Written by Harold Dean, our Food and Beverage Director.

Coming this week, we will be introducing Redd’s Apple Ale in the Knickers restaurant for our members to enjoy. This beer is very crisp with an undertone of malt that gets a bit stronger through the finish. The natural apple flavor is the dominant note in this beverage and when poured into a glass, the carbonation is pleasantly smooth with a nice bubbly fizz.

What’s the Difference Between an Ale and a Cider?

As the Food and Beverage Manager at Golden Ocala, I like to bring in a variety of beverages to satisfy our members’ tastes. With the new beverages I’m bringing in, I’ve had people ask me, “So, what’s the difference between an ale and a cider”? The two main differences are the ingredients used and the way they are made. For example, Redd’s (an ale) has a natural apple flavor and is brewed, whereas cider is made by using fermented apples, similar to making wine.

Beer = Ales & Lagers

Ales

An ale is a type of beer brewed from malted barley using a warm fermentation with brewers’ yeast. Ales tend to be very complex, flavorful and aromatic. The yeast gives it a sweet, full bodied taste.

Lagers

A lager is a type of beer that is fermented and conditioned at low temperatures. Lagers tend to taste crisp, malty, and clean. Pale lager is the most popular type of beer in the world.

What about Cider?

A cider is a fermented drink made from fruit juice – usually apple, pear, or peach. Cider can be made from any type of apple, but there are apples grown specifically for use in cider and are called “cider apples”.

There seems to be a lot of flavored ales and ciders hitting the stores and restaurants these days. So, it can be a little confusing trying to decide which one to buy. Just remember, if you want an apple tasting beer as opposed to a cider, then choose Redd’s Apple Ale the next time you’re in Knickers.