Cider styles around the world

Ontario’s ciders are influenced by Old World styles, from San Sebastián, Spain, to Cornwall, England. Here’s what you’ll taste.

ENGLAND

English cider styles range from cloudy scrumpies to commercial golden ciders like Strongbow. Try Hex Press (LCBO 13701, 473 mL, $3.55), an English-inspired tipple made with Ontario apples.

SPAIN

Funky and very sour, sidra is an unusual treasure from Spain’s Asturias and Basque regions.

Try a tamer version with Kupela Bizia (LCBO 15161, 750 mL, $7.50), a French-Spanish hybrid.

FRANCE

Dripping with rich apple character and complexity, Normandy cider is worth hunting down. Look for these rarities in the Vintages section or the cider aisle with these key words: “Cidre Normandie.”

NEW WORLD

Most New World ciders (apart from those from orchard-based producers) are made with dessert apples rather than heritage varieties and are often punched up with different fruits, herbs or spices.