Review of Alpenfire Calypso.  I’ve had this previously, but never done a full review.  I’ve also had Alpenfire’s Dungeness, Spark, Ember, Simple Cider, Calypso, Pirate’s Plank, Glow, Cinders, Shrub, Spiced Tonic Shrub, Traditional Heirloom Cider, Flame, Tempest, Foxwhelp SV, Rosy Pommeau, 3 Pommes, Kingston Black, Golden Fox, Smoke, and Traditional Cuvée.

Cider:  Calypso
Cidery:  Alpenfire
Cidery Location:  Port Townsend WA
ABV:  6.9%
How Supplied:  500ml bottles
Style:  American craft cider from Newton Pippin apples and blackberries, rum barrel aged

Availability:  likely only in the Northwest, plus online sales

Cider Description:  An expression of the Northwest.  Organic heirloom apples co-fermented with blackberries, then aged in rum barrels.

Cidery Description:  We invite you to experience the distinctive flavors of our estate grown heritage ciders. Shaped by our maritime climate’s mild summers and tempered by the foggy mist rolling off of Discovery Bay, our apples maintain the qualities they’ve been treasured for by generations of cider lovers.  Soft tannins, high sugars, hints of bitterness, and an incredible flavor range are the tools the apples bring us.  Slow, cool fermentation, lengthy maturation, and attention to detail is the way we say thank you!  Try Alpenfire Cider today and find your favorite expression of the Northwest.

Price:  $11.99
Where Bought:  their website – I made a large order when they had a free shipping deal during COVID-19 quarantine
Where Drank:  home
How Found:  this was one of the first varieties I tried from Alpenfire

First Impression:  Vibrant dark red hue.  Low carbonation.  Smells of mild tart berry.

Tasting Notes:  Semi-dry.  Light bodied.  Moderate to high tartness and acidity.  Hints of bitterness and tannins.  No sourness or funk.  Notes of tart apple reminiscent of granny smith, complex berry, and a hint of oak.  Moderate length tart finish.  Moderate sessionability, flavor intensity, and apple flavor.  Low to moderate overall complexity.

My Opinion:  I liked it.  Easy to drink, but still with some complexity.  However, I’d prefer a bit more sweetness and/or less tartness.

Most Similar to:  2 Towns Boysenbarrel, except without the red wine flavor profile

Closing Notes:  Alpenfire consistently makes excellent ciders, and has a huge range of selections too, so there is something for everyone.

Have you tried Alpenfire Calypso?  What did you think?