In addition to providing some history, tasting strategies and backgrounds on varieties, it introduces the reader to several passionate cider professional cider-makers and their best blends. Coupled with sections on custom cocktails and recipes, a great all-around cider book.

[Allen Crump · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for someone looking to expand their view of what hard cider has to offer. A travel guide through the world of North American cider is then followed by recipes to incorporate cider beyond just enjoying a bottle at home.

[D. Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite informative and feels like a nice snapshot into the scene from years ago. Could have used a second look from an editor...I'm doubting that EZ orchards have been around for 90 decades (pg 39). Overall though, a good introductory book for those just coming into the scene.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't much of a beer drinker, until the craft breweries took over and created such amazing flavors that I couldn't help but be drawn to them. And while I love a deep stout with a rich chocolate overtone or a light pale ale, I found myself drawn over and over to the fruity beers. I have always been a fan of fruit, so this wasn't a huge surprise.

And then finally it occurred to me that I should skip the middle man (the grains) and go straight for the fruit: hard cider. And I figured that out just in time, because hard cider too is having a moment. Artisans are finally getting their due, and the world of hard cider has exploded from just a couple of brands on most store shelves to a wide variety of labels, flavors, styles, and creativity. 

The editors of Cidercraft Magazine have put together the ultimate guide to this new hard cider world. Out tomorrow, Tasting Cider is a handbook to this tasty new realm. With gorgeous photographs, a history of cider in America, a glossary, and even recipes for cider cocktails as well as entrees and desserts using cider (Cider Braised Chicken? Woodchuck Cider Pulled Pork? Hard Apple Cider Crisp? Yes, please!), this cider guide is perfect for cider drinkers wanting to learn more about their favorite beverage. 

But even better than all that, if that's possible, is the in-depth introduction to cider types and cider makers from across the United States. Barrel-aged ciders, botanical and spiced ciders, orchard-based varieties, hopped ciders, single-varietal ciders, perry, and more--each type of cider gets its time in the spotlight. And while beginners like me can get a road map to many flavorful treats, even experienced cider drinkers can find something in here to learn and to prompt a road trip to a local cider maker, or at least to a local liquor store. 

Anyone interested in cider--drinking it, cooking with it, making cider cocktails, or even learning to make it--can find plenty of information and inspiration in Tasting Cider. It's a phenomenal collection of knowledge for cider drinkers of any level or preference, and would make a beautiful gift as well. Cider drinkers need a guide just like this one. I know I did. 



Galleys for Tasting Cider were provided by Storey Publishing through NetGalley.com, with many thanks. 

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of cider, I found this book interesting. It chronicles the history of cider and discusses the current resurgence of it in the US. One of the most fun aspects of the book is the inclusion of a number of different tasting flights. While a number of contemporary US cider makers are profiled, examples of their products are included in the flights as well. The book encouraged me to visit a local liquor store and purchase a number of ciders that I hadn't known were available. The book did an excellent job of motivating me to try out new ciders.

I received an ARC for review through NetGalley.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a person that loves ciders like I do, or that want to learn more about ciders, this is a great book on the history of ciders and many of those that brew some of the best ciders. I have had a couple of these ciders show in the book but now will be on a quest to try many of the others. Beautiful photographs and wonderful recipes included to try! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!