Pear Up Pearjito Colada

December 20, 2017December 10, 2017 cidersays Pear UP, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Pear UP, Pearjito Colada, perry, tasting notes, washington, Wenatchee

Review of Pear Up’s Pearjito Colada. I previously tried this (see here), plus their Pear Essentials, Half Past Prudent, Cherry Perry, Watermelon Perry, Watermelon Raspberry Perry, Raspberry Perry, Pearjito Colada, Pearfect Pie, and Pineapple Pear.

Cider: Pearjito Colada
Cidery: Pear Up (formerly NV Cider)
Cidery Location: East Wenatchee WA
ABV: 5.5%
How Supplied: 500ml green Aluminum bottles (and 4-packs of glass bottles, and draft)
Style: American craft perry (from dessert pears, no apples) with coconut and spearmint

Availability: Washington and Oregon; see here.

Cider Description: (none given; this is one of their newer varieties, and isn’t listed on the website)

Cidery Description: Neigel Vintners is a family affair. Our cider company is run on our family property. Some of the first pears we press each year come off of remnants of the first pears planted by the family. Over 100 years old, these trees have had their heart-wood rot out and survived. There are several places a person can reach through the center of the tree with a hand. These trees have been a staple of the property for generations.

Price: $6
Where Bought: a gift shop in Leavenworth WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing, as I found a large display of most of their perries. I previously tried it at a tasting event (see here)

First Impression: Light straw yellow hue with a hint of pink. Low carbonation. Smells of coconut and mint.

Tasting Notes: One the drier side of semi-sweet. Light to medium bodied. Low tartness and acidity. No bitterness, sourness, funk, or tannins. Notes of canned pear, coconut flavor, and mint. Moderate length finish. Moderate pear flavor and flavor intensity. Low to moderate complexity. High sessionability.

My Opinion: I liked it. However, I enjoyed the batch I tried previously better, as the coconut flavor seemed more real & intense, and it had nearly no noticeable mint.

Most Similar to: Nothing I’ve tried. However, I’ve actually had a few ciders with mint – Portland Cider Co. Mojito, Jester & Judge Columbia Belle, and 101 Cider House Piña Menta. I’ve also had a couple ciders with coconut – One Tree Pina Colada and Reverend Nat’s The Passion.

Closing Notes: This would be even better in summer, but it is tasty and easy to drink anytime.

Have you tried Pear Up Pearjito Colada? What did you think?

Leavenworth Cider Tasting

December 18, 2017July 11, 2018 cidersays review, Swift, Whiskey Barrel Cider Co. barrel aged, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Leavenworth, Swift, tasting notes, washington, Whiskey Barrel Cider

My husband and I recently spend a few days in Leavenworth WA, a Bavarian-themed town in the mountains a couple hours East of Seattle. Visiting this time of year is especially special as they light up and decorate the entire town. This time we visited mid-week, skipping the weekend festival crowds, which we concluded was a great decision (plus it is nearly impossible to get a hotel room there on a festival weekend as they allow folks to re-book for the next year). I found cider at nearly every place we went to, and didn’t spot Angry Orchard on a single tap list! Very cool.

At least three new cider-centric places opened in Leavenworth since our last visit:

Bushel & Bee – a tap room with about 12 beers, 9 ciders, and 3 meads on draft, who offers flights, snacks, and two fridge cases of bottles & cans
Broken Barrel – a combination bottle shop & tap room which focuses on wine & cider and offers classes
Stein – a huge tap room (over 50 taps, where probably 8 were cider) with tons of seating, full food menu, two fridge cases of bottles & cans, and a mini gift shop in the front

Here is what I tried:

At Bushel & Bee I had Swift‘s Peach Oak on draft.
- reviewed below
At Icicle Brewing I had a can of Rambling Route Yakima Cider (they have 1 rotating cider option). This is a really cool local brewery for beer lovers, with a neat tap room sharing the space with their production facility, and snacks & games. Plus their beer prices are crazy affordable, especially growler fills. My husband took home a bunch of his favorite ‘Dark Persuasion’ german chocolate cake porter.
- previous review of Rambling Route here
At Broken Barrel I picked up a couple fancy bottles to take home.
- Phillipi Fruit‘s Snowdance, a Pommeau-style apple brandy fortified cider made in Wenatchee. I tried it previously (see here) but haven’t seen it in any other shops.
- Cashmere Cider Mill‘s Country Elegance Heirloom Blend Medium cider, made in Cashmere. I had never heard of this cidery, probably as it looks like they are only sold at their tasting room and a couple shops.
At Leavenworth Sausage Garden I had Seattle Cider Semi-Sweet on draft (which has been their 1 cider selection since they opened).
- previous review here
At Munchen Haus I had Whiskey Barrel Cider‘s Dam Hard Cider on draft (they have 1 rotating cider tap), my first time trying cider from that cidery.
- reviewed below
At Stein we took a look at the tap list and thought we’d have time to come back later, but didn’t. However, like Broken Barrel, I had previously tried everything on their tap list, so it wasn’t too much of a loss.
At a roadside shop East of Leavenworth I picked up a bottle of mead from Honeywood Winery (in Salem Oregon) – see my previous review of their cider here
- I opened the bottle the day after we got home and really enjoyed it. Very sweet (more of a dessert mead), but very flavorful and complex, with a lot of honey and floral notes. Also an awesome value at $13.50 / 750ml of 11% ABV.

Swift Cider Peach Oak

Swift‘s Peach Oak is a seasonal draft-only cider, 6.9% ABV, made in Portland Oregon. I paid about $7 for 12oz on draft at Bushel & Bee. They have a really cool tap room by the way – cozy, with fun decor (and even some games & adult coloring books). There was a wide range of ciders, from dry to sweet, although I think they were all the flavored type you most commonly see on draft (not from cider apples).

Light peach yellow hue. Nearly still. Smells mildly fruity and acidic. On the drier side of semi-dry. Light bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. Low bitterness. Hints of tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of peach, green apple, pineapple, and a hint of oak. Moderate length tart finish. Low apple flavor. Low flavor intensity. Low to moderate complexity. Moderate to high sessionability.

I thought this was average, but only as it is not my preferred style. This would appeal more to fans of dry & acidic subtle flavored cider. I personally prefer a slightly sweeter and/or more intensely flavored cider. This is on-par with what I have come to expect from Swift, having tried their Pineapple Hop and Marionberry.

Whiskey Barrel Cider Company Dam Fine Cider

Whiskey Barrel Cider Co.’s Dam Fine Cider is their flagship offering, 5.8% ABV, made in Pullman WA. I paid about $6 for about a pint on draft at Muchen Haus, an outdoor sausage garden. Thankfully they had a fire pit as it was in the 30s when we visited. We stopped by for a drink before dinner just so I could try this cider (plus they had one of my husband’s favorite beers, Icicle’s Dark Persuasion). This was the only cider they had, and apparently the selection rotates.

Light straw yellow hue with a hint of orange/pink. Low carbonation. Smells mild, of apple juice. On the drier side of semi-sweet. Light to medium bodied. Low tartness. Low to moderate acidity. No bitterness, sourness, or funk. Notes of apple juice and honey with the very slightest hint of oak. Quick finish. Moderate to high apple flavor. Moderate flavor intensity. Low complexity. High sessionability.

I enjoyed this, and it ended up being my favorite cider I drank during our visit (except for the bottle of Newton’s Court Gasping Goose I had in our room). If I’m drinking cider from dessert instead of cider apples, I like something with more flavor than Rambling Route and Seattle Cider for example. However, it left me wanting more whiskey & oak flavor, as it was nearly non-existent, which was surprising considering the cidery’s name.

