Review of 2 Towns’ Flight of the Kiwi, their newest special release cider, made with all NW ingredients – dessert apples, kiwi berries, and gooseberries, fermented with Sauvignon Blanc yeast, then oak aged.  See the press release here.  It is my first time trying this cider, although I’ve tried most of their lineup (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:  Flight of the Kiwi
Cidery:  2 Towns
Cidery Location:  Corvallis OR
ABV:  5.8%
How Supplied:  500ml bottles
Style:  American craft cider from dessert apples, with kiwi berries & gooseberries, oak aged

 

 

Availability:  limited release, primarily in CA, OR, and WA

Cider Description:  Corvallis, Oregon’s 2 Towns Ciderhouse has a new uniquely fruited hard cider out called “Flight of the Kiwi,” an oak-aged cider made with NW kiwi fruit, fresh-pressed apples, and some gooseberries for good measure. This tropical-flavored cider has a sessionable 5.8% ABV. Two pounds of hardy kiwi berries, small cousins of the better-known kiwifruit, go into every gallon of this cider, which is fermented cold with Sauvignon Blanc yeast and is named after New Zealand’s curious flightless bird….Flight of the Kiwi has the backbone to stand up to flavorful and hearty fare—try pairing it with chipotle pork or bacon grilled cheese sandwiches.

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:  cidery press release

First Impression:  Medium straw yellow hue.  Still (no carbonation).  Smells mild, of kiwi and white grape.

Tasting Notes:  On the sweeter side of semi-dry.  Medium bodied.  Low tartness.  Moderate acidity.  Hints of bitterness and tannins.  No sourness or funk.  Notes of kiwi, white grape, mango, pineapple, mineral, lemon, and oak.  Quick finish length.  Low apple flavor.  High sessionability.  Low flavor intensity.  Moderate complexity.  Low oak influence.

My Opinion:  This was a subtle wine-like cider, which I usually don’t go for.  However, I really liked the flavor and complexity of this one, plus it was very easy to drink and food-friendly.

Most Similar to:  Moa Brewing Kiwifruit cider, which is the only other cider with kiwi added which I’ve tried; it also had a lot of wine-like subtlety, but was carbonated.

Closing Notes:  This was another winner from 2 Towns!

Have you tried 2 Towns Flight of the Kiwi?  What did you think?