I have spent years going to craft beer tastings and dinners, even learning about the beer scene as far as Chile, before finally realizing I am just not a person who likes hops and all that other stuff.  But what I did discover along the way is my liking for craft cider.  So now, it is all about those apples and the amazing flavors and crispness that I love sipping chilled in a wine glass.

Over the years, the craft cider market has exploded with cydermarket.com estimating that there are more than 900 cider producers across the U.S.  The annual Artisanal Cider Festival that brings many of these producers together for consumers in several states has become one of my favorite events for trying new flavors and styles.

Cider on a Mission

The latest cider to make its way into my glass is City Roots, a new mission-led craft cider brand by Mass. Bay Brewing Company out of Boston.  Launched in partnership with 1% for the Planet, 1% off all sales from City Roots will be directed to local environmental groups in the area where the cider is sold.

Available in three flavors, you’ll not only love each one and also feel good that each purchase will benefit your community and the environment.

All three are delicious (my glass stayed full) and offer something different when it comes to flavors, but at the heart of the brand, the Original Dry is a classic and staple. More info about each includes:

• Original Dry is the year-round flagship cider that is carefully fermented to produce a clean, balanced flavor profile with just a light touch of tartness and sweetness. Filtered bright for a crisp effervescence, it is refreshing for any occasion and available in 16 and 12-ounce cans or kegs.

• Rosé Cider is a summer seasonal release that combines the crisp base of fresh-pressed apples with a healthy dose of hibiscus flowers for a naturally tart and floral cider. Bubbly, tropical, and vibrantly pink, Rosé is a tropical take on a traditional dry cider and also available in 16-ounce cans or kegs.

• Pumpkin Cider is the brand’s second seasonal release that combines fresh-pressed apples and pumpkin with some subtle seasonal spice added in for good measure. The real spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove) and pumpkin puree create an apple-forward flavor profile that is both subtle and balanced. It is available in 16-ounce cans or kegs.

City Roots is relatively low in sugar and carbs without sacrificing the taste.   If you are looking to switch it up a little from wine or just add something new, these three come highly recommended.

City Roots is currently available throughout New England with an expansion planned for later this year.  For those updates as well as upcoming seasonal releases, visit www.cityrootscider.com and follow along on Twitter.

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