UPDATE (July 11, 2018) – I received an e-mail from the cidermaker, Kody Franks, with clarification that Whiskey Barrel Cider Co.’s Dam Fine Cider is not barrel aged. Their original flagship cider was barrel aged, but with their increased production, none of their current selections (like this one) are. A few of their ciders (including Dam Fine) are now also available in cans. Also, they are planning to open a tasting room / production facility in Liberty Lake WA in a few months. Due to the potential confusion with the cidery name vs. selections, they plan to change to Trailbreaker Cider Co. Thanks for the info, Kody!

Do you enjoy trying new ciders on vacation?

Slopeswell Cider Mystrale

December 15, 2017December 8, 2017 cidersays review, Slopeswell cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, methode ancestrale, Mystrale, Slopeswell, tasting notes

Review of Slopeswell Cider Mystrale. It is my first time trying anything from this cidery.

Cider: Mystrale
Cidery: Slopeswell Cider
Cidery Location: Hood River, Oregon
ABV: 6.9%
How Supplied: 750ml bottles (capped but foil wrapped)
Style: American craft cider from dessert apples, dry, wild yeast fermented

Availability: Only in parts of Oregon (at least Hood River and Portland)

Cider Description: Dry, French champagne style, methode ancestrale (spontaneous fermentation with wild yeast), from dessert apples

Cidery Description: See here for a nice article. They started in 2015 and have a tap room in Hood River.

Price: ~ $16
Where Bought: Bushwhacker Cider in Portland Oregon
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing, when I was in Portland for Cider Rite of Spring (I hadn’t previously heard of this cidery)

First Impression: Medium straw yellow hue. Very low carbonation. Smells very mild, of citrus and yeast.

Tasting Notes: Dry. Light bodied. Low to moderate tartness. Moderate acidity. Low sourness, bitterness, and funk. No tannins. Notes of lemon, mineral, straw, and yeast. Moderate length finish. Low apple flavor, complexity, and flavor intensity. Moderate sessionability.

My Opinion: This wasn’t for me, due to the sourness. Plus I prefer more flavor and a bit more sweetness. However, my husband enjoyed it. I bought this at the same time as a number of other bottles, and didn’t have any information on it.

Most Similar to: A cross between white wine and Spanish Sidra

Closing Notes: If I had more information on this cider prior to purchase I probably wouldn’t have purchased it. However, its always fun to try new ciders, as although sometimes there is disappointment, often it results in the opposite! Everyone won’t like every cider. I’d recommend this to folks who like dry wine-like food-friendly ciders and who don’t mind a bit of sourness & funk.

Have you tried Slopeswell Cider Mystrale? What did you think?

Alpenfire Ember

December 13, 2017December 4, 2017 cidersays Alpenfire, review Alpenfire, cider, cider review, cider tasting, Ember, hard cider, port townsend, tasting notes, washington

Review of Alpenfire Ember, made from bittersweet apples. I tried this a couple years back (see here), but wanted to give a full bottle a go, as my tastes have changed since then. I’ve also tried Alpenfire’s Dungeness, Spark, Smoke, ApoCalypso, Simple Cider, Calypso, Pirate’s Plank, Glow, Cinders, Shrub, Spiced Tonic Shrub, Traditional Heirloom Cider, and Flame.

Cider: Ember (old world bittersweet, estate sparkling cider)
Cidery: Alpenfire
Cidery Location: Port Townsend WA
ABV: 7.3%
How Supplied: 750ml capped bottles
Style: American organic artisan cider from bittersweet apples (from their own orchard), bottle conditioned

Availability: Primarily Western Washington, including these retailers. They also have an online store through Vino Shipper which ships to states which allow it.

Cider Description: Alpenfire’s Ember is a late season Estate Organic Bittersweet cider. Medium Sweet with big round tannins and a long finish. Think…walking through an orchard in late fall. Varietals – Vilberie, Dabinett, Brown Snout, & Yarlington Mill apple varieties. Process – 8 week ferment, 7 month stainless maturation, bottle conditioned.

Cidery Description: Alpenfire Organic Cider is made from our estate and locally grown organic apples. We planted our WSDA certified organic orchard in 2004 with over 800 trees and 10 varieties of English, French & Early American cider specific apples. These apples have been used for hundreds of years for the unique qualities they bring to cider production. Namely the tannins and bitters not found in dessert style apples. While the juice, much less the fruit, of many of these apples would be hard to enjoy by the glass they become amazing with a little fermentation. One of our favorites, the “Muscadet de Dieppe”, has a viscous, winey, yes, even musky juice. It takes months of slow, cool fermentation for that to develop the subtle aroma and flavor you will find in our bone-dry cider. We augment our juice and mellow the flavors with organic apples from other local orchards.

They have a tasting room in Port Townsend WA, open seasonally.

Price: $18.99
Where Bought: The Cave in Kirkland WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing. It was 20% off, so an easy decision.

First Impression: Moderate amber orange hue. Very low carbonation with some foam and film.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Medium bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. High tannins. Low bitterness. Hints of funk. No sourness. Notes of rich bittersweet apple pomace, caramel, orange, leather, and honey. Long tannic finish. Moderate to high flavor intensity and complexity. Moderate apple flavor. Low sessionability.

My Opinion: Awesome! Its crazy how much tastes can change in just a couple years, as I didn’t like this cider back then, but now its my favorite type of cider. Rich and complex, with a lip-smacking amount of tannins.

Most Similar to: This is the closest I’ve tasted to an English cider that was made in the U.S. More than Liberty’s English Style for example, which has more acidity and less tannins. As far as English ciders, it is most like Henney’s Vintage, Dunkertons Dry, and Newton’s Court Gasping Goose – which are all some of my favorites!

Closing Notes: Although a bit more costly per ounce than many English ciders (as even though the cost of import is high, it costs much less over there to make a cider from cider apples), for being made locally, this is an amazing value (as these apples are rare). Plus, it is even certified organic. Alpenfire has been making a lot of changes lately, with a re-branding / new bottle labels, new cider releases, and the debut of a cider club.

Have you tried Alpenfire Ember? What did you think?

Virtue Cider Michigan Brut

December 11, 2017December 11, 2017 cidersays review, Virtue Brut, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Michigan, tasting notes, Virtue, Virtue Cider

Review of Virtue Cider’s Michigan Brut. It was my first time trying this, but I’ve previously had their Mitten, Cherry Mitten, and Lapinette.

>>This is a review of a sample bottle provided to Cider Says by Virtue. Although I will take care to treat it the same as any other review, there is always the potential for bias as I received it for free. The only consideration I knowingly made was pushing this up in my cider review cue. I love free stuff, especially cider! Want your cider or cider-related product reviewed here? Contact me.<<

Cider: Michigan Brut
Cidery: Virtue Cider
Cidery Location: Fennville MI
ABV: 6.7%
How Supplied: four pack of 12oz bottles (and kegs)
Style: American craft cider, Brut (dry), from heirloom Michigan apples, oak aged

Availability: year round, in DE, GA, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, WA, and WI

Cider Description: Our dry brut is a blend of hand-pressed heirloom apples aged in French oak barrels that features the scent of fresh apples, a touch of oak, and finishes crisp and tart.

See here for more info on the cider.

Cidery Description: Virtue Cider is a Michigan-based craft cider company. We produce European-style ciders from fresh apples – never from concentrate – and employ traditional farmhouse production methods that include native and secondary fermentation, use of wild yeasts, and an expansive barrel aging program.

They have a tasting room in Fennville Michigan; see here.

Price: n/a
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: it showed up

First Impression: Still (no carbonation). Light straw yellow hue. Smells very mild – dry and tart.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of dry, but probably just as it was “juicy” tasting (as the label says 0g sugar). Light bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. Hints of bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of juicy green apple, lemon, mineral, yeast, and a non-distinct herbalness. Moderate length finish. Moderate apple flavor. Moderate to high sessionability. Low to moderate flavor intensity and complexity.

My Opinion: I felt pretty indifferent about this cider, due to the dryness and subtly of the flavor (opposite of my preferences). If you usually prefer a dry and subtle (food-friendly) cider, I’d recommend it for you. I didn’t pick up any oak flavor, but I imagine it contributed to the cider’s overall flavor, plus that could have been what helped the cider seem not as dry.

Most Similar to: Seattle Cider Dry and Ace Joker

Closing Notes: As far as dry ciders, I have preferred Original Sin Extra Dry.

Have you tried Virtue’s Michigan Brut? What did you think?

2 Towns Man Gogh

December 8, 2017December 8, 2017 cidersays 2 Towns, review 2 Towns, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, imperial cider, Man Gogh, mango cider, oregon, tasting notes

Review of 2 Towns’ latest new limited release cider, Man Gogh, a tropical mango and habanero imperial-style (high ABV) cider. It is my first time trying this, but I’ve previously had their Bright Cider, Bad Apple, Serious Scrump, Out Cider, Cherried Away, Made Marion, Cidre Moscato, Throne of Thorns, Reserve #1 Barrel Select Blend, Prickle Me Pink, Nice & Naughty, Nice & Naughty Bourbon Barrel Aged, Dark Currant, Riverwood Brut 2014, Rhubarbarian, Pommeau, Ginja Ninja, Sun’s Out Saison, Return of the Mack, Hop and Stalk, La Mûre, Cot in the Act, Hollow Jack, Traditions Cider Bouche 2015, Traditions Riverwood 2015, Flight of the Kiwi, Prickle Me Pink ^2, Afton Field, and Traditions Cidre Bouche 2016.

Cider: Man Gogh
Cidery: 2 Towns Cider House
Cidery Location: Corvallis OR
ABV: 8.0%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles (and kegs)
Style: American craft imperial-style cider from dessert apples, with mango and habanero

Availability: ~ Dec 2017 thru Jan 2018, limited, primarily in Oregon, Washington, and California (see their cider finder)

Cider Description: 2 Towns Ciderhouse releases Man Gogh, a tropical-inspired Limited Release Imperial Cider, available starting this week. Tangy and equatorial, Man Gogh is a true masterpiece, artfully bringing together tropical fruit and peppers. Fresh ingredients with opposing characteristics work together to whisk you away to paradise. Van Gogh himself once said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”

“2 Towns created this cider as a ray of sunshine for the cold, dark days of winter,” says Matt Dickason, cellar manager. “The freshness of the juicy mango blends seamlessly with the hot habaneros. We went easy on the habanero burn and worked to capture the fruity profile of the peppers. The result is a work of art. ” We suggest pairing Man Gogh with Christmas tamales and Baja cuisine, like Wahoo tacos.

Cidery Description: At 2 Towns Ciderhouse we believe that the long history of cidermaking demands respect and deserves to be done right. Starting with the highest quality whole ingredients from local farms, we take no shortcuts in crafting our ciders. We never add any sugar, concentrates or artificial flavors, and instead use slow, cold fermentation methods to allow the fruit to speak for itself. As a family-owned company, we are committed to the growth of our team and enrichment of our communities. We take pride in producing true Northwest craft cider.

They were founded in 2010 and have a tap room in Corvallis Oregon.

Price: n/a (retails for ~ $7.99)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: it showed up

First Impression: Light straw yellow hue. Nearly still (very low carbonation). Smells mild, of mango juice.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light bodied. Low tartness. Low to moderate acidity. No bitterness, sourness, funk, or tannins. Notes of mango, pineapple, citrus, and a hint of habanero. Long warming finish (from both the high ABV and the habanero). Very low spiciness (not really noticeable until you drink a few sips, and mostly in the finish). Moderate sessionability. Low to moderate flavor intensity and complexity. Low apple flavor.

My Opinion: Great! I was really surprised I enjoyed this, as I was expecting it would be quite spicy, like every other cider I’d had with habanero, jalapeno, sriracha, etc. The flavor and sweetness were spot-on. I was also surprised how easy this was to drink, unexpected for an imperial-style spicy cider.

Most Similar to: I’ve tried spicy ciders before, such as Carlton Cyderworks AHH!!! Apricot Honey Habanero, Cockrell Raspberry Habanero, Elemental Jalapeno Lime Cilantro (Margarita), Schilling Sriracha Lime, Finnriver Habanero, and Schilling Peach Grapefruit Habanero. I’ve also tried mango infused ciders, such as Atlas Pineapple Mango, Bull Run Mango, Cider Brothers William Tell Apple Mango Muscat, Elemental Mango, and Locust Mango. Compared to those, this one was most similar to Elemental’s mango cider as far as flavor and sweetness, except with a hint of spice, on a similar level to Elemental’s Margarita.

Closing Notes: I can see this becoming a very popular release.

Have you tried 2 Towns Man Gogh? What did you think?

Citizen Cider Mr. & Ms. Burlington

December 6, 2017December 4, 2017 cidersays Citizen Cider, review Burlington, cider, cider review, cider tasting, Citizen Cider, hard cider, Mr. Burlington, Ms. Burlington, tasting notes, Vermont

Review of Citizen Cider’s Mr. Burlington and Ms. Burlington, two new limited release ciders from local apples, part of their ‘Origin’ series. Mr. Burlington is a barrel aged cider with orange peel (and fennel seed and dandelion leaf). Ms. Burlington is a gin-botanical inspired cider. Due to the similarities and them showing up together, I thought I’d group them. It is my first time trying these, but I’ve previously had their Wit’s Up.

Cider: Mr. & Ms. Burlington
Cidery: Citizen Cider
Cidery Location: Burlington Vermont
ABV: 6.9%
How Supplied: 6 pack of 12oz cans (and kegs)
Style: American craft cider from Vermont grown dessert apples, where Mr. is Old Fashioned Inspired (barrel aged with orange peel) and Ms. is Gin inspired (with botanicals)

Availability: limited, but in general their ciders are sold in Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, and Metro Philadelphia (see their cider locator)

Mr. B Cider Description: Since moving to Burlington, Citizen Cider has heard rumors that there may in fact be a character known on the streets as Mr. Burlington. Citizen Cider would like to shed some light on the matter once and for all. So we made a cider in the spirit of a Manhattan, a true gentleman’s drink. in hopes of luring Mr. Burlington out of the shadows and into the light.

Ms. B Cider Description: We needed a cider that was hard-hitting, chic and full of class. So, we sat down and we drank cider, all 14 of us and we collectively agreed on a cider that embodies a true ‘cider lady’. Ms. Burlington is a collaboration of all things delightful, especially in a cocktail. A bit of bitterness, a snippet of floral notes and a whole lot of gin-style herbaceous notes make up this fantastic cider. And this year in a fancy 12oz can….

Cidery Description: Justin Heilenbach, Bryan Holmes and Kris Nelson founded Citizen Cider in 2010 on a hunch and some good old-fashioned hard work. Kris was working as a wine salesmen, Bryan as a chemist and Justin as a small farmer. All discontent for one reason or another, they started pressing sweet cider in Kris’s barn and fermenting test batches of hard cider in Bryan’s basement. As it happens, they discovered that their ideas about hard cider translated into some pretty unique and interesting finished products.

See more about their story here. Citizen Cider has a tasting room in Burlington Vermont.

Price: unknown
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: it showed up

Tasting Notes on Mr. B: Very light straw yellow hue. Still. Smells herbal. On the drier side of semi-dry. Light bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. Hints of bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of lemon, herbs, and a hint of oak. Moderate length finish. Low barrel influence. Moderate complexity and sessionability. Low to moderate flavor intensity and apple flavor.

Tasting Notes on Ms. B: Very light straw yellow hue. Still. Smells of botanicals. Semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Low to moderate tartness and acidity. Low bitterness. No tannins, sourness, or funk. Notes of lemon, herbs, and botanicals (especially on the moderate length finish). Moderate sessionability and complexity. Low to moderate flavor intensity and apple flavor.

My Opinion: I liked Mr. B much more than Ms. B, but neither was really to my personal tastes, with the flavors and dryness. However, my husband was a big fan of both, especially the Ms. B (we tend to have an opposite taste in ciders). If you like dry ish ciders from dessert apples with some unique cocktail-inspired flavors, these may be for you.

Most Similar to: Nothing I’ve tried, as these were different than the other cocktail-inspired ciders I’ve tried, such as Angry Orchard’s Orchard Edge The Old Fashioned, Reverend Nat’s Tent Show Deliverance Gin & Tonic, Woodchuck Out on a Limb June & Juice, multiple ciders from WildCraft, and multiple from Finnriver.

Closing Notes: These were some fun creations.

Have you tried Citizen Cider Mr. or Ms. Burlington? What did you think?

Portland Cider Cranberry

December 4, 2017December 2, 2017 cidersays Portland Cider, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, Cranberry, cranberry cider, hard cider, portland, Portland Cider, tasting notes

Review of Portland Cider Company’s Cranberry seasonal cider. It is my first time trying this, although I’ve had their Passion Fruit, Pearfect Perry, Kinda Dry, Hop’Rageous, London Dry Gin, Apple, Scrumpy, Strawperry, Pineapple, Sangria, and Mojito.

Cider: Cranberry
Cidery: Portland Cider Co.
Cidery Location: Portland OR
ABV: 6.0%
How Supplied: 22oz clear bottles (and draft)
Style: seasonal American craft cider from dessert apples, with cranberries

Availability: seasonably (~ Nov-Jan), in Oregon (especially in the Portland area, including at all Safeways, and some Fred Meyers, New Seasons, Whole Foods, and Market of Choices) and Washington

Cider Description: Get into the Holiday Season (which is somehow already here – crazy!!) with our Cranberry cider! A blend of freshly pureed cranberries from local Everest Farms in Bandon, Ore., with our 100% NW apple cider, this cider is brilliantly red in color and incredible to drink. Tastes just like Cranberry relish, making it the perfect pairing for the Thanksgiving table!

Ingredients: apples (honeycrisp, pink lady, golden delicious, fuji), cranberries, and orange zest

Cidery Description: Authentically crafted Cider with quality Northwest ingredients. Our business is based on the belief that good cider comes from good fruit, honest practices, and attention to detail. Our cider starts with fresh pressed juice from 100% Northwest grown apples. We then carefully ferment it, using yeast that protects the delicate characteristics of the fruit. The results are ciders that are high quality – easy to drink, refreshing, and downright delicious. That’s why we say, Drink it, it’s Good!

They were founded in 2012 and have tap rooms in Hawthorne and Clackamas in Portland Oregon.

Price: n/a (retails for ~ $6.99)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: the cidery contacted me

First Impression: Pink hue. Nearly still (very low carbonation). Smells mild – fruity and tart.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Moderate to high tartness and acidity. Low bitterness. No tannins, sourness, or funk. Notes of berry and citrus to start, then distinctive tart cranberry on the long finish. Low apple flavor and complexity. Moderate sessionability. Moderate to high flavor intensity.

My Opinion: This had some great real cranberry flavor. However, due to that, if you are like me and not really a fan of cranberry, it may not be appealing. If you like cranberry, you are likely to enjoy it.

Most Similar to: Tieton Ciderworks Cranberry, Apple Outlaw Cranberry Jewel, and d’s Wickled Cranny Granny (which is sweeter).

However, I prefer the less intensely cranberry ciders, like Downeast Cranberry Blend, Finnriver Cranberry Rosehip, and Schilling Mischief Maker Pom-Cran,

Closing Notes: The cidery has three suggested cocktail recipes – one with vodka (similar to a Cosmo), a cranberry Sangria, and another with Vodka & ginger.

Do you like cranberry cider? What did you think?

Lefevre Winter Cidre

December 1, 2017December 1, 2017 cidersays Lefevre, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, France, french cider, French cidre, hard cider, Lefevre, tasting notes

Review of Lefevre Winter Cidre. It is my first time trying this cider, but I have had Lefevre’s Cidre Brut, and many other French cidres.

>>This is a review of a sample bottle provided to Cider Says by Beauchamp Imports / French Cider Inc. Although I will take care to treat it the same as any other review, there is always the potential for bias as I received it for free. The only consideration I knowingly made was pushing this up in my cider review cue. I love free stuff, especially cider! Want your cider or cider-related product reviewed here? Contact me.<<

Cider: Winter Cidre
Cidery: Lefevre
Cidery Location: Berville, France
ABV: 5.9%
How Supplied: 330ml bottles
Style: French cidre, from cider apples, demi-sec, with cinnamon, orange, & raspberries

Availability: In Washington, through Beauchamp Imports, plus online at their French Cider Inc. website. In addition to Winter Cidre, they also offer Lefevre’s Demi-Sec and Brut.

Cider Description: This delectable cidre is perfect for long winter evenings. Appreciate the apple flavor, subtly infused with cinnamon, orange, and raspberries, and enjoy the light effervescence. This original recipe is created by taking the pure apple juice of Lefevre Demi-Sec cidre and icing it at minus-18 degrees Celsius for five days in stainless steel tanks. The resulting rich apple flavor provides a structure for the infusion of cinnamon, orange, and raspberries, resulting in this very flavorful beverage.

See here for more information on the cider.

Cidery Description: The family-owned Lefevre cidery has crafted cidre for over 200 years on their farm in Berville, on the border of the Val d’Oise and Picardy regions in Northwest France, where the countryside is covered with apple trees instead of apple vines.

See here for more information on the cidery.

Price: n/a (retails for $6.49)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: the importer Joan Harkins contacted me (we met at Cider Summit Seattle 2017)

First Impression: Medium orange amber hue. Moderate carbonation with foam. Smells of apple and raspberry syrup.

Tasting Notes: Semi-sweet. Medium bodied. Low tartness. Low to moderate acidity. Low bitterness. Low tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of rich apple pomace, yeast, raspberry syrup, orange, wood, and a hint of spice. Moderate length finish. Moderate apple flavor, flavor intensity, and complexity. High sessionability.

My Opinion: I enjoyed it. It was definitely my first time trying a flavored French cider. In fact, I know of very few ciders in Europe which are flavored (the only other one I could remember trying was Ramborn’s Hopped Cider, from Luxembourg). In the U.S. we get so many flavored ciders as often dessert apples are used, which lack the flavor of the cider apples which are used in Europe.

Most Similar to: Nothing I’ve had! It had the distinctive French cidre flavor, except with added flavor.

Closing Notes: I see this as a likely widely-appealing cidre. I bet its an easier sell than many other French cidres as it is fairly sweet, sold in individual small bottles (lower cost), and is flavored (which is something us Americans are used to).

Have you tried Lefevre cidre? What did you think?

Herout AOC Cotentin Extra-Brut

November 29, 2017November 29, 2017 cidersays Herout, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, France, french cider, French cidre, hard cider, Herout, tasting notes

Review of Herout AOC Cotentin Extra-Brut. It is my first time trying anything from this cidery, but I have had many other French cidres.

Cider: Cotentin Extra-Brut
Cidery: Herout AOC
Cidery Location: Cotentin Peninsula, Normandy, France
ABV: 5.5%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged bottles
Style: Organic French cidre, from cider apples, extra-brut (dry)

Availability: In Washington, through Beauchamp Imports, plus online at their French Cider Inc. website. In addition to Cotentin Extra-Brut, they also offer Herout’s Cotentin Brut.

Cider Description: This organic, extra-brut cidre is one of the only extra-brut cidres available from Normandy. Because it is produced in a maritime climate, it goes perfectly with seafood, especially fresh oysters. Cidre Cotentin is made from 100% naturally fermented cidre apple juice. Because Cidre Cotentin is not pasteurized, the natural fermentation process will continue after bottling for at least another two months.

See here for more information on the cider.

Cidery Description: Since the 1940s, Hérout cidre has been produced by the Hérout family on the Cotentin Peninsula on the Northwest coast of Normandy France, in Auvers, where apples thrive in its lush and oceanic climate. They are the newest cidre AOC in France, since May 2016. The cidermaker Marie-Agnes Herout was just awarded the highest civilian honor in France for her 16 years of work getting the AOC recognized – Le Croix de Chevalier, Legion d’Honneur (Knights Cross for the Legion of Honneur).

See here for more information on the cidery.

Price: n/a (retails for $19.99)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: the importer Joan Harkins contacted me (we met at Cider Summit Seattle 2017)

First Impression: Light orange amber hue. Low carbonation. Smells of funk with a hint of apple.

Tasting Notes: On the drier side of semi-dry. Light bodied. Low tartness. Moderate acidity. Low tannins. Low bitterness. Moderate funk. Hints of sourness. Notes of apple pomace, ripe apple, yeast, orange peel, leather, and butterscotch. Moderate length finish. Moderate sessionability, complexity, and apple flavor. Low to moderate flavor intensity.

My Opinion: I liked it. However, this one is not one of my favorite French cidres. However, that is only because my personal preference is slightly sweeter and more flavorful than this, with less funk and sourness. This one had more characteristics of a Normandy cider (funk and sourness) than a lot of the other French ciders I’ve tried in the last month or so. Due to that, it is not quite as beginner friendly.

Closing Notes: If you are a fan of drier ciders, this is about as dry as it gets for a French cider!

Have you tried Herout cidre? What did you think?

Pierre Huet AOC Pays D’Auge Cidre

November 27, 2017November 27, 2017 cidersays Pierre Huet, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, french cider, French cidre, hard cider, Pays d'Auge, Pierre Huet, tasting notes

Review of Pierre Huet AOC Pays D’Auge Cidre. It is my first time trying this, but I have had Pierre Huet’s Cidre Bouche Brut, as well as many other French cidres.

By the way, AOC means “Appellation of Origin Control”, which is a certification distinction guaranteeing the individual product is produced in a unique way, and comes from a clearly defined place of origin. It began with wine, but is also used for a variety of other products. Pierre Huet is an old cidre AOC in France, and the original M. Pierre Huet was instrumental in getting the AOC recognized after WWII, in 1944. Also, AOP, or “Appellation d’Origine Protégée”, is the EU version of an AOC. Therefore some ciders can even have both.

Cider:  Pays D’Auge Cidre
Cidery:  Pierre Huet AOC
Cidery Location:  Pays d’Auge, Normandy, France
ABV: 3.5%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged bottles
Style: French cidre, from cider apples, demi-sec, bottle conditioned

Availability: In Washington, through Beauchamp Imports, plus online at their French Cider Inc. website. In addition to Pays D’Auge Cider, they also offer Pierre Huet’s Poire Demi-Sec, Cidre Bouche Brut, Calvados AOC Pays d’Auge VS, and Calvados AOC Pays d’Auge XO.

Cider Description: This Cidre AOP Pays D’Auge is an unpasteurized demi-sec cidre from the appellation d’origine protégée in the Pays d’Auge region of Normandy. It is a traditional French cidre produced using the time-honored methods required by the Pays D’Auge . The 100% pure apple juice is fermented between one to four months to achieve the perfect semi-sweet flavor before being bottled. The second fermentation occurs naturally in the bottle.

See here for more information on the cider.

Cidery Description: Pierre Huet is a 5th generation family-owned cidery who has been producing cidre, Calvados, and Pommeau since the 1800s in the Pays d’Auge region of Normandy France. They grow 25 varieties of apples on 75 acres.

See here for more information on the cidery.

Price: n/a (retails for $19.99)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: the importer Joan Harkins contacted me (we met at Cider Summit Seattle 2017)

First Impression: Light orange amber. Moderate carbonation and foam. Smells of ripe apple, funk, and orange.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light bodied with a lovely frothy fluffy texture. Low tartness. Low to moderate acidity. Low tannins. Hints of bitterness. Low funk. No sourness. Notes of ripe apples, pomace, orange, caramel, and leather. Moderate to high apple flavor. High sessionability. Moderate flavor intensity and complexity.

My Opinion: Great! I especially enjoyed the texture and flavor of this cider. It has some definite Normandy cidre characteristics, but with low funk and no sourness, it remains more beginner friendly. Plus, with the low ABV, it made a great cider to sip on during the day of Thanksgiving! It would also be ideal for brunch and the like. However, it is a tad more pricey than some other French ciders which I thought were of a similar flavor and quality.

Closing Notes: I will also be reviewing two other imports from French Cider Inc., Hérout Cotentin Extra-Brut and Lefevre Winter Cidre.

Have you tried Pierre Huet cidre? What did you think?

Reverend Nat’s Viva La Pineapple

November 22, 2017November 18, 2017 cidersays Rev Nat's, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, pineapple cider, portland, rev nat's, reverend nat's, tasting notes, Viva La Pineapple

Review of Reverend Nat’s Viva La Pineapple. I first tried this cider awhile when I visited their tap room (see here), during my Portland cider trip, which also included Cider Rite of Spring (see my event review and my cider tasting notes).

I have also tried Rev Nat’s Revival, ¡Tepache!, Hopland #5 / Envy, Newtown Pippin, Ciderkin, Winter Abbey Spice, Hallelujah Hopricot, Deliverance Gin & Tonic, Revival Dry, Sacrilege Sour Cherry, The Passion, Whiskey Barrel Aged Golden Russet with Black Currant, New Moon Mandarin, Revelation Belle de Boskoop, Wooden Hellfire, and Tassjara Peach Book.

Cider: Viva La Pineapple
Cidery: Reverend Nat’s
Cidery Location: Portland Oregon
ABV: 6.0%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles
Style: craft cider from dessert apples with pineapple juice and a touch of spices

Availability: Summer seasonal. Rev Nat’s ciders are in general sold in AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, NY, OR, and WA, as well as Alberta & B.C. Canada, and Japan. They have a cider finder and also have online sales for Tent Show ciders.

Cider Description: This cider is a blend of fermented fresh apple juice (sourced, like all the apples I use, from Oregon and Washington, but mostly Eastern Washington in the case of this cider), and unfermented fresh pineapple juice. A touch of spice is added (cinnamon and cloves and allspice) and it is not to be consumed by those allergic to pineapples.

Cidery Description: Reverend Nat is a single-minded cider evangelist who searches the world for superior ingredients to handcraft the most unusual ciders that no one else will make.

Price: ~$7.99
Where Bought: Whole Foods in Seattle WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: I first tried this at the cidery’s Portland tap room

First Impression: Still (no carbonation). Dark straw yellow hue. Smells of pineapple juice.

Tasting Notes: Semi-sweet. Medium bodied. Low to moderate tartness. Moderate acidity. No bitterness, sourness, funk, or tannins. Notes of pineapple juice and lime. Low apple flavor and complexity. High sessionability. Moderate flavor intensity.

