CARMEL VALLEY, CA , — Twisted Roots Hard Cider burst on the scene four years ago as an easy-drinking, dry, lightly carbonated adult beverage.
Now fans can add “sleek,” “portable” and “convenient” to the list of descriptors.
The Carmel Valley-based winery (known best for its Old Vine Zinfandel and Petite Sirah) previously sold its European-style cider in capped 750-ml wine bottles. Now it’s being sold in four-packs of 16-ounce cans. The new packaging also features a redesigned logo — a red, cross-sectioned apple against a sleek, black can. The cider has also branched off onto its own website at www.twistedrootshardcider.com.
“This is just the next step in the evolution of the product,” said co-owner Josh Ruiz. “We wanted to make it accessible to the crowd, easy to carry to the beach or a picnic. It’s certainly a younger, fresher approach.”
Ruiz and his wife Julie sensed a growing market for a light, crisp, easy-drinking cider. The beverage has exploded in growth in the U.S. over the past few years, buoyed by an adventurous, health-conscious younger set, and the fact that cider (unlike beer) is gluten-free.
The couple spent time researching the cider culture in England, and found that it varied greatly depending on the region, the weather and the fruit, just like wine.
They wanted to create the antithesis of a typical American cider that is often over-carbonated and sweet — something Josh Ruiz calls “candy apple ciders.”
“People were ready for something more clean, simple and refreshing,” he said.
Twisted Roots Hard Cider has 6 percent alcohol, and each 16-ounce can contains only 100 calories. It’s made with a combination of five fresh apple varieties, each of which add unique elements to the finished product:
- Golden Russets enhance the bouquet and aromatics, and contribute complexity and fruit flavor
- Granny Smiths add tannic structure and tartness, adding to the mouthfeel
- Galas help deliver a clean, refreshing finish
- Fujis lend just the right amount of sweetness
- Red Delicious bring rich mouth-feel and a distinctly apple aromatic quality
“It’s a very light, delicate cider,” Josh Ruiz said. “We treat it like wine and it drinks like a beer.”
Tastings of Twisted Roots Hard Cider are available at the wine tasting room in Carmel Valley, 12 Del Fino Place. For information or to purchase bottles online, visit www.twistedrootshardcider.com or call 594-8282.
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