Introduction
Cider is a popular alcoholic beverage made from the fermentation of apple juice. While traditional ciders are made using only apples, some cider brands have started incorporating unusual or exotic ingredients to create unique and innovative flavors. In this report, we will explore the top 10 cider brands that stand out for their use of unconventional ingredients.
1. Angry Orchard – Rose Cider
Overview
Angry Orchard is a well-known cider brand that offers a wide range of flavors, including their Rose Cider. This cider is made with red flesh apples, giving it a pink hue and a slightly floral taste. The addition of hibiscus adds a subtle tartness and a refreshing finish.
Financial Data
Angry Orchard is owned by the Boston Beer Company, which reported a revenue of $1.59 billion in 2020. While specific revenue figures for Angry Orchard are not publicly available, the brand is a key player in the cider market.
2. Strongbow – Dark Fruit Cider
Overview
Strongbow is a popular cider brand known for its crisp and refreshing ciders. Their Dark Fruit Cider stands out for its rich and fruity flavor profile, thanks to the addition of blackcurrant and blackberry juices. This unique blend of fruits gives the cider a deep purple color and a sweet yet tangy taste.
Industry Insights
Strongbow is a leading player in the global cider market, with a strong presence in the UK and other markets. The brand has successfully tapped into the growing trend of flavored ciders, attracting a younger audience looking for innovative and exciting drink options.
3. Woodchuck – Pear Ginger Cider
Overview
Woodchuck is a craft cider brand that prides itself on using high-quality ingredients to create unique and flavorful ciders. Their Pear Ginger Cider combines the sweetness of ripe pears with the spiciness of ginger, creating a well-balanced and refreshing drink.
Financial Data
Woodchuck is owned by Vermont Hard Cider Company, which reported a revenue of $115 million in 2020. The brand has a strong presence in the craft cider market and continues to innovate with new and exciting flavors.
4. Crispin – Honey Crisp Cider
Overview
Crispin is a premium cider brand known for its crisp and clean taste. Their Honey Crisp Cider is made with honeycrisp apples, known for their sweet and juicy flavor. The addition of honey adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the cider, making it a favorite among cider enthusiasts.
Industry Insights
Crispin is part of the MillerCoors portfolio, which reported a revenue of $7.6 billion in 2020. The brand has a strong presence in the premium cider segment, catering to consumers looking for high-quality and innovative drink options.
5. Austin Eastciders – Blood Orange Cider
Overview
Austin Eastciders is a Texas-based cider brand known for its bold and flavorful ciders. Their Blood Orange Cider is a fan favorite, with the tangy and citrusy flavor of blood oranges adding a refreshing twist to the traditional apple cider.
Financial Data
Austin Eastciders reported a revenue of $10 million in 2020, reflecting the brand’s growing popularity and success in the craft cider market. The Blood Orange Cider has been well-received by consumers looking for unique and adventurous drink options.
6. Original Sin – Elderberry Cider
Overview
Original Sin is a New York-based cider brand known for its innovative and creative flavors. Their Elderberry Cider is made with elderberries, known for their deep purple color and tart flavor. The combination of elderberries and apples creates a complex and fruity cider that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Industry Insights
Original Sin has carved out a niche in the craft cider market, offering a range of unique and adventurous flavors that appeal to a diverse audience. The brand’s commitment to quality and creativity has helped it stand out in a competitive industry.
7. Crispin – Blackberry Pear Cider
Overview
Crispin is back on the list with their Blackberry Pear Cider, a delightful blend of sweet blackberries and juicy pears. This cider offers a perfect balance of fruity flavors, with the blackberries adding a touch of tartness and the pears lending a subtle sweetness.
Financial Data
As part of the MillerCoors portfolio, Crispin continues to thrive in the cider market, with a strong focus on premium and innovative offerings. The Blackberry Pear Cider is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and creativity.
8. Stem Ciders – Chile Guava Cider
Overview
Stem Ciders is a Colorado-based cidery known for its handcrafted and small-batch ciders. Their Chile Guava Cider combines the heat of chile peppers with the sweetness of guava, creating a truly unique and flavorful drink that is sure to excite your taste buds.
Industry Insights
Stem Ciders has been gaining recognition in the craft cider market for its innovative and creative flavor combinations. The brand’s commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and traditional cider-making techniques sets it apart from the competition.
9. Wyder’s – Prickly Pineapple Cider
Overview
Wyder’s is a cider brand known for its bold and adventurous flavors. Their Prickly Pineapple Cider combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the prickly heat of cactus fruit, creating a refreshing and exotic cider that is perfect for summer sipping.
Financial Data
Wyder’s is part of the Vermont Hard Cider Company portfolio, which reported a revenue of $115 million in 2020. The brand’s innovative approach to cider-making has helped it gain a loyal following among consumers looking for unique and exciting drink options.
10. Downeast Cider – Cranberry Blend Cider
Overview
Downeast Cider is a Boston-based cider brand known for its unfiltered and unpasteurized ciders. Their Cranberry Blend Cider is a seasonal favorite, combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples for a refreshing and festive drink.
Industry Insights
Downeast Cider has built a strong presence in the craft cider market, with a focus on using high-quality ingredients and traditional cider-making methods. The brand’s commitment to authenticity and innovation has helped it stand out in a competitive industry.
In conclusion, the cider market continues to evolve with brands experimenting with unusual and exotic ingredients to create unique and innovative flavors. Consumers are increasingly seeking out adventurous and flavorful drink options, making these top 10 cider brands with unusual ingredients well-positioned for success in the industry.
