Review of Newton’s Folly Semi-Dry Barrel Select.  This is a Trader Joe’s exclusive, made at the Woodchuck facility, and appears to be a barrel aged version of their regular Newton Folly Semi-Dry canned cider, which I reviewed here.

Cider:  Newton’s Folly Semi-Dry Barrel Select
Cidery:  American Hard Cider Company
Cidery Location:  Middlebury VT
ABV:  6.9%
How Supplied:  750ml corked bottle
Style:  American commercial semi-dry cider, barrel aged

  

Availability:  only at Trader Joe’s

Cider Description:  Hard Cider has a history that reaches back hundreds of years in Vermont, where our Newton’s Folly Cider is fermented and bottled.  Newton’s Folly Barrel Select Semi-Dry delivers an oaky, bourbon taste perfect for enjoying with family and friends.  We do offer a heads up however.  Enjoy this fine cider directly under an apple tree at your own risk.

Price:  $5.99
Where Bought:  Trader Joe’s
Where Drank:  home
How Found:  browsing

First Impression:  Medium straw yellow hue.  Low carbonation.  Smells mild, of apple juice.

Tasting Notes:  On the sweeter side of semi-dry.  Light to medium bodied.  Low to moderate tartness and acidity.  Hints of bitterness and tannins.  No sourness or funk.  Notes of green apple juice, honey, tropical fruit, and hints of oak & bourbon.  Moderate apple flavor and flavor intensity.  High sessionability.  Low to moderate complexity.  Low barrel influence.

My Opinion:  I liked it.  I wished there was more barrel influence, but I say that about nearly every barrel aged cider.  Also, the cider profile isn’t really the type that is ideal for barrel aging (more fruity than rich).

Most Similar to:  a slightly barrel aged version of Bertolinos (except Newton’s Folly is lower carbonation), Bite Hard Semi-Sweet, or Woodchuck 802 Collection Lil’ Dry

Closing Notes:  Like Trader Joe’s Dan Armor (French cider), this is a tasty budget-friendly cider that likely would have wide appeal, and be a perfect cider to serve at a gathering.

Have you tried Newton’s Folly?  What did you think?