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Drink: Commonwealth Ciders

Is cider the new beer? Commonwealth Ciders, spun off recently from the Philadelphia Brewing Co., is evidence it just might be. These traditionally dry hard ciders ("Exported from Kensington") are different from many new American ciders.

    by Craig LaBan, Inquirer
    Published 

Is cider the new beer? Commonwealth Ciders, spun off recently from the Philadelphia Brewing Co., is evidence it just might be.

These traditionally dry hard ciders ("Exported from Kensington") are different from many new American ciders, which trend too sweet.

Commonwealth's plain flavor is bone dry with a whisper of natural sweetness and an elegant light touch, both in body and calories (just 160). Commonwealth is kicking into summer-refresher overdrive, though, with two new flavors this week, debuting with a tasting at Sunday's Headhouse Farmers' Market.

I loved the Gregarious Ginger at Asian-inspired CHeU. But Razzberet Tart (an homage to the Philly accent) is the smash hit, a vivid pink brew steeped with Lehigh Valley fruit that adds a lovely sour finish infused with the brightness of a berry patch.

- Craig LaBan

Commonwealth Cider is widely available: It runs $5 a pint at Atlantis "The Lost Bar" (2442 Frankford Ave., 215-739-4929), and $33.95 a case at Global Beer Distribution, 1150 N. American St., 215-925-1650.