Harpoon Rolls Out Summer Seasonal Hibiscus Cider

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Boston, MA – The Harpoon Brewery is putting a tropical twist on the New England summer. Introducing Harpoon Hibiscus Cider, Harpoon’s new summer seasonal cider brewed with hibiscus flowers. This all natural cider is brewed to make the most of every summer gathering – rooftop parties, backyard barbecues, beach days, bonfire nights, and every summer celebration in between.

Effervescent and deep pink, with aromas of tropical flowers and fresh apples, this dry, crisp cider is like sipping pure summertime. The hibiscus flowers – 8 lbs. for every 320 gallons of cider – give the cider its festive pink hue and floral tartness that complements the sweetness from the freshly pressed apples.

Harpoon Hibiscus Cider was first brewed for Harpoon’s annual employee brewing competition. Four hibiscus-loving women – Julia Falk, Cait Kelliher, Jordan McMillan, and Carolyn Orth – and Harpoon brewer Rich Eyring developed the recipe, brewed it, and entered it into the competition. The Hibiscus Cider was so popular among Harpooners that it was agreed the day of the competition that it would become Harpoon’s new summer seasonal cider.

“When it came time for the brewing competition, we knew that we wanted to brew something with hibiscus. We all love the subtle floral tartness and the pink hue the hibiscus flower creates,” says Jordan McMillan, Harpoon Digital Content Coordinator. “At first we thought we’d brew a beer, but as we talked about different styles the idea of brewing a cider with hibiscus came up. We thought why not combine our love for hibiscus with our love of cider? So we did, and voila! It came out really well and everyone loved it.”

Harpoon Hibiscus Cider is available now in 12 oz. bottles and on draft. An event celebrating the release of the cider, featuring Julia, Cait, Jordan, Carolyn, and Rich will be held at Harpoon in Windsor, VT on Tuesday, May 10th (info: http://hibiscusciderreleasepartyvt.splashthat.com/PR) and at the Harpoon Beer Hall in Boston, MA on Wednesday, May 11th (info: http://hibiscusciderreleasepartybos.splashthat.com/PR)

Hibiscus Cider is the second seasonal in the brewery’s line of ciders, which includes the year-round Harpoon Craft Cider and their fall offering, Harpoon Pumpkin Cider. Made from freshly pressed apples and the brewery’s proprietary yeast, Harpoon craft ciders are all natural – no artificial flavors, no preservatives, no sweeteners, no added colors – and gluten free.

Harpoon Hibiscus Cider Specs:

  • ABV: 4.8%
  • EBC: 10
  • Harpoon Hibiscus Cider Tasting Notes:
  • Appearance: Deep pink, effervescent
  • Aroma: Apple, floral, wine
  • Mouthfeel: Light-bodied
  • Taste: Tart, sweet, apples, floral, tropical
  • Finish: Dry and crisp
  • Pairing Suggestions: Kalua pork, chopped apple salad, quiche, charcuterie
  • Availability: May-August 2016

For additional information about Harpoon Hibiscus Cider and the Harpoon Brewery, please contact Liz Melby at lmelby@harpoon.com. You may also visit Harpoon at www.harpoonbrewery.com or follow Harpoon on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheHarpoonBrewery, on Twitter at @harpoonbrewery, and on Instagram at @harpoonbrewery.

About the Harpoon Brewery:

The Harpoon Brewery was founded by beer lovers Dan Kenary, Rich Doyle, and George Ligeti. In 1986 Harpoon was issued Brewing Permit #001 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, since it was the first brewery to brew commercially in Boston after a dormant period of about 25 years. Harpoon’s line of craft beer features its award winning IPA and UFO beers, along with special seasonal selections. In 2000 Harpoon purchased a second brewery in Windsor, VT, making Harpoon the 19th largest craft brewer in the US. Harpoon has since introduced the limited batch 100 Barrel Series and the as well as the all-natural Harpoon Craft Cider made from freshly pressed apples. In August 2014 Harpoon became an employee-owned company. For more information about Harpoon beers and visiting the breweries, visit www.harpoonbrewery.com.