This spring, Angry Orchard, a brand of Boston-based The Boston Beer Co., is giving legal-drinking-age consumers a new and choice: Angry Orchard Rosé hard cider. Made with a blend of apples including rare red-flesh apples from France, Angry Orchard Rosé delivers the crisp and refreshing qualities of hard cider with a rosy color and floral aroma, the company says.
In developing the recipe for Rosé, Angry Orchard cider makers were inspired by the light and fruit-forward elements of Rosé wine which, like cider, is derived from harvested and fermented fruit. The team experimented with small batches at the Angry Orchard Cidery in New York’s Hudson River Valley to find the perfect balance of high-quality ingredients, it says.
Ultimately, they found a unique, red-flesh apple in Brittany, France, which contributes to the cider’s bright apple flavor and rosy hue. These apples, known as amour rouge or red love were then blended with the juices of six apple varieties and other ingredients, like a hint of hibiscus, the company says. The result was an unconventional, apple-forward style that brings a unique flavor for wine and cider drinkers alike, it says.
“I love Rosé wine, but I’m excited for drinkers to move on over to cider and try something new this spring with our Angry Orchard Rosé,” said Ryan Burk, head cider maker of Angry Orchard, in a statement. “The rare red-flesh apples used in our Rosé not only impart complex flavors but contribute to the cider’s beautiful rosy hue. It’s crisp, refreshing, and unlike any other style we have crafted.”
Angry Orchard Rosé hard cider’s apple-forward taste is complimented by refreshing light tannins, similar to a semi-dry wine, the company says. It has a light floral aroma, medium mouthfeel and bright apple finish, it says.
The cider-making team has been experimenting with ingredients and various techniques from around the world for more than 25 years. Angry Orchard is dedicated to high-quality ingredients and is committed to creating new and unique ciders that are complex, distinctive and balanced for consumers to enjoy, the company says. Angry Orchard Rosé hard cider is the latest offering, as the cider makers continue to push the boundaries and explore various styles of cider. Angry Orchard's cider makers continue to lead expansive research and recipe development from the cidery at a 60-acre orchard in Walden, N.Y., it adds.
Angry Orchard Rosé hard cider is 5.5 percent alcohol by volume. The hard cider is available nationwide in six-packs for a suggested retail price of $7.99-9.99 (varies by market) and 12-pack variety packs with other Angry Orchard styles for $14.99-16.99 (varies by market). Angry Orchard Rosé will also be featured at this year’s Kentucky Derby as the Derby’s official hard cider.