My Opinion: I enjoyed it. However, I didn’t pick up any of the spices mentioned in the description, which was just fine with me. Definitely on the easy drinking side. It would be perfect on a hot summer day. I recommend lightly shaking the bottle before pouring as otherwise it will be a bit chunky at the end.

Most Similar to: Jester & Judge Pineapple Express (although I’ve also previously tried pineapple ciders from Ace, Atlas, Locust, Pear Up, Portland Cider, Schilling, Swift, and Wyder’s)

Closing Notes: My favorite ciders from Reverend Nat’s have been the most mainstream ones, like this one, Revival, and The Passion, plus Whiskey Barrel Aged Golden Russet with Black Currant.

Have you tried Reverend Nat’s Viva La Pineapple? What did you think?

Eden Specialty Ciders Cellar Series #2 The Falstaff

November 20, 2017November 20, 2017 cidersays Eden, review barrel aged, cider, cider review, cider tasting, Eden, Eden Ice Cider, Eden Specialty Cider, Falstaff, ice cider, Vermont

Review of Eden Specialty Ciders Cellar Series #2, The Falstaff, a seven-year barrel-aged ice cider! It is my first time trying this, although I’ve tried Eden’s Sparkling Dry, Cinderella’s Slipper, Heirloom Ice Cider, Sparkling Semi-Dry, Northern Spy Ice Cider, Honeycrisp Ice Cider, Imperial 11 Rosé, Heirloom Brandy Barrel Aged Ice Cider, Guinevere’s Pearls, Windfall Orchard Ice Cider, and Two Ellies (collaboration with Tilted Shed).

>>This is a review of a sample bottle provided to Cider Says by Eden. Although I will take care to treat it the same as any other review, there is always the potential for bias as I received it for free. The only consideration I knowingly made was pushing this up in my cider review cue. I love free stuff, especially cider! Want your cider or cider-related product reviewed here? Contact me.<<

Cider: Cellar Series #2, The Falstaff
Cidery: Eden Specialty Ciders
Cidery Location: Newport Vermont
ABV: 10%
Residual Sugar: 15%
How Supplied: 375ml bottles
Style: American artisan ice cider from Vermont apples, aged for 7 years in a single oak barrel

Availability: Now sold out. This was an early batch of their ice cider, aged in a single oak barrel from 2008-2015, put into 600 bottles, and sold to their cider club members in 2015 & 2016.

However, in general, their ciders are at least sold in AK, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, IL, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, SC, VT, WA, and British Columbia. Eden also offers online sales when allowed by state.

Cider Description: Rare single-barrel ice cider aged for 7 years in used French oak. It is elegantly oxidized and sweet, like a rich oloroso without fortification. Dark and warm, it still has beautiful acidity, along with notes of golden raisin, caramelized sugar, apricot and fig.

won Chairman’s Award / Best Wood-Aged Cider: Dan Berger Cider Competition 2016

Cidery Description: Eden Orchards and Eden Ice Cider began on a trip to Montreal in 2006 when we first tasted ice cider and wondered why nobody was making it on our side of the border. We had dreamed for years of working together on a farm in the Northeast Kingdom; it was a dream that had vague outlines including an apple orchard, cider, and fermentation of some sort. That night we looked at each other and knew ice cider was it. In April 2007, we bought an abandoned dairy farm in West Charleston, Vermont and got to work. Since then we have planted over 1,000 apple trees, created 5 vintages of Eden Vermont Ice Ciders, and have introduced a new line of Orleans Apertif Ciders. Out goals are to create healthy soils and trees in our own orchard, to support out Vermont apple orchard partners who do the same, to minimize our carbon footprint, to contribute to the economic and environmental health of our employees and our Northeast Kingdom community, and most of all to make world-class unique ciders that truly reflect our Vermont terroir.

They have a tasting bar on the main floor of the Northeast Kingdom Tasting Center in downtown Newport Vermont. Their current product line includes ice ciders, Aperitif ciders, sparkling ciders, and Cellar Series releases.

Price: n/a (retails for $50)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: I read about this online, but it was cider club only, then sold out. I got lucky and a rep from Eden saw it on my Wish List and contacted me.

First Impression: Deep caramel amber hue. Still (no carbonation). Smells amazing and enticing – very rich, sweet, and boozy, of concentrated apple juice, molasses, and so much more.

Tasting Notes: Sweet. Full bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. Low tannins. No bitterness, sourness, or funk. Notes of molasses, caramel, raisin, ripe baked apple, tart raw green apple, lemon, brown sugar, caramelized sugar, pie spices, and even more! Long finish length. High apple flavor and flavor intensity. Very high complexity. Very low sessionability. More aged than oaky.

My Opinion: Amazing!! Probably tied with Alpenfire Smoke for most complex cider I’ve ever drank. The tartness and acidity was higher than their other ice ciders, but that helped balance the sweetness, and added to the flavor complexity. It was a unique mix of rich, sweet, tart, savory, and more. I recommend serving this an ounce or two at a time, very cold, and to slowly savor in tiny sips.

Most Similar to: This is a more complex, tart & acidic, and aged version of their other ice ciders, probably closest to Eden’s Brandy Barrel Aged Heirloom ice cider (which was my favorite ice cider until I tried this one).

Closing Notes: I’m so lucky to have been able to try this! I look forward to enjoying the rest of this bottle over the next couple weeks, including on Thanksgiving. Hopefully I won’t have to share it with anyone.

Have you tried any ice cider from Eden? What did you think?

Woodinville Cider Tasting 4 at Locust Cider

November 17, 2017November 11, 2017 cidersays Locust, review cider, cider flight, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Locust, Locust Cider, tasting notes, tasting room, Woodinville

I spent some time in Woodinville Washington recently, including cider tasting at the Locust Cider tap room (and lunch at one of my favorite spots, a burger place called Tipsy Cow). See my notes from visit 1, visit 2, and visit 3. My husband and a friend joined me, and we shared a flight of five ciders.

Hibiscus Wine: This was labeled as being a guest tap with a wine which finished like a cider. That was a bit confusing though as it was still labeled as 6% (which would be very low for a grape wine) and it didn’t say from where it was from. Semi-dry with floral and berry notes and a hint of oak. I couldn’t really tell if it was from grapes or apples, as it was very mild.

Dark Cherry: My husband’s favorite. Semi-dry with real cherry flavor but a bitter aftertaste. Also sold in cans.

Aged Apple: My favorite (see my full review here), but I wish it was drier. Sweet to semi-sweet. Very apple forward with hints of oak. Also sold in cans.

Pineapple: My friend’s favorite. This may have been a one-off / tasting room only release, as it wasn’t their Chili Pineapple. Semi-sweet. Not as intense of a pineapple flavor as I expected, and it also had some citrus notes.

Honey Pear: This one was very different than when I tried it before (see here), as this time it was on the sweeter side of semi-sweet instead of on the drier side of semi-dry. Way more honey and pear flavor due to the increase in sweetness. Also sold in cans.

They also had Original Dry, Cilantro Jalapeno, and Spiced Pumpkin. I was surprised with how sweet all the options were. The driest were their Original Dry and the Dark Cherry. Its ironic as Locust started out only making dry ciders (the Dark Cherry used to be their sweetest). I imagine the market wants sweeter ciders though. Sweeter ciders tend to be more flavorful than drier ciders when using dessert apples.

