Boston Beer Company continues to invest in its expanding cider business, today announcing an extension to its rapidly growing Angry Orchard Cider line.
According to press materials received by Brewbound.com, The Angry Orchard Cider House Collection is a new high-end line extension made with heirloom varietals that showcase the collection’s complex flavors.The new ciders blend Italian culinary apples from the foothills of the Northern Alps and French bittersweet apples from Normandy. Each offering is aged on wood and fermented with wine yeast.
The new additions look like an attempt from the nation’s largest craft brewer to compete with more complex offerings like those from the MillerCoors owned Crispin Cider line.
The Angry Orchard Cider House Collection is now available year-round will initially roll out in the select states of MA, CT, RI, VT, MN, OR, WA and CA. Angry Orchard Iceman and Angry Orchard Strawman both check in at 10 percent ABV and have a suggested retail price of $14.99 per 750 mL bottle.
Below are the specs:
Angry Orchard® Iceman (10.0% ABV; $14.99 per bottle)
Inspired by the traditional ice ciders of Quebec, Angry Orchard Iceman combines crisp apples with notes of caramel and toffee for a cider that’s sweet but not syrupy or cloying. Aging the cider on oak adds a smooth, vanilla character.
Iceman is medium-bodied, leaving a smooth finish with rich flavor and lingering sweetness on the palate.
Pairing suggestion: This well-balanced cider pairs best with the sweet flavors in pork and enhances the tender, delicate flavors in foie gras. Its earthy finish compliments sharp cheeses while its caramel and toffee notes enhance sweet, savory and buttery desserts.
Angry Orchard® Strawman (10.0% ABV; $14.99 per bottle)
Angry Orchard Strawman’s ripe apple, vanilla and honeysuckle flavors impart an earthy character complimented by a distinct aroma of ripe apples, wood, dark fruits and sweet citrus.
Inspired by centuries-old farmhouse cider making techniques traditionally found along the English and French countryside, Strawman balances a distinct blend of culinary and bittersweet apples juices which are then aged on oak.
Strawman’s wine-like characteristics leave a smooth, fruity and effervescent finish with lingering notes of wood and apple that are crisp off the palate, refreshing and flavorful.
- Pairing suggestion: Notes of caramel, toffee and vanilla give Angry Orchard Strawman a unique sweetness that matches up well to rich meats like pork and desserts like cheesecake. Its smooth, crisp taste also makes it an exceptional seafood pairing.