What are everyones favorite ciders?
US commercial mine would be JK’s Scrumpy.
Having just had JK’s Scrumpy for the first time, I totally agree! 
I haven’t heard of JK Scrumpys. Wonder if you can get it in the midwest(MN)?
I’ve not had JK’s as I simply haven’t seen it available here in 'Sconsin, but I have tasted dozens of others, including Canadian varieties from a trip I took up there. Of the commercial examples more easily found in the U.S. (at least here), here’s my favorite ciders and perries, and even a cyser for good measure – these are only the best which I’d give 8 to 10 on a 10-point scale.
ACE Apple Hard Cider
Aeppeltreow Cyser Rose
Aeppeltreow Pear Wine
Crispin Brown’s Lane Imported English Cider
Doc’s Draft Pear Cider
Magner’s Original Irish Cider
Uncle John’s Perry
And that’s it for what I’ve tasted so far. You can skip all the other obvious commercial examples like Woodchuck, Strongbow, Hornsby’s, Angry Orchard… these are all watered down and made from concentrate… i.e., crap in comparison to the real ciders and perries above. Spoken like a true cider snob if I do say so myself. I wish I could get my hands on some of the other examples from the Northeast, etc. Lots to be had up there, from what I understand. There are also a few locals I have not tasted yet, the most notable being Maiden Rock. I simply haven’t gotten any of theirs quite yet.
Careful on the Ace. I’ve had two of their varieties - one I had (forgot which) was quite tasty. Their pear cider (I hesitate to call it perry), not so much. I probably should have read the label first - they are kind enough to list ingredients, none of which seem to involve actual pears. Maybe there’s some extract hiding in the “natural flavors” bit or something.
Recently bought some of Crispin’s Stagger Lee, for the name as much as anything else. That might be the best commercial cider I’ve had. I question their claim that the rye flavor is subtle, though. My wife and I agree it’s much more Nick Cave than Taj Mahal.
I totally agree with you on the ACE Pear Hard Cider – the pear flavor is artificial. But their Apple Hard Cider is quite good.
I haven’t tasted the Stagger Lee yet. Might have to pick some up.
-x2
-Not to mention it’s usually Apple Concentrate from China. More glucose added than the apple juice, all before the watering down, malic acid, and legal limit of preservatives routine.
-Saw a six pack of “Michelob Apple cider” this week at my grocery store. I bet it’s delicious! :oops: I feel sorry for all the Craft cider producers out there trying to build a good name for Cider and perry in the states.
