Angry Orchard

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Cider in Angry Orchard tasting glass

Angry Orchard is a hard cider brand owned by the Boston Beer Company, the same company that produces Samuel Adams Beer. It was established in 2012 and has since become one of the leading hard cider brands in the United States. Angry Orchard ciders are known for their variety of flavors, which range from traditional apple tastes to innovative blends incorporating other fruits and spices. The brand's flagship cider is the "Crisp Apple," which aims to capture the essence of biting into a fresh apple by balancing sweetness and acidity.

History

The inception of Angry Orchard in 2012 marked the Boston Beer Company's significant entry into the hard cider market. The company, recognizing the growing interest in cider among American consumers, aimed to craft a cider that stood out in both quality and flavor. The brand quickly gained popularity, thanks in part to the established distribution channels of its parent company. Angry Orchard's success has contributed to the resurgence of cider drinking in the United States, a tradition with deep historical roots dating back to the colonial era.

Products

Angry Orchard produces a variety of ciders, each with its unique profile. Some of the notable flavors include:

• Crisp Apple: The brand's signature cider, known for its balanced blend of sweetness and tartness.
• Green Apple: Offers a slightly more tart flavor, reminiscent of green apples.
• Pear Cider: A blend of apple and pear juices, providing a smooth, fruit-forward taste.
• Rosé Cider: Inspired by Rosé wine, this cider is made with rare red flesh apples, offering a rosy hue and a refreshing taste.
• Easy Apple: A less sweet, more sessionable cider designed for easy drinking.

In addition to these core offerings, Angry Orchard occasionally releases limited edition and seasonal ciders, experimenting with different apple varieties, aging processes, and flavor additions.

Production

Angry Orchard ciders are produced using apples from both Europe and the United States. The brand places a strong emphasis on apple selection, using a mix of culinary and traditional cider apples to achieve the desired flavor profiles. The production process involves the fermentation of apple juice, followed by blending to ensure consistency and quality. Some of Angry Orchard's ciders are also aged in oak barrels, adding depth and complexity to the flavor.

Angry Orchard Innovation Cider House

Located in Walden, New York, the Angry Orchard Innovation Cider House is both a research and development facility and a visitor center. Here, the brand experiments with new flavors, fermentation techniques, and apple varieties. The Cider House is open to the public, offering tours, tastings, and educational experiences about cider production.

Impact on the Cider Industry

Angry Orchard has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of cider's popularity in the United States. Its success has not only increased consumer interest in cider but has also encouraged the growth of smaller, craft cider producers. The brand's emphasis on quality and innovation has helped elevate the perception of cider from a niche or seasonal beverage to a mainstream option.

See Also

• Boston Beer Company
• Hard cider
• Cider in the United States
• Fermentation (food)