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For some people, drinking a full pint of beer can be a challenge, and that’s perfectly okay. However, if you’re looking to explore the world of beer and you find that you prefer cider, this guide is for you. We’ll help you discover a range of beers, from fruit beers to Belgian Witbiers and Hefeweizens, that will satisfy your cider cravings. Join us on this journey to find your next favourite pint.
Exploring Beers That Resonate with Cider Enthusiasts
Cider enthusiasts who want to try beer can find several styles that are similar to cider’s fruity and refreshing taste. The answer to which beer is good for cider drinkers is straightforward. Belgian Witbier, with its fruity and spicy notes, Saison for its versatile flavours, Gose for its unique tart and fruity taste, and Berliner Weisse for its crisp acidity, are all excellent beer choices for cider lovers. These beers offer a similar refreshing and fruity experience. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Saison, a farmhouse ale, also aligns well with cider preferences. Its flavour spectrum ranges from light and fruity to complex and full-bodied, echoing the diverse taste profiles found in ciders. Saison Dupont is a classic in this category, known for its balanced fruit and spice notes.
Gose presents an exciting option for those captivated by cider’s tartness and fruitiness. This traditional German beer is celebrated for its unique sour and salty profile, often enhanced with fruit flavours like raspberry or lemon, creating a cider-like experience. Popular picks include Ritterguts Gose and Westbrook Gose, embodying the tart and fruity essence sought by cider lovers.
Additionally, Berliner Weisse, a German sour wheat beer, offers a high acidity level and a crisp taste that will appeal to cider enthusiasts. Its light body and session-able nature make it an ideal choice for those who appreciate cider’s acidity and easy drinkability. Notable examples include Bayerischer Bahnhof Berliner Style Weisse and The Bruery Hottenroth, which embody the refreshing characteristics desired by cider lovers.
In essence, these beer styles provide a seamless bridge for cider fans, offering a familiar yet distinct taste experience. Whether it’s the zesty refreshment of a Witbier, the versatile flavours of a Saison, the unique tartness of a Gose, or the crisp acidity of a Berliner Weisse, there’s a beer style that resonates with every cider lover’s palate.
Ciders with a Beer-Like Twist
Let’s consider a different perspective and explore some ciders that taste more like beer. Hopped ciders and Graf are two innovative styles that offer a beer-like experience. Hopped ciders are becoming increasingly popular among cider brewers as they incorporate the bitter, aromatic flavours of hops that are traditionally used in beer brewing. This method, which often involves “dry-hopping” during or after fermentation, imparts a distinct bitterness and complex character to the cider, similar to IPA beers. An excellent example of a British hopped cider is from Barbourne Cider Co., known for its dry and somewhat astringent profile.
Graf is a unique drink that combines the flavours of cider and beer. It is made using clean ale yeast and hops, which gives it a taste that is somewhere between cider and Belgian beer. This creative blend is perfect for those who enjoy both cider and beer. In the UK, Hawkes Cidery’s ‘Graff’ Apple Pale Ale and Suffolk’s Little Earth Project’s Hard Graf are two popular examples of this drink. Hawkes Cidery’s Graff is made by blending Braeburn and Bramley apples with a caramelised and malty wort. At the same time, Little Earth Project’s Hard Graf is a barrel-aged saison mixed with the juice of Golden Delicious apples.
The following styles are a combination of cider and beer, resulting in unique flavour profiles that are both familiar and new. Whether it’s the complexity of a hopped cider or the balanced blend of a Graf, these ciders offer a beer-like experience while still maintaining the essence of traditional cider. They are ideal for those who enjoy the subtleties of beer but also appreciate the fruity and refreshing qualities of cider.
Comparing the Health Aspects of Beer and Cider
When it comes to beer and cider, it can be challenging to know which one is the healthier choice. Both drinks have their unique benefits and potential drawbacks, and the best option for you will depend on your individual dietary needs and preferences.
From a nutritional standpoint, beer generally contains fewer carbohydrates than cider. This means that beer can be a better option if you’re watching your carb intake. Beer is also richer in certain B vitamins, such as B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), and B6, and it contains more magnesium than cider. However, cider boasts higher levels of minerals like iron, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc, and it’s also richer in vitamin B1 (thiamine).
When it comes to health benefits, moderate beer consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Beer’s bitter acids may also aid digestion, though this can vary among individuals. Cider, on the other hand, contains polyphenols, natural compounds that improve blood pressure and cholesterol and aid in digestion thanks to its probiotic properties.
If you have gluten sensitivities, cider may be the better choice, as it is naturally gluten-free, being made from apples. Most beers, in contrast, contain gluten due to the wheat or barley used in their production.
Both beer and cider are rich in various nutrients, with beer containing magnesium, potassium, and several B vitamins, and cider providing pectin, biotin, folic acid, and vitamin C. When it comes to sugar content, beers generally have less added sugar compared to commercial ciders, which can contain added sugars to enhance sweetness. However, fully fermented dry ciders contain no sugar at all.
Both beer and cider contain antioxidants, which are beneficial for your health. Beer contains flavonoids, while cider benefits from the antioxidants found in apples and apple skin.
Ultimately, both beer and cider can be part of a healthy lifestyle when consumed in moderation. So, whether you prefer a cold pint of beer or a refreshing glass of cider, you can enjoy your drink knowing that it can be a part of a balanced diet.
Summary
To summarise, if you’re a fan of cider and want to try beer, there are some types of beer that you might enjoy. Belgian Witbier, Saison, Gose, and Berliner Weisse have fruity and refreshing flavours that are similar to cider. Hopped ciders and Graf are also good options for those who want to try something that blends the sweetness of cider with the complexity of beer. When it comes to health benefits, both beer and cider have their advantages. Beer is lower in carbs and high in B vitamins, whilst cider contains heart-healthy polyphenols and is gluten-free. Ultimately, the choice between beer and cider depends on your personal taste and health preferences. Both offer unique experiences, with options that cater to every palate, making the transition from cider to beer an exciting one.
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