Review of Double Mountain Brewery’s Wickson Crab cider.  It is my first time trying this, but I’ve had their Jumpin Jack Heirloom Cider, Dry, and Arkansas Black.

Cider:  Wickson Crab
Maker:  Double Mountain
Location:  Hood River Oregon
ABV:  6.9%
How Supplied:  500ml bottles
Style:  American craft cider from Wickson crabapples

  

Availability:  likely only in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia

Cider Description:  This late season variety is tiny on the tree, but big on flavor. Sweet, tart, and earthy, this scrappy little apple makes for a robust cider. Honeydew, ripe kiwi, and big juicy apple fill the mouth, finishing less tart and a hint of sweetness.  There is nothing small about this variety of crabapple.  Wickson is bringing the sweet to balance it’s tart kick,

Cidery Description:  Double Mountain Brewery and Taproom was established in 2007 in the heart of downtown Hood River, OR.  Founder, Matt Swihart, opened the brewery with a clear mission: make great beer for craft beer fans. The unique location of Double Mountain provides the use of pure and clean glacial water for beers and ciders, while also take advantage of regionally grown hops. Reusable bottles allow customers to partake in a softer environmental footprint, affirming they are part of a sustainable future. Double Mountain may be found on tap and in bottles throughout the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia.

They have 2 taprooms, in Hood River and Portland Oregon.

Price:  n/a (retails for ~ $6.99)
Where Bought:  n/a
Where Drank:  home
How Found:  it showed up

First Impression:  Light straw yellow hue.  Low to moderate carbonation.  Smells mild, of tart citrus.

Tasting Notes:  Semi-dry.  Light bodied.  Moderate tartness.  High acid.  Hints of bitterness, funk, and tannins.  No sourness.  Notes of juicy sharp crabapple, lemon, and hints of herb and earth.  The cider starts fizzy but quickly goes flat in the mouth, creating an interesting mouthfeel.  Long tart finish.  Low apple flavor.  Moderate sessionability, flavor intensity, and complexity.

My Opinion:  I liked it, although its not a type I’d usually drink.

Most Similar to:  Dragon’s Head Columbia Crab and Greenwood Red River Wolf Crab

Closing Notes:  Its surprising to see a brewery make cider, and especially to go the heritage (vs. modern) cider route, but pretty cool.

Have you tried crabapple cider?  What did you think?