Beer writer Beth Demmon has written a book called The Beer Lover’s Guide to Cider: American Ciders for Craft Beer Fans to Explore, published on September 12 by Mango Publishing. The book explores the potentially overwhelming variety of the modern cider scene through the lens of beer, relating cider varieties to major flavor groupings from craft beer. The format Beth chose for her guide allows readers to approach cider on their own terms, using familiar flavor references.

Cider has been brewed and enjoyed here in the U.S. for centuries, and there were points in the country’s history when cider was the preeminent beverage for the young nation. By the end of the twentieth century, however, cider has long since given way to beer, wine and spirits. Like many other artisan food and beverage industries however, cider is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, and Beth is excited about where it’s heading.

While reading The Beer Lover’s Guide to Cider, I was struck by the familiar observations made about cider as someone who came to that industry from beer—many of them echoed my own experiences exploring craft chocolate as a beer writer. In the following interview, Beth and I discuss her book, what cider and beer can learn from each other and what it’s been like for both of us to explore other artisan industries parallel to our first love, beer. Listen in as we talk with author Beth Demmon.

Click the links to learn more about the American Cider Association and CiderCon.

Subscribe to Beth’s excellent newsletter Prohibitchin’ here.

Click to order the Pairing Beer & Chocolate zine and Final Gravity Issue 02, or to purchase tickets to the Virtual Belgian Strong Ale Tasting.

Bean to Barstool is a podcast that looks at the intersections between craft beer and craft chocolate, using them as lenses for exploring the world of flavor and the way flavor interacts with our memories, emotions, imaginations and even our identities to teach us more about who we are. It is hosted by Advanced Cicerone® David Nilsen. Bean to Barstool recently joined the PorchDrinking podcast network, so be sure to check out all their episodes here.

Photos by Jessica Hicks.

---

Can't visit the site everyday like us? Bummer! No worries, we've got you covered. Submit your email below to receive our monthlyish newsletter on reviews, tours, events and more!

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you're human: