As we move into warmer weather and a spike in cider sales, we often field a number of questions about storing and serving.
Here’s the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Why do you put your cider in cans?
Australian craft ciders began a move towards canning cider a number of years ago alongside the craft beer industry, and this was for a few reasons. This list is in no particular order but shows our thinking behind Darkes Cider moving its main ciders from bottles to cans.
- Cans don’t allow any movement of oxygen into the cider so a can keeps it more fruity fresh for longer.
- Cans keep the light out so this stops a dark colour developing in the apple cider, again keeping it fresher in flavour for longer.
- Cans are lighter so better for lowering freight costs and impact on environment.
- Cans are easily recyclable and 100% of a can is recycled, so this is better for the environment and reducing waste of resources
- Some venues will not allow glass, such as stadiums, football matches, festivals and on the beach
- Cans are great in space saving, in your esky or fridge and even stacking on shelves in bottleshops, cafes, restaurants and even at home!
So what’s the future for bottled cider? When is cider bottled?
For some styles of cider – like Methode Traditionale Cider (made in the same way as champagne) or Petillant Naturale (Pet Nat) where the cider finishes its fermentation in the bottle or other small batch boutique ciders, or experimental ciders – bottles will be in continued use and will not move to canning.
The bottles allow for the traditional finish of ferment, and aging of the cider which is desirable in those styles.
For these ciders, the bottle is part of the cider-making process so you cannot use a can.
In short, some styles of cider suit canning and others need the bottle. In particular, our modern fruity styles we love in summer suit the canning format. Our more complex traditionally made ciders suit bottling. We’ll have more of these in the future and are about to release small numbers of some of these.
What’s the shelf life of cans and bottles?
This can vary depending on the brand and manufacturing process. Our cider cans and small bottles (330ml) commercially have around two years’ shelf life but this can be extended if you keep them in the fridge and this could be by up to three years.
Our 750ml bottled ciders vary. Our Methode Traditionale, for example, can take 10 years to mature to its best! We have some at eight years now that we haven’t released yet and it is stunning. Just ask us when you buy it and we’ll advise you at the time about each cider.
How do I serve cider?
Always pour from can or bottle into a beautiful glass. Around 7 degrees Celsius is optimum. You don’t add ice to a good craft cider.
How do I know it’s 100% Australian?
Look for the Australian Cider trust mark.
Illawarra Flame Readers Special Deal
Mention this article ‘cans vs bottles’ on your next trip to Darkes during the month of October and get $10 off any full priced cider case purchase (valid in store purchase only).
