Review of South City Ciderworks’ Original Blend cider.  It is my first time trying anything from this cidery.

Cider:  Original Blemd
Cidery:  South City Ciderworks
Cidery Location:  San Bruno CA
ABV:  5.5%
How Supplied:  four pack of 12oz cans
Style:  American craft cider from dessert apples

 

Availability:  probably only in Northern California, plus online sales

Cider Description:  The Original Blend is our very first cider, formerly known as “South City Cider”. We started the company because we wanted an easy-drinking cider we could bring camping, while hanging out at the beach, to the dog park, or really anywhere that glass wasn’t a good idea, and this blend was the result. This semi-sweet, dry finishing cider is known for it’s easy drinkability without being overly sweet. The Original Blend is available in 12-ounce cans and kegs.

Cidery Description:  We founded South City Ciderworks in 2015 as an urban cider company to make great cider and a difference. Using only fresh-pressed, West Coast apples our ciders are crafted to be well balanced and easy drinking. We support non-profits focused on helping the community, animals, and the environment. We’re here to Make Cider Make A Difference. 

Price:  ~$3 / can
Where Bought:  at the ferry terminal in San Francisco CA (they have a bunch of cool shops, many with local stuff – this was from a shop which had wine and some single bottles/cans of beers & ciders, but no idea which one unfortunately)
Where Drank:  home
How Found:  browsing

First Impression:  Moderate straw yellow hue.  Low carbonation with some foam.  Smells mild, of sweet apple.

Tasting Notes:  Semi-dry to semi-sweet.  Light to medium bodied.  Low to moderate tartness and acidity.  No bitterness, sourness, tannins, or funk.  Notes of non-specific apple with hints of lemon and floral.  Quick finish.  Low flavor intensity, complexity, and apple flavor.  High sessionability.

My Opinion:  I liked it.  However, it was a bit boring, like most unflavored ciders from dessert apples (ie. those without fruit/hops/spices/etc) are to me.  At least they made it a bit sweeter, as that does help these sorts of ciders have some flavor, but wasn’t anywhere near too sweet.

Most Similar to:  a bit like Blackfin Splash

Closing Notes:  I bet this selection would have a wide appeal, being mid level sweetness and no qualities to not make it entry level (like sourness, bitterness, funk, or tannins).

Have you tried South City cider?  What did you think?