[Aomori Prefecture] Which cider is recommended? I actually tried comparing drinks.

In Aomori, the kingdom of apples, cider , an alcoholic beverage made from apples, is attracting attention. There are many different types, from fruity sweet to dry and authentic. This time, as a local, I would like to introduce three that I particularly recommend from among the ones I tasted and compared! You're sure to find the cider that's perfect for you.

Aomori cider is hot! Introducing the reasons for its popularity

Cider from Aomori is truly a cup full of love for apples The apples used are 100% locally grown, and the flavor varies depending on the variety and manufacturing method. For example, sweet and sour and juicy varieties are fruity and approachable, making them easy for women to drink. On the other hand, if you use a variety with strong astringency or acidity, you will end up with a deep flavor similar to wine. Aomori Prefecture is Japan's largest producer of apples, and about 50 varieties of apples are grown there. Because Aomori knows so much about apples, the variety and taste of its cider is exceptional.

Also, unlike beer or whisky, cider does not use grains, so it is purine-free and gluten-free. Furthermore, each cider (750ml) contains 4 to 5 apples, so you can expect it to have beauty benefits as well.

Perfect as a gift

Another appeal of Aomori cider is its stylishness. The design of the bottle and label is sophisticated, making it perfect as a souvenir or gift. The alcohol content is low, ranging from 2 to 9 degrees, so it's easy to give as a gift to people who don't like alcohol. As a souvenir that combines the ``Aomori-ness'' and ``good taste,'' it is becoming increasingly popular both inside and outside the prefecture. If you're thinking, ``Apple juice is commonplace, but I'd like a souvenir related to apples,'' or ``I'm having trouble finding a gift for someone who doesn't like sweets,'' why not give Aomori cider as a gift?

3 ciders recommended by locals! I actually tried comparing drinks.

This time, I will actually taste and compare ciders and introduce three that I personally recommend. Here are the ciders we tried.

• Tugboat Co., Ltd. “Crazy Cider”
• Nikka Hirosaki “Raw Cider”
• Tamura Farm “Tamura Cider”
• Hirosaki cider workshop “kimori”
• Hirosaki Meijo Co., Ltd. “Hirosaki Castle Shiidoru”

1. Tugboat Co., Ltd. “Crazy Cider”

Crazy Cider made in Hirakawa City . A bottle full of the charm of apples grown in Aomori Prefecture.

`` Crazy Cider Dry '' has a strong taste that is not typical of cider. The sweetness is modest, and although there is some bitterness and astringency, it is not unpleasant. You can also feel the natural sweetness of apples, and even alcohol lovers should be satisfied. The alcohol content is 7%, so it's the same as canned chu-hi, or maybe a little higher. It has a nice crisp texture, so it would go well with meat dishes.

`` Crazy Cider SWEET '' is more refreshing than you can imagine. I've lived my life thinking that cider is sweet, but even SWEET can produce such a sharp taste. It's sweet yet refreshing, so you can drink it for any occasion. I felt that it had an authentic taste that not only alcohol lovers but also people who don't like alcohol can enjoy.

2. Hirosaki Cider Workshop “kimori”

The next restaurant we'd like to introduce is " kimori " from Hirosaki City. At the cider workshop attached to Hirosaki Apple Park, we use apples carefully grown by local farmers.

" Kimori Dry " has an alcohol content of 6%. Crisp and dry with just the right amount of acidity. Although it lacks the impact compared to the dry version of Crazy Cider, it's perfect for drinking with meals. It goes particularly well with salty snacks such as cheese and prosciutto, and is recommended to be enjoyed with meals. It has a slightly bitter and astringent taste, but it doesn't bother you if you use it with food.

On the other hand, `` kimori sweet '' has a sweetness similar to apple juice. The alcohol content is 3%, so the sweet version is recommended for women and people who don't like alcohol. The carbonation isn't too strong, so you can easily drink it even after a meal.

Both are made by squeezing whole apples, so the ingredients settle at the bottom of the bottle. Please turn it upside down slightly before drinking.

3. Tamura Farm “Tamura Cider 2ND”

Tamura Cider 2ND produced by Tamura Farm . It's made by an apple farmer in Hirosaki City, so it's a cider we recommend for those who want to drink cider casually.

First of all, `` Tamura Cider 2ND DRY '' is characterized by a rich aroma that makes you think it is packed with tropical fruits. The scent is sweet, but when you drink it, it has a sour taste and is not as sweet as you would expect. The alcohol content is 5%, so it's lower than other dry ciders and quite easy to drink. There is almost no aroma peculiar to alcohol, so we can proudly recommend it to those who are new to alcohol.

`` Tamura Cider 2ND SWEET '' has a fruity scent just like DRY. This cider has a gentle sweetness that is proportional to its aroma. It's not as sweet as apple juice, but it has a refreshing aftertaste, so it seems to go well with low-fat dishes. The alcohol content is 3%, making it perfect when you want to relax. It's a low-priced cider, so it's great that you can use it every day.

summary

Although Aomori cider is an apple alcoholic beverage, each cup of cider is filled with the thoughts of Aomori's nature and craftsmen. It comes in a variety of flavors, from fruity sweetness to deep dryness, so it's sure to be enjoyed by both beginners and experts.

There are many ciders in Aomori other than the ones we introduced this time, so why not try them and compare them? When you visit Aomori, be sure to find your favorite cider!