Aidan Kennedy (Coronado Brewing Co.)

Coronado Brewing has found something in cider.

One thing that has long been a calling card of San Diego breweries is their willingness to experiment and introduce new beverages to local imbibers. Originally, San Diego’s craft beer scene was best known primarily for high-octane, hoppy West Coast IPAs. But these days, there is an abundance of locally brewed hazy IPAs, lagers, sours, and even seltzers. And now, one local brewery is introducing a new line of drinks you might not typically associate with a beachside town: ciders.

Earlier this month, Coronado Brewing launched Coronado Hard Cider, a brand extension which will release USDA-certified organic ciders. The two initial offerings, Nice & Dry Organic Hard Cider and Super Fruit Organic Hard Cider hit the taps at the Coronado Bay Park Tasting Room earlier this month, and have since begun their gradual expansion throughout the county.

Clinton Smith, Coronado’s Chief Commercial Officer, explains, “Both flavors are not too sweet and have a refreshingly dry finish. Whether you are looking for a straightforward apple-based cider, or a hard cider that adds in unique fruits, both flavors have you covered.” Super Fruit is the option for those looking for something a little different in their cider. The addition of blueberries and acai berries provides a floral aroma, maroon color, and fruity sweetness with a touch of acidity to the 5.5% ABV brew. On the other hand, Nice & Dry is more in line with what you’d expect from a traditional apple cider, made with organic apple juice and featuring some of the effervescence and dryness of champagne. The straw-colored 6.0% cider has a subtler sweetness than Super Fruit, along with a lingering acidity and green apple bouquet.

Going organic was important at Coronado, says Smith. “We feel that being the first USDA-certified organic hard cider from California in cans is a great opportunity, which makes us stand out as a legitimate cidery in the category.” (In addition to being organic, both ciders are vegan and gluten free.)

By spring 2022, Coronado Hard Cider plans to have four-packs of both ciders in 16-ounce cans available at retailers throughout San Diego, in addition to their availability on local taps. The year-round products are the product of over two years of research and development, and the company is already looking ahead. Smith hints, “While we plan on starting with only two flavors in 2021, we are already doing research and development on new flavors now.”

Of course, cider isn’t the only thing brewing over at Coronado, and innovation doesn’t mean abandoning tradition. The brewery recently launched their latest year-round beer, Palm Sway IPA, in 16-ounce can six-packs. The 6.5% 2021 Great American Beer Festival gold medal-winner has the citrus and mango notes of a hazy IPA but with a clear appearance. It also is heavy on hops such as Waimea, Chinook, Mosaic, Comet, El Dorado, Motueka, and Citra — providing a hoppy finish reminiscent of the IPAs that originally helped put San Diego craft beers on the map.