Review of Far West Cider’s Orchard Blend No. 1.  It is my first time trying this, but I have had their San Joaquin Sparkler.

Cider:  Orchard Blend No. 1
Cidery:  Far West Cider Co.
Cidery Location:  Richmond CA
ABV:  6.5%
How Supplied:  500ml bottles
Style:  American craft cider from dessert apples

  

Availability:  mostly only in Northern California (see here), plus online sales

Cider Description:  This cider uses a combination of GoldRush, Cripps Pink and Granny Smith apples grown on Chinchiolo Family Farms. It is fermented with Champagne yeast at very low temperatures and aged to develop more complexity than your typical cider. Fruit-forward, sparkling, and just barely semi-sweet with great acid balance, this cider pairs nicely with warm patios, fancy brunches, funky tunes and pork.

Cidery Description:  Californian ciders from a 4th generation family farm in San Joaquin County.

They have a taproom in Richmond CA.

Price:  $11.99 (although its $11 at their online store)
Where Bought:  Village Market in the ferry building in San Francisco CA
Where Drank:  home
How Found:  on a cruise port stop

First Impression:  Light straw yellow hue.  Low carbonation.  Smells mild, tart.

Tasting Notes:  On the sweeter side of semi-dry.  Light to medium bodied.  Low to moderate tartness and acidity.  No bitterness, sourness, funk, or tannins.  Notes of green apple, citrus, and pineapple.  Long tart finish.  Low to moderate apple flavor, complexity, and overall flavor intensity.  High sessionability.

My Opinion:  I liked it.  Tasty and easy to drink.  Overall this would probably have wide appeal.

Most Similar to:  Seattle Cider Semi-Sweet and Scandinavian Green Apple Craft Cider

Closing Notes:  I thought it was a bit spendy for being a typical craft cider from dessert apples, like you’d often find in a 4 or 6 pack for this price.

Have you tried Far West Cider Orchard Blend No. 1?  What did you think?