By Rick Garner

In October, we introduced you to Angry Orchard’s Strawman and Iceman Hard Ciders (www.thepulsemag.com/wordpress/2012/09/10-12-pulsepotions), and now we have some amazing food and flavor pairings to suggest.  And remember, if you’re not a fan of champagne but want some bubbly to help ring in the new year, Angry Orchard is the perfect champagne alternative!!

STRAWMAN

Angry Orchard® Strawman’s ripe apple, vanilla and honeysuckle flavors impart an earthy character complimented by a distinct aroma of ripe apples, wood, dark fruits and sweet citrus. Inspired by centuries-old farmhouse cider-making techniques traditionally found along the English and French countryside, Strawman balances a distinct blend of culinary and bittersweet apples juices which are then aged on oak. Strawman’s wine-like characteristics leave a smooth, fruity and effervescent finish with lingering notes of wood and apple that are crisp off the palate, refreshing and flavorful.

Fruit and Nuts:  Whether serving as a starter or an ingredient in a larger dish, dried stone fruits such as figs, apricots, or dates are best paired with a full-flavored and complex cider

Cheese:  Strawman’s earthy characteristics help cut through the fats and proteins of farmhouse cheeses like aged cheddars, creamy goat cheeses or soft cheeses like brie.

Grilled Salmon: Grilled salmon is a rich, oily fish, often prepared either sweet or citrusy. Strawman provides a suitable pairing for either preparation as its traditional apple and citrus notes can complement citrusy salmon dishes while its earthy character is a nice contrast to the sweeter styles of this dish.

Tuna: Tuna is a delicate fish that does will with Strawman’s combination of flavors of vanilla and honeysuckle with soft notes of dark fruit and citrus that help add more refreshing dimensions to this already light and flavorful fish.

Rosemary:  Cooking with rosemary brings out strong, bitter flavors and aromatics to a dish. Angry Orchard Strawman has hints of dark fruit and sweet citrus to help supplement some of the bitterness, while distinct notes of apple and wood add depth to the already present herb aromas.

Thyme: Thyme adds citrusy, spicy flavors when used as a garnish to enhance meat and seafood. Strawman’s sweet citrus and complex wood notes work well with thyme to complement its citrusy, spicy flavors, while its earthy finish adds balance to the pairing.

ICEMAN

Angry Orchard® Iceman is inspired by the traditional ice ciders of Quebec and combines crisp apples with notes of caramel and toffee for a cider that’s sweet but not syrupy or cloying. Aging the cider on oak adds a smooth, vanilla character. Iceman is medium-bodied, leaving a smooth finish with rich flavor and lingering sweetness on the palate.

Fruit and Nuts: The clean apple flavor and lingering caramel and toffee finish of Angry Orchard Iceman complements mixed fruit, nuts and grain dishes such as granolas, fancy trail mixes or everyone’s fall favorite, pecan pie.

Cheese: The smooth, vanilla character of Iceman compliments creamy, sweet and caramelized French cheeses such as a Mimolette or a double cream Camembert, while its rich flavor creates a salty-sweet experience with less-intense Blue cheeses.

Foie Gras: Try pairing this delicacy with Iceman whose pleasing sweetness and vanilla character compliments the dish’s rich, delicate flavors.

Cured Meat: Iceman has sweet notes of caramel and toffee that will contrast charcuterie like smoked sausages and cured meats while highlighting their smokier flavors.

Pizza: Iceman complements slightly sweet toppings like sweet sausage or pineapple and cuts through sharper, more acidic ingredients like green peppers and tomatoes; an Hawaiian pizza where the caramelized apple flavors of Iceman can complement the sweet flavors of the pineapple and bridge to ham’s smoky flavor is a delicious choice.

The Angry Orchard Cider House Collection is available year-round in the select states of MA, CT, RI, VT, ME, MN, OR, WA and CA.