Though beer has taken center-stage here in the US, there’s another fermented beverage with nearly as storied a history and roots in the growth of this nation. Beer may be abundant but cider has deep roots and an interesting history most of us aren’t aware of. Learn more about it and the many varieties grown here in American Cider: A Modern Guide to a Historic Beverage.
American Cider
The history of cider in the United States is filled with interesting stories, as it went from one of the beverages of choice to a much lesser-known, and now back to an expanding style of imbibing. It doesn’t matter if you’re a cider-lover or just exploring this apple-based beverage, American Cider: A Modern Guide to a Historic Beverage will give you a wonderful depth of knowledge on the history of US cider, in addition to diving deeply into the various apple varieties grown in every part of the country.
We begin with a wonderfully detailed history of cider in the early years of America. As our nation grew, so did cider. New apple varieties were created, and our understanding of the best places to grow various blossoms proliferated. Origins, flavors, tasting, and more are all touched on.
Next, we’re off to explore cider across the country. The Southeast, New England, New York, Mid-Atlantic, The Midwest, Mountains and Plains, California, and the Pacific Northwest are all gone over in incredible detail. Not only do we learn the history of each area, but also the varieties that grow best there and those unique to the particular terroir.
In addition to the apples and cider varieties native to each region, details and interviews with current cider producers in each are included. Some offer wonderful stories, while others in-depth descriptions of their offerings. You get a feel for each region and their unique contribution to American cider as a whole.
While the level of detail this book offers is incredible, it can get a bit long. Towards the final couple regions, it became a bit more of the same from the past couple hundred pages. It may be worth taking the regional breakdown as a reference or reading those of particular interest as you explore them, rather than going right through.
Apple Adventures
The history of cider and the apple varieties it’s spawned is far greater than most realize. Though cider is just regaining a following and seeing great growth, it has history from our earliest days in the United States. This book is a wonderful exploration of it all in great detail.
Grab a copy of American Cider: A Modern Guide to a Historic Beverage from Amazon now and snuggle up with a tannic cider, while you get apple educated.