Review of Cockrell Brewing’s Colonial Winter, a New England style cider.  It is my first time trying this, but I’ve previously had their Valley Red, Original, Edgewood Heirloom, Pub Cider, Johanna Star, Call Me Dusty, and Raspberry Habanero.

Cider:  Colonial Winter
Cidery:  Cockrell Brewing
Cidery Location:  Puyallup WA
ABV:  9.5%
How Supplied:  500ml bottles
Style:  American craft New England style cider (fermented with brown sugar and raisins)

  

Availability:  seasonably, in winter, likely only in WA (in general their ciders are sold at locations such as these)

Cider Description:  This traditional New England cider is produced with brown sugar and raisins for a full bodied winter warmer.  Think of our forefathers and enjoy!

Cidery Description:  Hand crafted Hard Apple Cider from our farm to your table.
They have a tasting room on their farm in Puyallup WA.  Also, here is an article on their opening in 2014.

Where Drank:  home
How Found:  Browsing, last year (this year’s release is available now).

First Impression:  Moderate caramel amber hue.  Still (no carbonation).  Smells rich and sweet, of caramel, brown sugar, and raisins.

Tasting Notes:  On the sweeter side of semi-dry (but I’m guessing it would measure higher and the acidity is balancing some of the sugar).  Medium bodied.  Moderate tartness and acidity.  Hints of tannins and bitterness.  No sourness or funk.  Notes of caramel, brown sugar, baked apple, raisins, orange, and a hint of oak.  Long warming acidic finish.  Moderate to high flavor intensity.  Moderate complexity and apple flavor.  Low sessionability.

My Opinion:  I enjoyed it.  The flavor was especially awesome.  My only note would be that I would have preferred less tartness, but I think then the perceived sweetness would have ticked up.

Most Similar to:  Seattle Cider’s New England style cider, although that one wasn’t as intensely flavorful.  Also, Reverend Nat’s Winter Abbey Spice, although it had a bit of an odd sourness.  Or, for a much drier, modern, and subtle example of the style, Tilted Shed’s Barred Rock Barrel Aged.

Closing Notes:  This was a great cider choice for winter, and an excellent value too.  The next New England style cider I’d like to try is Alpenfire’s new release, “Tempest”.

Have you tried a New England style cider?  What did you think?