Beth Demmon on Cider & Beer

Beer writer Beth Demmon has written a book called The Beer Lover’s Guide to Cider: American Ciders for Craft Beer Fans to Explore, published on September 12 by Mango Publishing. The book explores the potentially overwhelming variety of the modern cider scene through the lens of beer, relating cider varieties to major flavor groupings from craft beer. The format Beth chose for her guide allows readers to approach cider on their own terms, using familiar flavor references.

Cider has been brewed and enjoyed here in the U.S. for centuries, and there were points in the country’s history when cider was the preeminent beverage for the young nation. By the end of the twentieth century, however, cider has long since given way to beer, wine, and spirits. Like many other artisan food and beverage industries however, cider is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, and Beth is excited about where it's heading.

While reading The Beer Lover’s Guide to Cider, I was struck by the familiar observations made about cider as someone who came to that industry from beer—many of them echoed my own experiences exploring craft chocolate as a beer writer. In the following interview, Beth and I discuss her book, what cider and beer can learn from each other, and what it’s been like for both of us to explore other artisan industries parallel to our first love, beer. Listen in as we talk with author Beth Demmon.

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The music for Bean to Barstool is by indie folk musician Anna ps. You can find out more about Anna’s music in the show notes or at her website annapsmusic.com, where you can also get in touch to book her to play at your brewery or other establishment.

Guests:

Beth Demmon

Beth Demmon is a San Diego-based writer, podcast host, and author of The Beer Lover's Guide to Cider: American Ciders for Craft Beer Fans to Explore. Her work has appeared in outlets like The Washington Post, Food & Wine, Saveur Magazine, Civil Eats, PUNCH, and many more. Learn more at bethdemmon.com or follow her on Instagram at @thedelightedbite.