Colorado’s own Stem Ciders is embracing the non-alcoholic movement rather than fight it – smart! Good thing the way they are doing it is delicious and very satisfying. In Good Taste Denver’s Jimmy McDonough got to taste-test their newest product, Stem Zero (and has become a real fan) and tells us more about the highly-anticipated arrival of the alcohol-free options. The Stem Ciders folks had us over to do some tasting and learn more about the new product. We liked what we saw and tasted!
I don’t know about you, but when gathering with friends and family to chat, celebrate, or to just “hang,” I need a beverage in my hand. I don’t know if it is because I am fidgety or socially awkward (maybe both!) but not having my hands occupied makes me feel very uncomfortable. In my observations, a beverage in hand seems to be a must for social interactions. Often the beverage of choice contains alcohol – after all, a glass of water is boring and does not feel “special.” And that’s what social events call for – something special to hold in your hand. But booze comes with all sorts of undesirable consequences, so another option would be welcome.
If you (like me) are seeking an alcohol-free beverage that tastes “special,” a new option is coming to a store near you: high quality, sophisticated ciders made with Pacific Northwest apples. Local Stem Ciders is crafting truly alcohol-free ciders in two flavors: Blueberry Lime and Apricot Haze. At a recent tasting event, we were introduced to these flavors and learned about the magic that goes into every can.
Established over 10 years ago and housed in a hilltop compound with stunning views of the northern front range, Stem prides itself on creating ciders of exceptional flavor quality, variety using techniques and ingredients that set them apart from mass market brands. Stem sends its own trucks to select orchards in Washington to fetch fresh crops of apples that it then presses to capture the freshest flavors possible. Aside from flavor benefits, this process allows them to produce ciders with lower sugar content than other brands; significantly reducing the calorie count. (Their Dry Cider, 6% ABV, is actually sugar free!)
Acknowledging the consumer trend toward lower alcohol intake, Patrick Combs, Wilding* VP of Liquids, set out to create an alcohol-free cider. But how could this be accomplished without ending up with, basically, fancy apple juice? Turns out it would take time, experimentation, and attention to sensory details of natural ingredients and chemical interactions that comes with years of experience. After many tastings, he landed on flavor profiles that offered an approachable, refreshing beverage that tastes “special.” The kind of flavors that you can enjoy for an afternoon gathering or hanging with friends watching a game. Or, because they are completely alcohol free, drink when you are playing a game and still remain sober and in control! And, they can be used to make mocktails.
And relatively healthy as “adult beverages” go; with 10 to 13 grams of sugar per can, they are much lower than the usual 30+ grams per can in other cider brands or even most sodas. Another important difference between Stem Cider’s alcohol-free ciders and other N/A beverages like beers and wines which have trace amounts of alcohol, is that it never contained alcohol. It was not brewed and fermented and then processed to remove the alcohol; Stem crafts it from scratch without alcohol. The finished product is safe for a kid to drink; that said, it will still be necessary to show your ID card to purchase when it is available in the grocery store, due to state liquor laws.
N/A beers and wines often are lacking and when sampled side by side with similar alcohol-versions, it is easy to identify them. But at our tasting of Stem Ciders, we blind sipped the NA ciders alongside their full alcohol versions of each flavor and we could not distinguish between them. The Blueberry Lime (their most popular) is topped with a hint of Bergamot to enhance the juicy berry floral notes. The Apricot Haze (our favorite) has a whiff of hops to give it a fragrant nose. As the line is introduced and gains wider distribution in 2026, additional flavors may be added.
So, as you gather in the coming months with friends and family, and you need something to hold onto, but want to shy away from the booze, Stem Ciders’ N/A options may be the next fresh thing you can crave, crush, and feel comfortable with.
*Stem Cider is part of Wilding Brands, a locally-owned portfolio of craft beverage brands that includes Stem Ciders, Denver Beer Co., Great Divide Brewing Co., Cerveceria Colorado, Funkwerks Brewing, Formation Brewing, Howdy Beer Co., Easy Living Hop Water, Station 26 Brewing Co. and Upslope Brewing Co.
Quick Facts About Stem Zero
- 0 percent ABV – Never alcoholic. Crafted from the start with zero alcohol.
- Low calorie – A lighter option built on the truth that better-for-you can still taste amazing, at just 60 calories.
- Prebiotic – Made with premium apple cider vinegar.
- Quality and Flavor – True to the Stem Standard. Every can delivers the crisp, fruit-forward flavor Stem fans expect.
- Availability: 4-packs of Blueberry Lime and Apricot Haze are available now; a variety 6-pack with Blueberry Lime, Apricot Haze and Pear is coming in January.
While Stem Ciders’ offerings, including Stem Zero, are available in many places, make an event of it and head to Lafayette and grab a meal while you’re at it!
-Story and photos by Jimmy McDonough, InGoodTasteDenver.com
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