Whether you're a beer enthusiast looking to expand your horizons or someone curious about that refreshing alternative sitting on our taps, craft cider offers an exciting world of flavors waiting to be explored. At The Ciderworks @Story Tavern, we've watched countless guests discover their new favorite drink through our carefully curated cider selection. Let's dive into everything you need to know about craft cider – from its rich history to the perfect food pairings.
What Makes Craft Cider Special?
Craft cider is far more than just fermented apple juice. It's one of the most natural alcoholic beverages you can enjoy, typically containing only apples, yeast, and time. Unlike mass-produced ciders loaded with artificial flavors and excessive sugar, craft cider celebrates the natural complexity of apples and the artistry of fermentation.
The beauty of craft cider lies in its simplicity and variety. Each apple variety brings unique characteristics – some contribute tartness, others add sweetness, and specialty cider apples provide tannins that create depth and complexity you simply can't find in grocery store varieties.
Understanding Cider Styles
Dry vs. Sweet Ciders
Dry ciders contain little to no residual sugar, allowing the natural apple flavors and subtle fermentation notes to shine through. These ciders often feature crisp, clean finishes that make them incredibly food-friendly and refreshing.
Sweet ciders retain more natural apple sugars or have sweetness added back after fermentation. They're perfect for those transitioning from sweeter drinks or anyone who enjoys dessert-like beverages.
Still vs. Sparkling
Still ciders are non-carbonated, offering a smooth, wine-like drinking experience that highlights the cider's flavor profile without distraction.
Sparkling ciders feature carbonation that adds liveliness and refreshment. The bubbles enhance the cider's aromatics and create a celebratory feel perfect for toasting or pairing with appetizers.
Traditional vs. Flavored Ciders
Traditional ciders focus on apple varieties and fermentation techniques, showcasing the pure essence of craft cider making.
Flavored ciders incorporate additional fruits, spices, or botanicals. Popular additions include berries, stone fruits, hops, ginger, and seasonal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Flavor Profiles to Explore
Tart and Tangy
These ciders feature bright acidity that awakens your palate. Perfect for cutting through rich foods or enjoying on hot days when you want something refreshing and invigorating.
Fruity and Floral
Beyond traditional apple flavors, these ciders incorporate notes of pear, cherry, berry, or delicate floral hints. They offer complexity while remaining approachable for newcomers.
Funky and Wild
Made with wild yeasts or aged in barrels, these ciders develop unique, complex flavors ranging from earthy and barnyard-like to rich and wine-like. They're perfect for adventurous drinkers.
Hopped Ciders
A bridge between beer and cider, these beverages incorporate hops for bitterness, aroma, or both. They satisfy beer lovers while introducing them to cider's unique characteristics.
The Craft Cider Movement
The American craft cider scene has exploded in recent years, with producers focusing on heritage apple varieties, traditional fermentation methods, and innovative flavor combinations. Unlike mass-market options, craft ciders emphasize quality ingredients, small-batch production, and unique flavor profiles.
Many craft cideries work directly with orchards to source specific apple varieties, some even growing their own heritage apples. This farm-to-glass approach ensures the highest quality and most authentic flavors possible.
Perfect Food Pairings
Cheese and Charcuterie
Dry ciders complement aged cheeses beautifully, while sweeter varieties pair well with creamy, mild cheeses. The acidity in cider cuts through rich meats and enhances the overall tasting experience.
Pub Fare
At Story Tavern, we've discovered that cider pairs exceptionally well with our comfort food favorites. Try a crisp, dry cider with our famous mac and cheese, or enjoy a hopped cider alongside our burgers.
Seasonal Dishes
Fall flavors like our seasonal specials work wonderfully with spiced ciders, while summer dishes pair perfectly with light, refreshing traditional ciders.
Desserts
Sweet ciders complement fruit-based desserts, while drier options provide a pleasant contrast to rich, creamy desserts.
Serving and Storage Tips
Temperature Matters Serve ciders chilled, between 38-45°F. This temperature range enhances the flavors while providing maximum refreshment.
Glassware Options While any glass works, wine glasses or tulip-shaped beer glasses help concentrate aromas and enhance the tasting experience.
Storage Guidelines Keep unopened ciders in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a few days for optimal flavor.
Exploring Cider at The Ciderworks @ Story Tavern
Our cider selection represents some of the finest craft producers, chosen specifically for their quality and unique character. Whether you're drawn to bone-dry traditional ciders or prefer fruit-forward options, our knowledgeable staff can guide you to the perfect choice.
We rotate our cider offerings seasonally, ensuring you'll always find something new to explore. From local California producers to renowned East Coast cideries, our selection celebrates the diversity and creativity of American craft cider.
Starting Your Cider Journey
Begin with Your Preferences If you enjoy dry wines, start with traditional dry ciders. Sweet wine lovers might prefer residual sugar ciders, while beer enthusiasts often gravitate toward hopped varieties.
Ask Questions Our bartenders are passionate about cider and happy to offer recommendations based on your taste preferences. Don't hesitate to ask for samples or suggestions.
Try Different Styles Cider offers incredible variety, so experiment with different producers, apple varieties, and styles. Each offers a unique perspective on this ancient beverage.
Consider Food Pairing Enhance your experience by pairing ciders with our food menu. The right combination elevates both the drink and the dish.
The Future of Craft Cider
The craft cider industry continues evolving, with producers experimenting with wild fermentation, barrel aging, and unique ingredient combinations. Ice ciders, perry (pear cider), and ciders aged in whiskey or wine barrels represent just a few exciting developments.
At Story Tavern, we're committed to staying current with these trends while maintaining our focus on quality and drinkability. We seek out producers who share our values of craftsmanship, community, and authentic flavor.
Ready to Discover Craft Cider for Yourself?
Whether you’re a seasoned craft cider drinker or just discovering this delicious drink, next time you’re at Ciderworks@Story Tavern in Burbank, be sure to make it your go-to happy hour option. Enjoy mouth-watering, organic beverages you’ll never forget! Try our award-winning apple cider, cherry/blueberry, pineapple, ginger/lemongrass, strawberry/orange, and many more exciting flavors proudly made in-house from fruit picked from the trees in local orchards - including the owners’ backyard.
Come visit our Taproom and enjoy gluten-free, mouth-watering food and beverages you’ll never forget! Plus, you’ll find Ciderworks menu loaded with unique, 100% gluten-free food choices - all made by hand using the highest quality, farm-to-table ingredients.
Head to Ciderworks@Story Tavern and try some of our delicious flavors today! We’re located next to Story Tavern at 150 S San Fernando Blvd. in downtown Burbank.