No Added Sugar, But Natural Sugar is Present
At the core of 2 Towns Ciderhouse's philosophy is a dedication to authentic cidermaking, which involves using 100% fresh-pressed Northwest apples. This approach means they bypass shortcuts common in commercial beverage production, such as adding refined sugars to boost sweetness or alcohol content. The sugar content found in their hard ciders is therefore a product of the fruit itself, fermented into alcohol. The fermentation process is what converts the fruit's natural sugars into alcohol, but some residual sugar remains, contributing to the cider's final flavor and body.
The Fermentation Process and Residual Sugar
Fermentation is a natural process driven by yeast consuming sugar. The length and temperature of the fermentation, which 2 Towns refers to as a "slow, cold fermentation," play a crucial role in determining the cider's final flavor profile and residual sugar level. Some ciders, like their flagship BrightCider, are intentionally drier, indicating that more of the sugar has been converted. Other, sweeter varieties retain more of the natural fruit sugar, even without any added sweeteners. The specific apple varieties used also influence the initial sugar levels, as different types of apples have varying sweetness.
Comparing Sugar Across 2 Towns Cider Varieties
To fully answer the question, "Does 2 Towns cider have sugar?", one must look at specific products. The sugar content can differ significantly based on the flavor and sweetness profile. For example, a dry cider will have less residual sugar than a semi-sweet or dessert-style offering. This is a common practice in craft cidermaking, where the balance of sweetness, acidity, and tannins is carefully managed by controlling the fermentation process, not by adding external sweeteners.
Table: Sugar Comparison of Select 2 Towns Ciders (per 12 fl oz serving)
| Cider Variety | Sugar (g) | Source of Sugar | Sweetness Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| BrightCider | 7g | Natural apple juice | Semi-Dry |
| Outcider Unfiltered | 10g | Natural apple juice | Semi-Sweet |
| Cosmic Currant | 8g | Natural apple juice & currant | Semi-Sweet |
| Prickly Pearadise | 7g | Natural apple juice & prickly pear wine | Semi-Sweet |
| The Bad Apple | 7g | Natural apple juice & meadowfoam honey | Imperial Semi-Dry |
The Role of Whole Ingredients
2 Towns prides itself on using whole, locally-sourced ingredients, not just for their flagship apple-based ciders, but for all their seasonal and specialty varieties. This means that if a specialty cider features berries or other fruits, the sugars from those whole fruits will also contribute to the final sugar count. For instance, the sugar in their Cosmic Currant cider comes from both the fresh-pressed apples and the currants used. This differs markedly from many mass-produced ciders, which often use apple juice from concentrate and then rely on added sugars to create a desired taste profile.
Health Implications and Calorie Content
The calories in 2 Towns cider are directly linked to the alcohol content and the residual natural sugar. Since alcohol also contributes calories, a higher ABV cider will naturally be more calorically dense. For instance, The Bad Apple is an imperial-style cider with a higher alcohol content (10.5% ABV) and a corresponding calorie count. This is an important consideration for consumers monitoring their calorie or sugar intake. Unlike ciders with added refined sugars, the natural sugars in 2 Towns ciders are less processed, aligning with a more 'whole-foods' approach to beverage crafting. However, they are still sugars and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion: A Transparent Approach to Cider
In conclusion, while 2 Towns cider does contain sugar, it is not the result of adding refined sweeteners. The sugar comes naturally from the fresh-pressed Northwest apples and other whole fruits used in the ciders. The exact amount varies by the specific variety, influenced by the type of fruit and the extent of fermentation. The company's commitment to using whole, natural ingredients and avoiding processed sugars is a key differentiator in the craft cider market. For consumers, this means the sweetness and sugar content are an authentic reflection of the high-quality fruit, not a manipulated flavor profile.
Learn more about 2 Towns Ciderhouse and their commitment to natural ingredients here.
