Producer: Frutoso
Country: Sweden
Size: 33cl
ABV: 4.5%
Price: 21kr
Systembolaget: 18005
Hopped cider is still a relatively unknown sub genre in the cider world. There are only a handful currently available in Sweden, though the numbers are growing. I thought it would be fun to have one of these dry hopped ciders in the tasting just to switch up the flavour profile and see how well the bitterness worked with the bitter-sweet apple tartness. I went for the Frutoso Dry Hop as it was readily available and I have tested it a few times before so I knew it was rather nice. The price as well was also a contributing factor, as it allowed me more money in the budget to spend on some of the more expensive ciders.
The Dry Hop was pale golden with a medium carbonation that produced a lot of tiny bubbles gently rising against the sides of the glass. Upon smelling, the hops were instantly noticeable, with the bittern citrus adding an extra dimension to the yellow apple and peach notes. The taste was light, refreshing, and fruity, with a medium body that saturated the palate evenly. There was light melon and hop oil tones mixed in with the dry red apple flavours. In the aftertaste the hop presence was there but didn’t overwhelm the senses like certain IPA can do. It acted more as a counter balance to the apple sweetness, and was extremely pleasant.
This is lovely cider, especially when you want to have a bit of something different. I was a bit skeptical before I tried my first hopped cider but when they are done well can be very satisfying. The price of this is also another positive and a great entry-level beverage in the world of dry hopped cider. This was very nice and I will be buying it again for myself soon I think!