Review of 2 Towns Traditions Riverwood New World Brut, 2015 vintage, a champagne-style cider.  This is one of two ciders which were released to start off their new Traditions line.  Their Traditions line will replace their separate Traditions brand and focus on barrel aged vintage cider from heirloom apples.  The other is Cidre Bouche.  Two others will soon be released, Afton Field and La Mûre.  This is the third vintage of Riverwood.  I’ve tried the two previous vintages, Traditions brand 2013 vintage and 2 Towns brand 2014 vintage.  I’ve also tried many other ciders from 2 Towns (see here).

>>This is a review of a sample bottle provided to Cider Says by 2 Towns.  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:  Traditions Riverwood New World Brut, 2015 Vintage
Cidery:  2 Towns
Cidery Location:  Corvallis Oregon
ABV:  6.3%
How Supplied:  375ml bottles
Style:  American craft champagne-style cider from heirloom apples, barrel aged

  

Availability:  Limited (only 240 cases of 12 bottles), although 2 Towns ciders are generally available in AK, CA, HI, ID, OR, WA, and Minneapolis MN & Chicago IL.

Cider Description:  Willamette Valley grown Jonagold apples.  Oregon grown bittersharp cider apples.  Finished in chardonnay barrels.  Inspired by sparkling brut champagnes of the past, Riverwood is a contemporary take on a classic. Slow fermentation at cold temperatures allows the intense passionfruit-like aroma of freshly picked and pressed Jonagold and Porter’s Perfection apples to flourish. Dry, bright, and floral, this New World cider brings the brut style out of the past and into the present. Pairs well with lobster mushroom risotto, butternut squash ravioli in sage brown butter, asparagus with lemon aioli and Moroccan chicken with dates and braised greens.

Cidery Description:  At 2 Towns Ciderhouse we believe that the long history of cidermaking demands respect and deserves to be done right. Starting with the highest quality whole ingredients from local farms, we take no shortcuts in crafting our ciders. We never add any sugar, concentrates or artificial flavors, and instead use slow, cold fermentation methods to allow the fruit to speak for itself. As a family-owned company, we are committed to the growth of our team and enrichment of our communities. We take pride in producing true Northwest craft cider.

Price:  n/a
Where Bought:  n/a
Where Drank:  home
How Found:  n/a

First Impression:  Dark straw yellow hue.  Moderate carbonation.  Smells mildly floral and of high acidity.

Tasting Notes:  Semi-dry.  Medium bodied.  Moderate tartness.  High acidity.  Hints of bitterness and tannins.  No sourness or funk.  Subtle notes of floral, lemon, grapefruit, and mineral.  Moderate length finish.  Low apple flavor.  Moderate sessionability.  Low flavor intensity.  Low to moderate complexity.  Low oak influence.

My Opinion:  This was well made, but not really a style I enjoy, with its subtle wine-like flavor and high acidity.  However, its very food-friendly and a great champagne alternative.

Most Similar to:  Cockrell Jonastar, Alpenfire Dungeness, and Seattle Cider Washington Heirloom.

Closing Notes:  I liked last year’s vintage better, as it seemed more apple forward, more intensely flavored, sweeter, and less acidic.

Have you tried 2 Towns Traditions Riverwood?  What did you think?