Column Brewing ideas
Do you know your ciders?
DISCOVER THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CIDER AND FIND YOUR FAVORITE
As part of his Brewing ideas column, Simon Demers, a true enthusiast of the world of beer, but also of wines and ciders, shares his knowledge of these products, which are increasingly widespread around the world, but especially in Quebec. Discover, through his articles, the local products that he loves so much and master the art of entertaining!
Autumn has now arrived, which also means that it is apple season. If you’re not the type to put on your checkered jacket and invade the pick-your-own orchards, we give you another option to still enjoy apples: CIDER. Formerly very classic, it has evolved a lot and the cider makers offer us products that are just as different from each other.
A pilot project coordinated by the Association of Cider Producers of Quebec defines ciders into different types in order to better differentiate them. We therefore decided to present some of these categories to you in order to introduce you to the wonderful ciders of Quebec.
Classic Ciders
Made in the traditional way, these ciders value the benefits of the chewable apple and are more or less sweet and acidulous depending on the varieties of apple used. The Brut from Cidrerie du Minot is a perfect example. This sparkling cider is intended to be festive and a great replacement of champagne for special occasions.
Another interesting variation is La Marée Rose from Cidrerie Pedneault in L’Isle-aux-Coudres. The red flesh of the Geneva apple provides an orange color with pink highlights and a scent of strawberries and cranberries in the precious liquid. Regarding the taste, we find a marriage of caramel and cloves and a touch of bitterness. Perfect for an aperitif or to accompany a dark chocolate dessert.
CIDRERIE DU MINOT / LE BRUT
CIDRERIE PEDNEAULT / LA MARÉE ROSE
Natural Ciders
These ciders are fermented using native yeasts naturally present on apples and in the environment. Jus Sec is a recent cider maker which opened its doors in Waterloo in 2021 and specializes in this type of cider. The Barbara is a good example. Kept in neutral oak barrels, it is then macerated with a generous quantity of rhubarb. The result is a cider with a slightly saline and mineralized side.
CIDRERIE JUS SEC / Barbara
CIDRERIE AU PIED DE COCHON / TOUSKI
CIDER ON GRAPE MARC
Fruit Ciders
Ciders including the addition of grape marc (skins) in the production process, most often in pre-fermentation maceration or co-fermentation. The grape marc enriches the aromatic palette thanks to the numerous grape varieties available, but also to the tannins, which give structure, substance in the mouth and color. The best of both worlds in a unique product that enhances a wine by-product!
This type of cider includes the addition of whole fruit or juice in the production process. The Cidrerie Au Pied de Cochon no longer needs an introduction, but the Touski still remains unknown to the general public. With a base of apples and pears macerated for 30 days on different fruits (currants, grapes, haskap, sea buckthorn and raspberries), it has a beautiful pink color and is a must-have!!
NATURAL AROMATIC CIDER
This cider is made with the addition of flowers, honey, coffee, maple, hops or other. A great example is the Houblonné of Domaine Val Brome. This sparkling cider cocktail is flavoured with hops, like some IPAs, providing a nice freshness. A perfect choice for an aperitif!
Domaine Val Brome / Houblonné
Cidrerie Milton / MiltonStar
Cider cocktails
Ready-to-drink cider-based drinks offer something for everyone! La Cidrerie Milton has their MiltonStar series which comes in different flavours. Here are two, raspberry lemonade and lemonade. Slightly sweeter than other ciders, it is a great alternative to seltzers and other alcoholic drinks.
Simon Demers owns the Zone Bières store in Varennes. Passionate about beers for several years, it was in 2021 that he decided to open his own store specializing in Quebec microbrewery beer, but also wines, ciders and other local products. Being also a barbecue lover, it is with pleasure that he shares his knowledge, advice and favourites with you. Come and meet him at his shop at: 2194 route Marie-Victorin, Varennes, QC J3X 1R4.
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