Cider…. It’s that ambiguous beverage that’s “not really a beer” yet it will quench the thirst of so many Canadians this summer.

True, according to Reinheitsgebot of 1516, which states that beer must be made of 4 ingredients – water, yeast, hops and malted barley, cider is not a “beer” since it does not contain the essential malted barley.   Yet, today brewers across North America are boldly disobeying the stone-written German beer purity law by experimenting with all sorts of ingredient modifications like fruit, chocolate, coffee and so on.  And, as more North Americans develop gluten-sensitivities, brewers are even making beer with rice and sorghum.  So, then… why not give cider a change?

If you have not guessed it already – beer and food – are my two passions! During the day, I work for Local Food Plus (LFP) – a charity that certifies local and sustainable farmers in Ontario and links them with commercial buyers like institutions and restaurants.  While I’m sad to report it’s nearly impossible to certify craft beer producers because their precious barley is most likely malted outside of the provence, LFP’s got another tasty and sustainable option for you folks pining for a fermented beverage.

You’ve guessed it, Certified Local Sustainable cider from Waupoos – The Country Cider Company!   You may be asking yourself, what exactly does a Certified Local Sustainable cider mean? Well, in the case of Waupoos, it’s the key ingredient (apples!) that have been certified local and sustainable by an independent third-party. This means that the apple farmer has committed to reducing or eliminating pesticide use, improving biodiversity on his or her farm, reducing energy consumption and treating farm workers with respect.

A few nights ago I put this Certified Local Sustainable cider to the test at Toronto’s 3rd annual Wine and Sprint Festival. Along side some of Ontario’s top breweries (Mill Street, Creemore Springs, and Beau’s to name a few) my co-worker and fellow foodie Jessica Penner and I did blind taste test for event attendees.  We compared local and sustainable Waupoos to a “mystery” imported cider (which I shall keep anonymous to protect the dignity of the internationally consumed cider).

And, hey… guess what?! The Certified Local Sustainable Waupoos was the strong favourite!  Taste testers marveled over the light and fresh apple flavour of this effervescent gem. While our “mystery” cider was primarily made with “apples and glucose” (hmmm in mystery proportions?), taste testers could truly pick out the Ontario apples they so happily enjoy every fall.

So I challenge you – think about side the traditional beer-style box and support a beverage that’s good for the environment and our local producers!