Review of Original Sin’s newest cider, Extra Dry, from York, New York.  It launched last month.  This is their first canned cider (previously most of their ciders were sold in six packs of 12oz bottles, and a couple special releases in 750ml bottles) and celebrates their 20th! anniversary.  I’ve previously tried their Cherry Tree, Elderberry, Pear and Northern Spy ciders.

>This is a review of a sample can provided to Cider Says by Original Sin.  Although I will take care to treat it the same as any other review, there is always the potential for bias as I received it for free.  The only consideration I knowingly made was pushing this up in my cider review cue.  I love free stuff, especially cider!  Want your cider or cider-related product reviewed here?  Contact me.<<

Cider:  Extra Dry
Cidery:  Original Sin
Cidery Location:  York NY
ABV:  5.5%
How Supplied:  four pack of 16oz cans
Style:  American sessionable canned craft cider made from dessert apples

 

Availability:  Currently sold year round in FL, IL, MD, NC, OH, PA, and WA D.C.  In April it will launch nationally to more than 30 states (everywhere its ciders are currently distributed).

Cider Description:  Original Sin Extra Dry Cider contains a distinct blend of New York apples including Ida Red, MacIntosh, Cortland, and several russeted apples. The cider is complex, balanced, and sessionable with a minimal level of residual sugar.

Made from 100% fresh pressed New York apples, champagne yeast, and nothing else.  Their suggested pairings are ripe camembert, roasted oysters, and anything else you might enjoy on a back patio.

Cidery Description:  Established in 1996, Original Sin is one of the original modern-day U.S. cider companies. With a mere $5,000 in funding, founder Gidon Coll began making cider in Upstate New York and spent two years going bar to bar in New York City to develop his early market base. Today, Original Sin is still 100% independent and now distributed in 32 U.S. States, The United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Japan.

Original Sin started a New York State test orchard five years ago, which now features over 100 rare, cider and contemporary apple varieties. Each year, the company adds interesting and historically significant varieties to the Original Sin orchard’s genetic pool.

Price:  n/a (suggested retail price of $10.49 / 4 cans)
Where Bought:  n/a
Where Drank:  home
How Found:  I had read about this release online.  The founder of Original Sin, Gidon Coll, e-mailed and asked if he could send a sample, and I never turn down free cider…

First Impression:  Pale straw yellow hue.  Moderate carbonation with tiny bubbles upon pouring, which quickly dissipated.  Smells dry, of tart green apples, yeast, and citrus.

Tasting Notes:  Dry.  High acidity.  Mild tartness.  Mild astringent tannins.  Hints of bitterness and sourness.  Light bodied.  Low carbonation.  Notes of juicy apple to start, then citrus, and hints of green apple, floral (I think I taste a hint of lavender of all things?), mineral, and yeast.  Moderate length finish.  Mild apple flavor.  Moderate sessionability.

My Opinion:  Enjoyable, although its not something I’d usually drink (I go more for full flavored then sessionable ciders).  It seems more flavorful than many sessionable ciders.  I think I’ve got more accustomed to dry ciders, as even 6 months ago I wouldn’t have liked a cider this dry.

Most Similar to:  Ace Joker (although this cider has more apple flavor), Farnum Hill Extra Dry (although this cider is less tannic and less bitter), and Alpenfire Pirate’s Plank (although this cider is less tannic and sweeter).

Closing Notes:   This probably ties with their Northern Spy for my favorite Original Sin cider so far.  I usually go for sweeter ciders, but it won me over.  Thankfully I have a second can to drink as well.

Have you tried Original Sin Extra Dry?  What did you think?