Review of Hawk Haus from E.Z. Orchards in Salem Oregon.  I’ve previously tried their Roman Beauty and Semi-Dry ciders.

Cider:  Hawk Haus
Cidery:  E.Z. Orchards
Cidery Location:  Salem OR
ABV:  6.6%
How Supplied:  500ml bottle
Style:  American French-Style wild fermented cider

 

Availability:  At least OR, WA, IL, and NY.  Also sold at ShipCider.com.

Cider Description:  Hawk Haus is named after the kestrel nests found on the property and is a blend of Jonathan and Yarlington Mill apples. Pale, yellow-golden in color and lightly hazed with modest, tiny carbonation bubbles like the finest sparkling wines. The aroma is fresh cut apples and an earthy farmyard character. Very pleasant and grounded. Hawk Haus is big, soft and round on the palate with gentle acidity. Notes of cinnamon and brown sugar are reminiscent of apple turnover. The finish is just short of total dryness, with appealing fresh apple flavors from beginning to end.

Fermented at cold temperatures for 6 months using wild yeast.  Bottle conditioned (allowed to finish fermenting in the bottle, which provides natural carbonation).

Cidery Description:  The Pioneers who settled Oregon’s Willamette Valley in the 1850’s must have marveled at their good fortune. The soil was rich, the water plentiful, the winters mild, and summers ideal, crops seemed to burst from the ground. For more than 150 years small family farms have dominated the Willamette Valley – one of the most productive and diverse agricultural areas in the world. The Zielinski Family and E.Z. Orchards are part of this history and ongoing commitment to the land.

E.Z. Orchards Willamette Valley Cidre is the culmination of 10 years effort to develop our orchard and refine our fermentation technique. We grow a selection of French, English, and Early American apple varieties. The fruit contain essential characteristics, necessary to impart structure and aroma in our Cidre.

Price:  $8
Where Bought:  Schilling Cider House
Where Drank:  home
How Found:  Browsing.  I’ve been wanting to try more ciders from E.Z. Orchards as I enjoyed their Semi-Dry and especially their Roman Beauty.

First Impression:  Pale straw yellow.  Low carbonation with tiny bubbles and foam upon pouring.  Smells deliciously rich, of sweet ripe apples, honey, floral, and oak.

Tasting Notes:  Dry to semi-dry.  Moderate acidity and tartness.  Hints of bitterness, funk, sourness, and tannins.  Notes of honey, citrus, green apple, and floral.  Light bodied.  Medium carbonation.  Moderate apple flavor and flavor in general.  Quick finish.  Low to moderate sessionability.

My Opinion:  My nose was deceiving–I was expecting something richer and sweeter based on the scent.  Instead, this was a nice light fairly dry cider, almost champagne-like (although not as high carbonation).

Most Similar to:  Boonville Bite Hard, Eden Sparkling Dry, and Finnriver Artisan Sparkling Brut.

Closing Notes:   This was enjoyable, but I enjoyed Roman Beauty more, which seemed to have a richer and sweeter flavor.

Have you tried E.Z. Orchards Hawk Haus?  What did you think?