Review of Seattle Cider’s Semi-Sweet variety, their most popular flagship / year round variety (which also includes Dry, and recently, Citrus).  I’ve had this a few times, but this is the first time since starting Cider Says.  Seattle Cider also offers some seasonal, limited release, and harvest series ciders in 22 oz bottles.

Cider:  Semi-Sweet
Cidery:  Seattle Cider Company
Cidery Location:  Seattle WA (duh!)
ABV:  6.5%
Brix:  2.6
How Supplied:  16oz cans (four pack), kegs

Availability:  Year round, in WA, OR, CA, HI, TX, MN, WI, & IL

Cider Description:  A light, crisp cider with just a touch of sweetness. Honey in color with notes of bergamot orange, lemon, and apple, this refreshing cider reveals hints of citrus and cinnamon on the palate.  Made from Granny Smith, Fuji, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Gala apples from Eastern Washington.

White wine yeast and pure cane sugar added for fermentation.  Filtered for clarification before tank aging for at least two weeks.  Fermented dry.  Some cane sugar is added to back sweeten.

Cidery Description:  Seattle Cider Company is Seattle’s first cidery since Prohibition, bringing true craft cider back to Seattle and across the country. Bridging the gap between wine and beer with flavorful, small-batch cider, Seattle Cider’s initial offerings – Dry and Semi-Sweet – break the mold of overly sweet cider, bringing the natural flavors of Washington apples to the forefront.

My pint came from this keg:
(visible through the window at the restaurant)

Where Drank:  Hop Jacks, a bar/restaurant (“neighborhood gathering place”) in Lynnwood WA
Price:  $4.25 / pint (Happy Hour)
How Found:  I’ve known about Seattle Cider pretty much since they started up in 2013.  They built a very quick following, and seems to be the most commonly found craft cider on tap around here, plus can be located almost everywhere that sells bottled/canned cider.  Seattle Cider is currently the only cider on tap at Hop Jacks (they also offer bottles of Angry Orchard).

First Impression:  Medium amber, and actually has some head to it, even after the trip from the bar to our table.  I don’t pick up any distinctive smell besides mild apple.  Interestingly enough there are several reviewers who say this cider smells bad?  I’ve definitely smelled worse ciders….

Opinion:  More semi-dry than semi-sweet to me.  Crisp apple flavor.  I don’t really pick up any other notes, such as the citrus or cinnamon they mention.  A bit tart & bitter on the finish, but quick.  Uncomplicated but refreshing.  I also find it better on tap than canned.  I like it better when very cold.  There is little carbonation in the mouth.  I had this cider with fish & chips, which is a great combination as this is a simple cider which isn’t sweet and won’t compete with the meal.

Most Similar to:  Anthem’s original cider, which is slightly more tart & complex

Closing Notes:   This is a very basic cider which is definitely drinkable (and easy to drink), but not something I’d typically buy when given a large selection.  Its better than Angry Orchard though, and a good deal at $4.25 / pint Happy Hour prices.

Their Ciders:  I’ve tried a few other selections from Seattle Cider and haven’t really been impressed with any of them, plus they generally tend to be a bit drier than I prefer.  They have a Berry cider for example which I barely picked up any berry flavor and was pretty dry for a fruity cider, 1.8 compared to 2.6 Brix for this one.  I like that they publish Brix, if only to compare the sweetness levels of their varieties to each other.

Have you tried Seattle Cider?  What did you think?