Downeast Cider was founded in 2011 by three college friends in Boston. The company started in the basement of an old textile mill and has quickly grown into one of the leading local hard cider producers in the region.
Downeast Cider is currently owned by co-founders, Ross Brockman and Tyler Mosher, and head cidermaker, PJ Witherow. The three friends all come from different backgrounds, but all shared a mutual love for cider and its timeless connection to the landscape of New England.
The team uses locally-sourced apples and natural ingredients to produce its unfiltered cider, while also taking an environmentally sustainable approach to sourcing materials and energy usage. Downeast Cider has continued to grow and now offers a variety of award-winning products, including its signature Original Blend, seasonal ciders, and even its own hard root beer.
The company has won numerous awards and prides itself in its commitment to providing quality craft cider to everyone who enjoys it.
What kind of alcohol is in Downeast Cider?
Downeast Cider is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice. It is classified as a hard cider, which means that it contains a higher alcohol content than a normal cider. The alcohol content in Downeast Cider is usually around 5.0 – 5.
5% ABV (alcohol by volume). This is significantly higher than regular apple cider, which usually has alcohol content of less than 0.5%. The higher alcohol content makes Downeast cider more comparable to beer than to regular cider.
The beverage has a light and refreshing taste, with fruity and floral notes and a slightly tart finish.
Who bought Downeast?
In June 2020, C&J Energy Services, Inc. acquired Downeast Energy and Propane, Inc. for an undisclosed amount. Downeast is an energy and propane provider serving Maine and New Hampshire. The company has serviced the automotive and heating fuel needs of more than 40,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers who span across Maine and New Hampshire.
C&J Energy Services is a leading provider of completions and production services to the upstream oil and gas industry. They have extensive experience, quality management structure, and are the technology leader in their sector of the industry.
Downeast’s sales, logistics, and customer service capabilities will allow C&J Energy Services to better serve their customers, while also expanding their business in Maine and New Hampshire.
The acquisition has been hailed by market analysts who believe that the combination of C&J Energy Services and Downeast will benefit residents of Maine and New Hampshire. The acquisition will provide customers with increased quality of service, reliable delivery, and better pricing.
It will also provide job security for Downeast’s current employees and open up employment opportunities.
Does Downeast Cider need to be refrigerated?
Yes, Downeast Cider does need to be refrigerated after opening. This is because heat and light can cause the cider to spoil and lose its flavor over time. It is best to store it in the refrigerator after opening and to consume it within 7–10 days for the best flavor.
To keep your cider as fresh as possible, make sure to seal the bottle tightly after each use to keep out air and light. If you happen to forget and let your cider sit outside of the fridge for a while, it should be okay to drink so long as you drink it quickly.
However, it won’t have the same great flavor as when it is freshly opened and properly refrigerated.
How long is Downeast Cider good for?
Downeast Cider generally has a shelf life of one year, although this may vary slightly depending on the batch, type of Cider, and storage conditions. Although the appearance of the cider can change with time, it does not necessarily indicate spoilage and can still be enjoyed even if it has an off-color or cloudy appearance.
That being said, if you’re not sure of its freshness, then it’s best to discard the cider if it has been stored for longer than one year or if it has a foul smell or off taste. Additionally, always make sure to store your cider in a cool, dark place and completely seal the bottle after opening to ensure the longest shelf-life possible.
What does the term Downeast mean?
The term “Downeast” is an informal term used to describe an area of inland east coast states, primarily Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, and parts of Vermont and New York. It refers to the easternmost section of the coast – stretching south from the rugged, rocky coastline of New England, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, and east towards the open waters of the Arctic Ocean – and the unique culture and lifestyle that exists in these coastal towns.
The term is thought to have originated in the mid-18th century, when Americans were referring to the eastward direction they were heading when they sailed down the coast in search of new opportunities.
This term is also associated with the maritime lifestyle, as it often connotes a blue-collar, hard-working culture that is bound by the region’s fishing industry and close ties to the sea. It is a term that often carries an air of nostalgia and pride in the culture, as well as a distinctive accent and dialect.
Where does Downeast take place?
Downeast takes place in Maine, a state located in the Northeastern United States. It is bordered by New Hampshire to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, and shares a maritime border with Nova Scotia, a province of Canada.
Downeast is a coastal region of Maine stretching along its eastern border, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the land. Its namesake comes from the sailing direction “down east,” since this area was once difficult to navigate for seafarers, who would use the phrase to refer to the part of the coast they navigated by heading east.
This region is known for its rugged rocky coastline, working waterfronts and unique dialect, which is a fascinating blend of English, Welsh, Scots-Irish, and Micmac. Explore the charming harbors, lighthouses, and fishing villages; enjoy the regional seafood and famous Maine lobster; and take in the beautiful Atlantic views.
Can you warm up Downeast Cider?
Yes, you can warm up Downeast Cider. The best way is to pour the cider into a pot and slowly heat it over low-medium heat on the stove top. This will slowly warm the cider and preserve its flavor, as opposed to microwaving it, which could damage the taste.
When it’s heated to your desired temperature, you can let it cool for a few minutes, then pour it into a cup. If you want to add more flavor, try adding nutmeg, cinnamon, or other spices, which will complement the cider’s flavor.