Apple Outlaw Thompson Creek Creekside Cider

November 15, 2017November 13, 2017 cidersays Apple Outlaw, review Apple Outlaw, Applegate, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, oregon, tasting notes, Thompson Creek

Review of Thompson Creek’s Creekside Cider. Thompson Creek is an offshoot of Apple Outlaw for their higher end ciders, made from heirloom and/or cider apples instead of dessert apples, since 2016. It is my first time trying anything from Thompson Creek, although I have had several of Apple Outlaw’s ciders (Oaked Sweet Dark Cherry, Blackberry Bounty, Original, Tangerine Twist, Ginger Bite, Cranberry Jewel, and Chocolate Raspberry)

Cider: Creekside
Cidery: Thompson Creek (by Apple Outlaw)
Cidery Location: Applegate Oregon
ABV: 7.5%
How Supplied: 750ml bottles
Style: American craft cider from heirloom apples, bottled 2016

Availability: year round, likely only in Oregon and Washington

Cider Description: Arkansas Black, Blenheim Red, Macintosh and Rome Beauty all lend their unique complexities to this beautifully dry cider. Hints of apricot, honeydew, tropical fruit, and ripe pear complement its crisp acidity.

Cidery Description: Thompson Creek ciders are made from and inspired by the heirloom and cider apple varieties of apples we grow on our Applegate orchard. The cider makers of Apple Outlaw use various methods of maturation, aging, and blending to showcase the unique and exquisite qualities these apples have to offer. These ciders should be pondered with reflection, cellared neck up and are best served at 50-55 degrees.

Price: $14.50
Where Bought: Bushwhacker Cider in Portland Oregon, in Spring 2017
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing. At that time I hadn’t seen any of Apple Outlaw’s Thompson Creek ciders, but I have since (including in the Seattle area).

First Impression: Still (no carbonation). Dark straw yellow hue. Smells very mild, of citrus.

Tasting Notes: Dry. Light bodied. Moderate tartness. Moderate to high acidity. Low bitterness. Low tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of lemon, grapefruit, herbs, and mineral, plus a buttery type of flavor and mouthfeel which is difficult to describe. Moderate length finish. Moderate apple flavor and sessionability. Low to moderate flavor intensity and complexity.

My Opinion: On this cider, my opinion was rather indifferent, but that was primarily as I prefer slightly sweeter ciders with more flavor. I’d be interested in tasting a cider from them which was semi-dry cider and made from cider apples. Creekside became more flavorful and less sharp as it warmed up; therefore, same as recommended by the cidery, I’d suggest to drink it in between fridge and room temperature. Very food friendly.

Closing Notes: If you are a fan of truly dry cider from heirloom apples (ie. with some acidity and a touch of tannins), then I would recommend this one for you.

Have you tried any of Apple Outlaw’s Thompson Creek line of ciders? What did you think?

E.Z. Orchards ‘Pomme’ Pommeau

November 13, 2017November 13, 2017 cidersays E.Z. Orchards, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, E.Z. Orchards, EZ Orchards, hard cider, Pomme, Pommeau, tasting notes

Review of E.Z. Orchards’ Pommeau, ‘Pomme’, an apple dessert wine (cider fortified with apple brandy). It is my first time trying this, but I have tried Pommeaux from 2 Towns, Etienne Dupont, Finnriver, Stem, Tieton, Traditions, and Wandering Aengus, and have tried E.Z. Orchards’ Semi Dry, Roman Beauty, Hawk Haus, Poire, and Williamette Valley 2011 Cidre.

Cider: Pomme
Cidery: E.Z. Orchards
Cidery Location: Salem OR (but bottled in Rickreal OR)
ABV: 17.9%
How Supplied: 750ml bottles (with a re-usable plastic cap with attached cork)
Style: American artisan Pommeau (cider from bittersweet cider apples, fortified with apple brandy), barrel aged for 2 years

Availability: Limited release, through Artisanal Imports, although in general EZ Orchards’ ciders are sold in CA, OR, and WA

Cider Description: The body and texture of Pomme is of tree-ripened fruit and fresh baked apple, with a subtle toasted wood and winter fruit aroma. The prominent tannin structure of the fruit is defined but not overwhelming, contributing a lasting, elegant finish. The alcohol is softened by extended aging, showing warmth and livening the baked, tree-ripened apple nuance.

Here is a great article on this year’s ‘Pomme’ release, including quotes from the cidermaker, Kevin Zielinski. Based on that info, I must have a bottle from a previous year (as this is a higher ABV), which doesn’t surprise me, as these sorts of high end releases often sell slowly.

Cidery Description: E.Z. Orchards is a family-owned and operated farm, orchard and cidery located in Salem, Oregon. The Zielinski family has been cultivating the bounty of Willamette Valley since 1929, and began specifically growing cider apples in 2000, reshaping its entire operation around their production. Through traditional French cider-making methods, E.Z. Orchards crafts world-class, perfectly blended ciders from ground to glass. Learn more about the cidery at www.ezorchards.com.

Price: $24
Where Bought: Capitol Cider in Seattle WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: It was on their bottle list. It had been on my radar as I had read about it online, where it is well reviewed. They also offer bottle pours and flights of Pommeaux.

First Impression: Dark amber hue. Still (no carbonation). Smells of boozy syrupy rich apple juice.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Medium to full bodied. Low tartness, acidity, tannins, and bitterness. No sourness or funk. Notes of caramel, brown sugar, leather, orange, coffee, vanilla, and oak. Long warming finish. High apple flavor, complexity, and flavor intensity. Very low sessionability.

My Opinion: I really enjoyed it. Rich and complex, whats not to like? However, it was a bit less smooth and more harsh than some others I’ve had, possibly as it is a bit drier and higher ABV. I think this is ideally drank when well-chilled, and I even dropped in one small ice cube (which I think is acceptable as it is more brandy than cider).

Most Similar to: Stem Ciders Pommeau 2016 release and Traditions Pommeau 2013 release (Traditions was a 2 Towns brand which has since been absorbed)

Closing Notes: 2 Towns‘ Pommeau continues to be my favorite, although I have enjoyed every Pommeaux I’ve tried. This E.Z. Orchards Pommeau was an especially good value as it is a 750ml bottle, but costs only a few dollars more than most 375ml bottles of Pommeau. However, I would personally prefer paying less for a smaller bottle, as it is less of a commitment, and Pommeau isn’t something I’d drink in large quantities. This bottle did well in the fridge for the few weeks it took me to drink it, and didn’t have any flavor changes.

Have you tried Pommeau? What did you think?

Sidra Asturiana Mayador Sparkling Natural Cider

November 10, 2017November 7, 2017 cidersays review, Sidra Asturiana Mayador cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Sidra, Sidra Asturiana Mayador, Spanish cider, Spanish Sidra, tasting notes

Review of Sidra Asturiana Mayador’s limited release sparkling natural cider. It is my first time trying this, but I’ve tried a few other Spanish sidras (including the still version of this cider).

>>This is a review of a sample bottle provided to Cider Says by Winesellers, Ltd. Although I will take care to treat it the same as any other review, there is always the potential for bias as I received it for free. The only consideration I knowingly made was pushing this up in my cider review cue. I love free stuff, especially cider! Want your cider or cider-related product reviewed here? Contact me.<<

Cider: Sparkling Natural Cider, limited release
Cidery: Sidra Asturiana Mayador
Cidery Location: Asturia Spain
ABV: 5.0%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged bottles
Style: Spanish Sidra, natural, sparkling

Availability: Semi wide release in the U.S. through Winesellers, Ltd. Their cider portfolio also includes Le Brun, Domaine de la Minotiere, Manoir de Grandouet, & Cidrerie Daufresne from France, and Dunkertons from England.

Description: Manuel Busto Amandi founded the bodega in 1939 for the production of natural cider. Subsequently, the Mayador range of ciders was developed and includes this limited release sparkling cider. It is produced from our traditional Sidra Natural fermented in chestnut barrels, creating a fresh, medium-dry style and light effervescence.

