Long the preferred beverage of New Englanders, commercial hard cider production was almost extinguished by Prohibition, but is now experiencing impressive growth. Local hard ciders can be found at a growing number of package stores, bars and restaurants across the region. If you’re expecting something merely sweet and fizzy, you’re mistaken: look for crisp and dry varieties, or those infused with hops or black currants. And don’t forget sweet cider, bringing the individual and varied flavors of the farms and apples from which it was produced.
Valley Bounty is written by Margaret Christie.
Here are CISA’s lists of cider producers: