Pip Hop, a 5.5% ABV dry-hopped cider first crafted a decade ago, has been relaunched in can and keg by Sandford Orchards.
On the nose, it offers an inviting aroma of fresh hops. On the palate, this translates into the juicy, authentic cider apple flavours that Sandford Orchards is known for, culminating in a crisp, hoppy finish.
Created from a bittersweet base cider, it is steeped with British Jester hops and the Nelson Sauvin variety from New Zealand. The result is a twist on a traditional cider that is lively, fruity, and floral, designed to appeal to both dedicated cider lovers and craft beer enthusiasts.
“Bringing back this dry-hopped blend has been a passion project for us, but it coincides with the recent growth for beers cut with fruit,” said Michael Troy, sales director at Sandford Orchards.
“Pip Hop just approaches it from the other angle — it’s an apple cider cut with hops. By combining our traditional bittersweet cider apples with the bold and juicy notes of Jester and Nelson hops, we’ve created something that feels fresh and unique.
“We have also released a small run of kegs that went down really well with drinkers at the London Craft Beer Festival and is proving popular with bars in Devon and Bristol who are putting it on their rotational lines.”
