Harpoon Releasing Hibiscus Cider 5/11

BOSTON, MA (April 28, 2016) – The Harpoon Brewery is putting a tropical twist on the New

England summer. Introducing Harpoon Hibiscus Cider, Harpoon’s new summer seasonal cider

brewed with hibiscus flowers. This all natural cider is brewed to make the most of every summer

gathering – rooftop parties, backyard barbecues, beach days, bonfire nights, and every summer

celebration in between.

Effervescent and deep pink, with aromas of tropical flowers and fresh apples, this dry, crisp cider is

like sipping pure summertime. The hibiscus flowers – 8 lbs. for every 320 gallons of cider – give the

cider its festive pink hue and floral tartness that complements the sweetness from the freshly pressed

apples.

Harpoon Hibiscus Cider was first brewed for Harpoon’s annual employee brewing competition.

Four hibiscus-loving women – Julia Falk, Cait Kelliher, Jordan McMillan, and Carolyn Orth – and

Harpoon brewer Rich Eyring developed the recipe, brewed it, and entered it into the competition.

The Hibiscus Cider was so popular among Harpooners that it was agreed the day of the competition

that it would become Harpoon’s new summer seasonal cider.

“When it came time for the brewing competition, we knew that we wanted to brew something with

hibiscus. We all love the subtle floral tartness and the pink hue the hibiscus flower creates,” says

Jordan McMillan, Harpoon Digital Content Coordinator. “At first we thought we’d brew a beer, but

as we talked about different styles the idea of brewing a cider with hibiscus came up. We thought

why not combine our love for hibiscus with our love of cider? So we did, and voila! It came out

really well and everyone loved it.”

Harpoon Hibiscus Cider is available now in 12 oz. bottles and on draft. An event celebrating the

release of the cider, featuring Julia, Cait, Jordan, Carolyn, and Rich will be held at Harpoon in

Windsor, VT on Tuesday, May 10 th (info: http://hibiscusciderreleasepartyvt.splashthat.com/PR) and

at the Harpoon Beer Hall in Boston, MA on Wednesday, May 11 th (info:

http://hibiscusciderreleasepartybos.splashthat.com/PR)

Hibiscus Cider is the second seasonal in the brewery’s line of ciders, which includes the year-round

Harpoon Craft Cider and their fall offering, Harpoon Pumpkin Cider. Made from freshly pressed

apples and the brewery’s proprietary yeast, Harpoon craft ciders are all natural – no artificial flavors,

no preservatives, no sweeteners, no added colors – and gluten free.

Harpoon Hibiscus Cider Specs:

ABV: 4.8%

EBC: 10

Harpoon Hibiscus Cider Tasting Notes
:

Appearance: Deep pink, effervescent

Aroma: Apple, floral, wine

Mouthfeel: Light-bodied

Taste:  Tart, sweet, apples, floral, tropical

Finish:  Dry and crisp

Pairing Suggestions: Kalua pork, chopped apple salad, quiche, charcuterie

Availability: May-August 2016