Maple syrup is one of Canada’s most iconic sweet treats, loved for its unique flavour and natural origin. However,...
The best ice ciders produced in Canada
What is ice cider?
Ice cider is the result of the encounter between apples and a particularly harsh winter climate. It originates from the Quebec region and is traditionally consumed there during the end-of-year holidays. It is also produced in Ontario and other countries.
The history of ice cider begins in the 90s. Christian Barthomeuf, owner of Clos Saragnat, was inspired by ice wine to develop this drink. The winemaker then helped François Pouliot of Cidre Neige (Hemmingford, Quebec) to launch a major production in 1994. This is how Cidre de glace Neige - the very first snow cider marketed under this name in Quebec, Canada and the world - was born in 1999. Barthomeuf will receive the Order of Canada for having invented it. It is indeed one of the first true products of the Canadian and Quebec terroir according to François Pouliot of Maison Cidre Neige. It also benefits from its protected geographical indication.
Ice cider is sweet and without bubbles. It is very different from the cider we know in France. Its aromas are complex, with notes of honey, spices or cinnamon. Its taste is between that of raw cider, ice wine and sweet wine. It is served chilled to very chilled as an aperitif, with a cheese platter, desserts or at the end of a hearty meal.
How is ice cider made?
The juice is extracted from apples that have been subjected to the action of cold. Temperatures must drop very low to concentrate the juices and produce the best ice ciders. It is really the winter that makes the quality of this drink.
The Quebec climate allows the necessary concentration of sugar in the fruit to produce ice cider later. It is generally obtained by cryoconcentration, and more rarely by cryoextraction, or a combination of the two - depending on the producer.
Cryoconcentration involves picking the fruit when ripe and storing it until winter arrives. The fruit is pressed and the juice is then stored outside to concentrate under the action of the cold.
Some varieties of apples can stand to stay on the tree all winter. The idea behind cryoextraction is to let them undergo the action of the cold and wind to “cook” the fruit on the vine. Only after that are the fruits harvested and then pressed. The juice extracted is frozen again. The resulting cider is collected and left to ferment for a few more months at low temperatures.
Our selection of the best ice ciders produced in Canada
- Neige brand ice cider
For an authentic experience, you can try a product from a historic brand in the history of ice cider. Neige is in fact the first brand to have marketed ice cider.
It is sweet and fruity, with lively hints of acidity. It is served between 10 and 12°C, alone or to accompany cheeses and desserts. It can also be made into cocktails.
This product won the distinction of the best ice cider in the world at the International Cider Challenge in England. Another guarantee of quality, the Neige brand ice cider benefits from the PGI for its 2014 and 2015 vintages.
- A little icy finale from the Michel Jodoin Cider House
This ice cider is full of aromas of stewed apples and intense flavors. Its finish is sweet and honeyed. It will go very well with poultry terrines, foie gras and cheeses. Like most ice ciders, it is a happy marriage with desserts. It can also be drunk as is and is always served very cold (8°C).
It benefits from the PGI for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 vintages. A small icy finish also won the Platinum Medal at the Wine Align 2021 National Wine Awards Of Canada.
- Macle Ice Cider
Multiple medal winner, the Macle Ice Cider is fruity, light and well balanced. To this day, it is considered one of the best ice ciders in the Quebec region. It is drunk very cold, as an aperitif or at the end of a meal. It will go very well with cheese, foie gras and desserts.
- Cortland, Quebec Ice Cider from Domaine Cartier - Potelle
Ice Cider - Cortland is powerful, fruity and characterized by a lingering finish. It is made from a blend of different apple varieties: Cortland, Empire, Honeycrisp and Spartan. The juice is then placed in oak barrels for 18 months. This drink has 11% of alcohol content is served chilled, between 8 and 10°C. The Ice Cider from Domaine Cartier-Potelle has won several medals between 2013 and 2018. It will accompany fruits, desserts, cheeses or even aperitifs.
- Givré Ice Cider
THE Frosty Ice Cider is delicious, light, tender and creamy in the mouth. It is made from a blend of several varieties of apples, including Cortland, Empire, Melba, McIntosh and Paulared. It is served as an aperitif or at the end of a meal. It goes very well with foie gras (especially pan-fried), cheeses and fruit desserts.
- Minot Cider House Ice Cider
This ice cider is smooth with a slight acidic edge. Its flavors are concentrated and complex. It has notes of dates, banana and caramel, followed by dried apricot and crème brûlée. The Minot Cidrerie Ice Cider will go very well with foie gras mousse, cheeses and desserts - especially those made with dried fruits.
- Prestige ice cider from Domaine Labranche
This ice cider is made from a blend of several varieties of apples. Its bouquet is complex with aromas of fruit and honey. Balanced and light, it is best served chilled. It is particularly good with apple-based desserts or in cocktails. Prestige ice cider from Domaine Labranche has won several medals, both in Canada and internationally.
- Domaine Pinnacle Ice Cider
THE Domaine Pinnacle brand ice cider is a drink with a complex taste, resulting from the blend of 6 varieties of apples. Perfectly harmonious, it leaves a very pleasant fresh finish in the mouth. It is drunk very cold, at the beginning or end of a good meal. Its 2014 vintage benefits from the PGI and this cider ice is one of the most decorated in the world.
icon
Free shipping
For orders over 99 €
icon
International Shipping
Tax and customs included
icon
Customer service 7/7
Quick response to your requests
icon
Secure payment
Safe purchase guarantee
Leave a comment
Log in to post comments