To sweeten the cider, you can add some honey, maple syrup, or other sweeteners of your choice. Alternatively, you can try spiking the cider with brandy, whiskey, or rum for a spiked cider that’s sure to warm you up on a cold day.
How long does cider last in the fridge?
Cider typically has an unopened shelf life of around 9 to 12 months, but once opened and stored in the fridge, this can reduce to around one month. It is important to note that this is dependent on the quality and nature of the cider and can vary from bottle to bottle, as some ciders may last longer than others.
If a cider has been opened, it is important that it should be kept in the fridge and consumed before the use-by date. If the cider is not stored correctly or has gone past its use-by date, it can become spoiled and should not be consumed.
That being said, it is important to check the cider before consumption and trust your senses – it should be carbonated and have a pleasant aroma; if it smells or tastes off, it is best to discard it.
Can you heat up cold cider?
Yes, you can heat up cold cider. Heating cider on the stovetop is a popular way to make it warm and cozy during cold winter months. To do so, start by pouring the cold cider into a pot and bringing it to a low simmer over medium-low heat.
Stir the cider occasionally as it warms up to make sure it heats evenly, and be sure to remove the pot from the heat once it’s reached your desired temperature (do not let it reach a full boil). Alternatively, you can also heat cider in a slow cooker or in the microwave.
To warm cider in the microwave, pour it into a heat-safe mug and heat it in 30-second increments until it’s reached your desired temperature. Enjoy your warm and comforting cider!.
Can you warm up store bought apple cider?
Yes, you can certainly warm up bottled or store-bought apple cider. One of the easiest ways to do this is to simply pour the cider into a saucepan and heat it until it is just warmed through (not boiling).
You could also warm it in a microwave but warming it on the stovetop will give you the most control over the temperature. If you would like, you could also add spices to add more flavor. Some classic additions include cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, orange slices, or cranberries.
Heat the spices with the cider in the saucepan until they are fragrant before serving.
Can hard cider be served hot?
Yes, hard cider can be served hot. This is a popular way to drink cider during winter months, as it is warm, comforting, and goes well with cold weather comfort foods. Hot cider can be made with store-bought hard cider or homemade cider, and there are a variety of methods for heating it up.
You can heat the cider in a small pot on the stovetop, heat it in the microwave, or infuse it with spices, like cinnamon and cloves, for an extra flavorful drink. Once the cider is heated, you can serve it in a mug with a stick of cinnamon or orange slices for garnish.
Is cider an alcoholic drink?
Yes, cider is an alcoholic drink. Typically, cider is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from apples, though other fruits such as pears and cherries can also be used. It ranges in alcohol content from 1.2% to 8.
5% alcohol by volume (ABV). In general, the higher the ABV, the stronger the beverage. Most ciders have a tart and slightly sweet flavor, although flavoring agents like hops, spices, and herbs can also be added.
Cider can be enjoyed by itself or mixed in a cocktail for a unique flavor.
Is Downeast a dry cider?
No, Downeast is not a dry cider. Downeast is a craft cider brand manufactured by Downeast Cider House of Boston, Massachusetts. While most of Downeast’s products are medium in sweetness, with a balanced tart apple taste and light body, they also produce styles ranging from very dry to semi-sweet.
Their flagship cider is an unfiltered, craft version of the traditional New England style, resulting in a cloudy, unfiltered cider with a natural 0.3-0.5% residual sugar. For drinkers looking for something a little drier, Downeast has a variety of seasonal and experimental ciders.
The Sunshine and Hopped ciders have a subtle hop aroma and a light, crisp finish. The Northeastern Style is a dry, tart cider with a light body and subtle notes of tannins and spices. Finally, their Off-Dry cider has more of a malty sweetness, while still remaining light and refreshing.
Is cider a beer?
No, cider is not a beer. Cider is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice, while beer is made from fermented grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. Cider typically has a sweeter and fruitier taste than beer.
Cider is usually carbonated and has a low to moderate alcohol content compared to beer. It is popular in parts of Europe and the United States, and often served at festivals, fairs, and other cultural events.
What is in cider alcohol?
Cider alcohol is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice. The alcohol content of cider varies, ranging from three to eight percent, depending on the strength of the cider and the type of apples used for fermentation.
There are different types of cider, including non-alcoholic, low-alcohol and alcoholic ciders. Alcoholic ciders are made by adding sugar or other sweeteners to the fermented apple juice to produce a beverage containing alcohol.
The sugar can also be replaced by malt or adjuncts, such as honey, aromatics, and spices, to create a higher strength and flavor profile. Depending on the company, cider alcohol may also contain carbon dioxide, preservatives, and other ingredients.
Are you supposed to shake Downeast Cider?
No, it is not necessary to shake Downeast Cider before opening or drinking it. Cider is a stable beverage, and since it has already been pasteurized it will not separate or settle out over time. If you do feel that you need to shake your cider due to an uneven or lumpy consistency, a gentle mix or stir with a spoon is recommended.
However, it is important not to shake or agitate the beverage too vigorously, as this could cause the carbon dioxide bubbles to be released too quickly which would lead to excessive foaming when opened.
