Our 10 Top Dry (Cider) January Picks
Well, well, well. We’re halfway through Dry January, and while some people may be cutting back on alcohol, others are embracing the world of dry cider. That’s right, we’re talking about Dry Cider January, the American Cider Association’s month-long campaign to promote ciders with 0 grams of sugar.
According to Michelle McGrath, the executive director of the American Cider Association, “The brain has a hard time distinguishing fruity from sweet. Many ciders with absolutely no sugar in them can still be fruit forward. You’ll find there are a multitude of dry ciders available when you start seeking them.”
So, if you’re looking for some delicious dry ciders to sip on this Dry January, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top 10 picks:
Champlain Orchards Kingston Dry
This Vermont cidery has gone all out by labeling their cider as “bone dry.” Kingston Dry pays tribute to the Jamaican horticulture crew that has played a vital role in the orchard’s success. With the inclusion of Kingston Black apples and various heirloom varieties grown on-site, this cider is sharp, smooth, full-bodied, and bursting with apple flavors.
Diskin Cider Bob’s Your Uncle
Kudos to Diskin Cider for the clever name. Bob’s Your Uncle is a traditional English dry cider that contains zero added sugars and boasts 6.9% ABV. This cider is the perfect homage to British pub culture, offering a pronounced apple taste with dry tannins and a touch of acidity. For a delightful pairing, try it with fried cheese curds.
Island Orchard Brut Reserve Cider
Drawing inspiration from their French heritage, Island Orchard Cider in Wisconsin infuses their New World ciders with an Old World mentality. The Brut Reserve Cider, part of their reserve line, embraces a French influence. This cider is made with specific late harvest apples selected for their blend. To add vivacious bubbles that perfectly complement the dry, fruity palate, it undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle.
SLO Cider Dry
California-based SLO Cider offers a dry and invigorating experience with their flagship cider. Made predominantly with Granny Smith apples, this cider delivers a delightful tartness and crunchy acidity. Packaged in sleek black and gold cans adorned with beautiful apple imagery, SLO Cider Dry is floral, crisp, and clean – a 100% dry cider that truly quenches your thirst.
Lost Boy Cider The Comeback Kid
As with all their ciders, Lost Boy Cider’s The Comeback Kid has zero residual sugar and an ABV of 6.9%. This Virginia cidery sources and presses apples exclusively from the Shenandoah Valley, fermenting them with a white-wine yeast to create an off-dry cider. The Comeback Kid is the most fruit-forward option on our list and serves as an excellent gateway to drier ciders.
Eden Cider Cinderella’s Slipper
Eden Orchards in Vermont has crafted a cider that showcases the beauty of apples. Cinderella’s Slipper features almost 20 different bittersweet, sharp, and sweet apple varieties. This award-winning cider, which received a gold medal at the 2018 Cidercraft Awards, offers floral notes with hints of honeycomb, pear, and crisp, slightly sweet apple flavors.
Seattle Cider Dry
Seattle Cider was one of the pioneers of truly dry commercial ciders. Their flagship product predominantly utilizes apples from Washington’s Yakima Valley and contains almost no residual sugar. With fruit profiles ranging from apple and peach to orange and citrus, this dry and tart cider is designed to quench the thirst of cider lovers everywhere.
Potter’s Craft Cider Farmhouse Dry
Drawing from the flavors of Old Virginia Winesap, Albemarle Pippin, and GoldRush apples, Potter’s Craft Cider presents another dry option from the Commonwealth. This aromatic cider combines golden apple and peach characteristics with sweet herbs and bright acidity. It’s a full-bodied sip that pairs perfectly with roasted chicken.
Wild State Cider Classic Dry
Wild State, a Minnesota-based cidery, is dedicated to producing “naturally good cider” – without added sugar, concentrates, or compromises. Their Classic Dry cider is both lean and clean, containing only 2 grams of carbs and 170 calories. With its bright apple flavor and refreshing crispness, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a dry and guilt-free cider experience.
Wyndridge Cider Co. Stayman
Stayman Winesap apples, complemented by a hint of Dabinett, are the stars of this bone-dry cider from Wyndridge Cider Co. Fermented with wild yeasts and undergoing secondary fermentation for naturally occurring bubbles, Stayman cider strikes a balance between sharpness and juiciness. Its fruit-focused character and tannic texture provide a delightful drinking experience.
For more information on zero-sugar or low-sugar drinks, check out the latest issue of Cidercraft magazine.
So there you have it – our top 10 dry ciders to embrace this Dry January. Whether you’re a cider connoisseur or someone looking to explore new flavors, these ciders are sure to please. Remember to enjoy them responsibly, and if you want to learn more about BDK Restaurant, visit BDK Restaurant. Cheers!
