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These Hard Ciders Will Make Die-Hard Beer Lovers Reconsider

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Tall can of Artifact Cider Project Slow Down cider


Hard ciders gets a bad rap—especially among beer swigging crowds who’d rather just write it off as fizzy apple juice for lightweights. That’s their loss. Today’s top hard ciders are as complex, nuanced, and downright eyebrow-lifting as the beefiest double IPA. If you’re a suds guy, before scoffing yet again at this underappreciated fruit brew, allow us to make a proper re-introduction.

Here are some of the finest hard ciders for guys who don’t typically like cider.

These Hard Ciders Are Everything Beer Lovers Don’t Know They’re Missing


Artifact Cider Project Slow Down
Artifact Cider Project

1. Artifact Cider Project Slow Down

Massachusetts-based cider innovator, Artifact, wants to change the way you think about cider—and coax you to take your sweet time to appreciate it. Their latest release, Slow Down, takes that mission about as literally as it gets. Brimming with 100% McIntosh apples, the beverage offers minerality and fresh citrus notes, accompanied by a hint of funk. We could all do with some slowing down right now, so why not take this 6% ABV cider’s lead. Preferably with some quality oysters —a perfect pairing.

[$36, 12-pack; artifactcider.com]

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Bottle of Oliver Winery Beanblossom cider

Oliver Winery Original Beanblossom Hard Cider
Courtesy of Oliver Winery & Vineyards

2. Oliver Winery & Vineyards Original Beanblossom Hard Cider

This crisp, light, and gluten-free cider is made with a varied blend of Midwestern apples—think Ida, Red, Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Empire and Gala—and never deigns to contain any concentrates. Thanks to the winery’s vino savvy, Oliver uses its state-of-the-art winemaking facility to work magic on apples that their suppliers press a day before fermentation begins. The company cold ferments the apple juice, halting the process at the ideal moment. At 8.3% ABV, this one’s a slower-sipper.

[$6.50 per bottle; oliverwinery.com]

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Can of Original Sin Brighter Times cider

Original Sin Brighter Times
Dan Morgan

3. Original Sin Brighter Times

Brighter times? We’ll drink to that. This cider made from pressed New York apples leans a little retro-tropical thanks to the inclusion of a ‘70s-reminscent, Hawaiian-style “POG” blend (passion fruit, orange, and guava) that carefully eschews oversweetness. The 6% ABV cider is actually rather dry and complex—but can still let you dream of warm faraway places.

[$27,12-pack; originalsin.com]

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Bottle of Rootstock Ciderworks

Rootstock Ciderworks Dry Cider
Courtesy of Rootstock Ciderworks

4. Rootstock Ciderworks Dry Cider

Based in Williamson, New York (a.k.a. “The Core of Apple Country”), this fifth-generation farmstead cidery situated near the shores of Lake Ontario uses culinary and dessert apples—including Jona Gold, Ida Red, and Golden Delicious—for a brew that drinks like a fine craft beer. If you think you detect notes of sparkling wine, you’re not too many ciders deep. Rootstock Cider is strikingly reminiscent of bubbly thanks to the strain of yeast used in its making.

[$11 per bottle; rootstockciderworks.com]

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6-pack cans of Rootstock hopped cider

Rootstock Ciderworks Hopped Cider
Rootstock Ciderworks

5. Rootstock Ciderworks Hopped Cider

This modern, single-variety cider made with Crispin apples and locally-grown Cascade hops offers hints of citrus and pine. Finished with a touch of residual sugar, the beverage’s acidity carefully balances its sweetness. The end result is crisp, refreshing and semi-dry—complemented by a brilliant yellow-green color that has been compared to summer hay.

[$11; 6-pack; rootstockciderworks.com]

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Can of Highpoint Tram-Line cider

Highpoint Cider Tram-Line
Courtesy of Highpoint Cider

6. Highpoint Cider Tram-Line

A ginger infusion lends this 6% ABV cider a clean, crisp finish with a faintly playful zing. Handcrafted in Teton country and made with freshly pressed Rocky Mountain apples, this invigorating cider is the one we’d elect to toss into a daypack for a celebratory post-hike toast. In addition to the trail, the Mosaic dry-hopped, citrusy beverage also pairs very well with spicy food.

[$13, 4-pack; vinoshipper.com]

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One tall can of Artifact Cider Project Wild Thing

Artifact Cider Project Wild Thing
Courtesy of Artifact Cider

7. Artifact Cider Project Wild Thing

Forgive us if we suggest that Artifact’s Wild Thing—a tart, aromatic cider, crafted with 100% McIntosh apples—may very well make your heart sing. Tasting notes of honey, saffron, and stone fruit help this moderate 5.4% ABV crowd-pleaser pair well with hiking boots if the kickass woods-inspired can design is any added incentive.

[$36,12-pack; artifactcider.com]

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Tall can of Highpoint Cider Transplant

Highpoint Cider Transplant
Highpoint Cider

8. Highpoint Cider Transplant

Another release we love from the Jackson Hole-based Perez brothers behind Highpoint, this traditional semi-dry New England-style cider is smooth, slightly cloudy, low-sugar, and made with delectable Rocky Mountain apples. Perfect for a New Hampshire expat heading West for even higher hills and thrills.

[$13, 4-pack; vinoshipper.com]

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On tall can of Artifact By Any Other Name ider

Artifact Cider Project By Any Other Name
Courtesy of Artifact Cider Project

9. Artifact Cider Project By Any Other Name

They call it a “brunch and beach cider.” We call it the perfect rosé alternative after a long day of Zoom meetings. What’s behind the pretty pink hue of this dry, delicate creation hiding behind the most floral can design we’ve ever seen? A smattering of fermented blackcurrants for color, fruit and a hint of floral notes.

[$42,12-pack; artifactcider.com]

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Tall bottle of Hayken Family cider

Hayken Family Cider Niedwetzkyana
Courtesy of Talia Hayken

10. Haykin Family Cider Niedzwetzkyana

This Aurora, Colorado cidery only uses apples and yeast without any additional sugar or flavorings—so brace yourself for bold, unadulterated apple taste in each sip. Boasting a mighty 8.1% ABV, this unique drink is made with the Niedzwetzkyana apple, an ancient fruit traced back to Central Asia (home of the Forbidden Fruit). The fabled varietal lends the cider a unique crimson color and a remarkable round taste with a hint of tart cherries.

[$16 per bottle; haykinfamilycider.com]

Get it

 


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10 Best Porters to Drink Right Now

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A bottle of Deschutes Black Butte Porter




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Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

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Barbell Back Squat


The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.

“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.

If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.

Directions

Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.

Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

Circuit 1

Marius Bugge

A. Barbell Back Squat

Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts renegade row
Marius Bugge

B. Renegade Row

Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side

Circuit 2

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing renegade row Dumbbell Bentover Row in gym
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bentover Row

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 
Marius Bugge

B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 

Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 3

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat

Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Marius Bugge

B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift

Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Circuit 4

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing pullup
Marius Bugge

A. Pullup

Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Marius Bugge

B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press

Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 5

A. Dumbbell Pushup

Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps

B. Biceps Curl

Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps


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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout

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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout




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