When you think of cider tasting, your mind likely jumps to the refreshing flavors of apple, pear, or even more experimental fruit blends. But there’s another key element that can elevate your cider tasting experience—music. Just as a well-curated playlist can enhance the ambiance of a dinner party, the right music can create a multisensory experience that makes sipping cider even more enjoyable. From mellow acoustic tracks to more festive holiday tunes, music and cider are a perfect match.
In this article, we’ll explore how to pair cider with music to create the best cider tasting playlist, whether you’re planning a cozy winter evening by the fire or a lively tasting event for friends. Let’s dive into the world of cider and sound.
Cider Tasting and Music: A Perfect Pairing
The idea of pairing music with beverages isn’t new—just think of the traditional connection between jazz and wine or upbeat pop music at cocktail parties. But when it comes to craft cider tastings, music can truly shine as a way to elevate your experience. Music can influence the way you perceive flavors, whether it’s making fruity notes seem sweeter or bringing out the earthy undertones in a farmhouse cider.
For example, acoustic music tends to be a favorite among cider enthusiasts, as its simplicity allows the cider’s natural flavors to shine. If you’re tasting a crisp, refreshing cider made with traditional apple varietals, try pairing it with something soft like Fleet Foxes or Iron & Wine. These gentle, melodic tunes can complement the cider’s refreshing qualities and create a relaxed environment for tasting.
On the other hand, more complex ciders—such as barrel-aged varieties or ciders spiced with cinnamon or cloves—may pair better with classical or jazz music. These genres can help enhance the richness and depth of the cider's flavor profile, providing an immersive multisensory cider experience.
Best Music Genres for Craft Cider Tasting
1. Indie and Folk Music for Crisp and Light Ciders
For a bright, fruity cider, nothing pairs better than indie music or light acoustic folk. These genres mirror the simplicity and freshness of many apple varietals ciders and provide a calm, approachable background to the tasting. Songs from artists like The Lumineers, Bon Iver, or First Aid Kit work well when you’re enjoying a flight of light, sparkling ciders with subtle flavors.
2. Jazz or Classical for Complex Ciders
If you’re hosting a heritage cider tasting with bold or complex ciders, jazz or classical music can bring an added layer of sophistication to the event. Think about pairing your deep, barrel-aged or spiced ciders with the smooth sounds of Miles Davis or the elegant compositions of Vivaldi’s "Winter." The contrast between the effervescence of the cider and the intricate melodies will create a unique tasting ambiance.
3. Festive Holiday Tunes for Winter Ciders
When the holiday season rolls around, adding a touch of Christmas music can set the perfect mood for winter cider tastings. Whether you’re enjoying a rich, spiced cider or something with a hint of cranberry or ginger, holiday classics like “Winter Wonderland” or “Let It Snow” can add warmth and nostalgia to the experience. However, to keep it subtle and not overly themed, you can mix in a few winter-inspired acoustic tracks to keep things balanced.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, consider low-key covers of classic holiday songs that blend into the background without overwhelming the tasting experience. A mix of festive yet laid-back tunes can enhance the flavors of your farmhouse cider pairings, making the event feel warm and inviting without overloading the Christmas spirit.
How to Host a Cider and Music Pairing Event
Creating the perfect cider and music pairing doesn’t require a large gathering. Whether it’s an intimate evening with a few friends or a bigger tasting event, you can easily tailor the music to the cider tasting experience.
1. Build Your Cider Tasting Playlist: Curate a playlist that flows with the tasting, from lighter tunes at the beginning to more complex tracks as the evening progresses. If you’re starting with a crisp apple varietals cider, go for soft acoustic or indie tracks. As you transition into richer ciders—like those infused with warm spices—turn to more complex sounds like jazz or instrumental tracks.
2. Select a Variety of Ciders: Just as you would at a wine tasting, offer a variety of ciders with different flavor profiles. Have a mix of light, fruity, and effervescent ciders alongside more robust, earthy varieties. This allows guests to experience the full range of cider flavors and the sensory cider tasting experience.
3. Set the Ambiance: Pay attention to your surroundings—lighting, décor, and glassware all play a role in the cider tasting atmosphere. For winter events, soft lighting and cozy seating will make your guests feel at ease. Use elegant glassware that allows the cider’s aroma to come through, enhancing the full experience.
4. Embrace Live Music for a Special Touch: For a more immersive experience, consider incorporating live music into your event. Whether it's a local band or even a simple acoustic performance, live music brings an authentic, artisan cider and music vibe to the evening. Some cideries even offer live music cider events, where they curate music alongside their tastings.
We Invite You To the Ciderworks: Discover Our Craft
Whether you've been referred by one of our many satisfied patrons or searched online for “hard cider near me,” we're thrilled to welcome you to the Ciderworks@Story Tavern. Prepare to embark on a flavor adventure with our extensive selection of handcrafted ciders. Each one is a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation, featuring a range of our award winning flavors, including classic apple to exotic blends like cherry/blueberry, pineapple, ginger/lemongrass, and strawberry/orange. Our ciders are proudly made in-house, using fruit sourced from local orchards, including some from the owners' own backyard.
But the Ciderworks experience isn't just about the drinks. Our Taproom offers a menu featuring 100% gluten-free, mouth-watering food options, each crafted by hand using the highest quality, farm-to-table ingredients. These dishes are not only delicious but also thoughtfully designed to complement our ciders, creating a harmonious dining experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit us at Ciderworks@Story Tavern, conveniently located next to Story Tavern at 150 S San Fernando Blvd. in downtown Burbank. Dive into the world of craft cider and discover a new favorite today. We’re more than just a cider house; we’re a community, a place where every visit is an experience to remember.