Review of Cidergeist Semi Dry, a cider made by Rhinegeist, a brewery in Cincinnati Ohio. They released two ciders for the first time in Fall 2015, Semi Dry and Dry Hopped.  They sent me samples of both.

>>This is a review of a sample can provided to Cider Says by Rhinegeist.  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:  Semi Dry
Cidery:  Rhinegeist Cidergeist
Cidery Location:  Cincinnati Ohio
ABV:  6.2%
How Supplied:  6 pack of 12oz cans (and kegs)
Style:  American commercial cider made from dessert apple juice concentrate

  

Availability:  year round in areas including Ohio, Kentucky, and Massachusetts

Cider Description:  Cider fermented to amplify the fragrance and essence of the apples whilst achieving a delightful, lip-smacking dryness.

Cidery Description:  Countless days and nights were spent studying the art of making cider, drinking the best we could find across the country and testing a variety of juices, yeasts and techniques in fermentation—the result is Cidergeist. Semi Dry and Dry Hopped will be sure to blow your buds with the bright snap of delicious apples. 

Cidergeist gives us the opportunity to play in a lighter and drier zone than beer is able to achieve, introducing a flavor profile more akin to white wine and refreshing in a uniquely fruity way. Fermented with juices from the Pacific Northwest, these Cidergeist Hard Ciders sparkle to deliver a blend of acidity and apple-ness with bountiful aromatics that strike the right balance of refreshingly dry with just a shy suggestion of sweetness.

Price:  n/a (retails around $10 / 6 pack)
Where Bought:  n/a
Where Drank:  home
How Found:  Rhinegeist contacted me

First Impression:  Light amber orange with foam.  Low carbonation upon pouring.  Smells of beer yeast and rich & sweet apple juice.

Tasting Notes:  Semi-dry.  Low to moderate carbonation.  Mild tartness.  Moderate acidity.  Hints of bitterness and tannins.  No sourness or funk.  Medium bodied.  Moderate length finish.  This cider is apple-forward, quite yeasty, foamy, and beer-like.  Notes of apple juice and pomace, caramel, and a slight must.  Moderate to high apple flavor.  Moderate to high sessionability.

My Opinion:  I enjoyed this cider.  It exceeded my expectations considering its made by a brewery from concentrate.  I find it superior in taste to many commercial ciders and its easy to drink.

Most Similar to:  French cidre such as Celt and Reverend Nat’s Revival, although Cidergeist Semi Dry is not quite as clean and less complex.

Closing Notes:   I look forward to drinking the other two cans; too bad its not available here in Washington.  Next up is my review of the Dry Hopped.

Have you tried Cidergeist?  What did you think?