Price: n/a (retails for $8)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: the importer contacted me

First Impression: Moderate straw yellow hue. Low carbonation (less than expected). Smells of sourness and citrus.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry to semi-sweet. Light bodied with a fluffy texture. Low tartness. Moderate acidity. Low sourness. Hints of bitterness and tannins. No funk. Notes of lemon, grapefruit, mineral, and a hint of vinegar. Low apple flavor. Moderate sessionability, flavor intensity, and complexity.

My Opinion: I’m the first to admit that I’m not a fan of sour ciders such as Spanish Sidra. However, I was pretty ambivalent on this one; I liked it more than I expected to. I shared it with some cider friends who are fans of Sidra, and they enjoyed it.

Most Similar to: Spanish Sidras which are a bit sweeter and less sour, such as Bereziartua Sidra Natural and Viuda de Angelon Sidra Brut.

Side Note: It is much more common to find still (vs. sparkling) Sidra. It is usually “thrown” (poured) from a height to naturally aerate it. Here is a great guide on Spanish Sidra.

Closing Notes: I would recommend Sidra Asturiana Mayador’s sparkling limited release natural cider especially to folks not familiar with Spanish Sidra, as it has qualities which makes it easier for a beginner to enjoy (higher sweetness and less sourness). Or, for an even more beginner friendly Sidra (although this one is made using pears), Viuda de Angelon Sidra de Pera.

Have you tried Spanish Sidra? What did you think?

Sidra Asturiana Mayador Still Natural Cider

November 9, 2017November 9, 2017 cidersays review, Sidra Asturiana Mayador cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Sidra, Sidra Asturiana Mayador, Sidra Mayador, Sidra Natural, Spanish cider, Spanish Sidra, tasting notes

Review of Sidra Asturiana Mayador’s Still Natural Cider. It is my first time trying this one, although I’ve had a few Spanish sidras.

Cider: Still Natural Cider
Cidery: Sidra Asturiana Mayador
Cidery Location: Asturia Spain
ABV: 6.0%
How Supplied: 700ml corked bottles
Style: Spanish Sidra, natural, still

Description: Manuel Busto Amandi founded the bodega in 1939 for the production of natural cider. Subsequently, the Mayador range of ciders was developed and includes this Sidra Natural produced from Asturian apples in the traditional “en rama” style which is fermented in chestnut barrels and unfiltered, resulting as a still cider with harmonious dry and sour flavors.

Price: n/a (retails for $8)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: the importer contacted me

First Impression: Moderate straw yellow hue with lots of yeast floaters (lees). Still (no carbonation). Smells of sourness and citrus.

Tasting Notes: Dry (fully). Low tartness. Moderate acidity. Low to moderate sourness. Low bitterness and funk. A hint of tannins. Sharp notes of lemon, grapefruit, mineral, and vinegar. Moderate length finish. Low apple flavor. Moderate sessionability and complexity. Low to moderate flavor intensity.

My Opinion: I wasn’t personally a fan. However, I haven’t really enjoyed any Spanish Sidras, as their sourness just doesn’t agree with my palette. I preferred Sidra Asturiana Mayador’s limited release sparkling version of this cider (which was sweeter and less sour), and so did my cider friends who I tasted both sidras with. A “Spanish pour” (from a height, to aerate the cider) likely would have helped a bit, but that isn’t too practical.

Most Similar to: Traditional dry, sour, and still Spanish Sidras

Closing Notes: I’d recommend this to folks who truly enjoy dry and sour ciders, and/or those who are looking to try a very traditional Sidra.

Have you tried Spanish Sidra? What did you think?

Cidrerie Daufresne Brut

November 8, 2017November 7, 2017 cidersays Cidrerie Daufresne, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, Cidrerie Daufresne, Daufresne, France, french cider, French cidre, hard cider, tasting notes

Review of Cidrerie Daufresne Brut, a French cider. It is my first time trying this, but I have had their Poire (perry).

Cider: Brut
Cidery: Cidrerie Daufresne
Cidery Location: Normandy, France
ABV: 5.0%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged bottles
Style: Norman French cider

Availability: Semi wide release in the U.S. through Winesellers, Ltd. Their cider portfolio also includes Manoir de Grandouet, Domaine de la Minotiere, & Le Brun from France, Dunkertons from England, and Sidra Asturiana Mayador from Spain.

Cider Description: This cider has a beautiful robe with green reflections and a very fine effervescence. The finesse and freshness of the nose are expressed by aromas of ripe apples with notes of spices and sweetness. On the palate, the perfect balance of residual sugar and acidity from the aging on lees creates an explosion of freshness.

Cidery Description: Located in the heart of the Pays d’Auge, at the gates of Lisieux, we can discover the area of 5 D, with its cider house at the foot of the orchards hills, formerly called the Pré des Vignes, in reference to the vines formerly exploited on this parcel. It is this beautiful south-facing exhibition that prompted Philippe Daufresne to plant his orchard in the 60s, instead of the old vines, for the production of his cider and calvados. For 4 years, retirement requires, the domain was taken over by Ghislaine Davy, who is resolutely committed to a quality and elegance approach. To develop the different cider products, 150 tons of apples are brewed each year on the estate.

The apples come from the orchards of the cider house but also from the different orchards around, which multiplies all the varieties used: Germaine, Blangy cemetery, red binet, bisquet, St Martin, Christmas fields, President descourt, windmill, mettais, rambault, and many others… In order to give each product a balanced aromatic bouquet, the varieties are carefully selected to find the right balance between the freshness of tart apples, the delicacy of sweet apples, and the corpus of bitter apples. The Daufrresne cider is a must at the tables of the Côte Fleurie. Well known to the Parisian resort clientele, he is regularly awarded at the Paris General Competition, with this latest gold medal at the Paris 2017 general competition.

Price: n/a (retails for $12)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: the importer contacted me

First Impression: Low to moderate carbonation with some foam. Light to moderate amber hue. Smells very mild, almost of nothing.

Tasting Notes: On the drier side of semi-dry. Light bodied. Low tartness. Moderate acidity. Low tannins. Hints of bitterness and funk. No sourness. Notes of bittersweet apple pomace, orange, and caramel. Long finish. Moderate to high apple flavor and sessionability. Low to moderate flavor intensity and complexity.

My Opinion: I liked it. However, compared to some of the other French ciders I have tried recently, it was less flavorful (possibly as it was a bit drier). I’d recommend this for folks who are more sensitive to funk (as it barely had any, which was unexpected for a Normandy cider) and/or who like a drier cider.

Closing Notes: Of the five French ciders I tried from Winesellers, Ltd.’s lineup, Domaine de la Minotiere Cidre Fermier Bio Doux and Manoir de Grandouet Cidre Fermier Brut were my favorites. Of the two perries, Le Brun Poire was my favorite (over Cidrerie Daufresne Poire).

Have you tried French cidre? What did you think?

Liberty Ciderworks Hewe’s Crab SV

November 7, 2017November 7, 2017 cidersays Liberty, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Hewes Crab, liberty, Liberty Cider, Liberty Ciderworks, single varietal, tasting notes

Review of Liberty Ciderworks’ Hewe’s Virginia Crab single varietal. Its my first time trying this, but I’ve had Liberty’s Manchurian Crabapple SV, Crabenstein, Abbess, Stonewall, Gravenstein, Cellar Series #G15, New World Style, Cellar Series (# unknown), McIntosh, Golden Russet SV, and Spokane Scrumpy.

>>This is a review of a sample bottle provided to Cider Says by Liberty Ciderworks. Although I will take care to treat it the same as any other review, there is always the potential for bias as I received it for free. The only consideration I knowingly made was pushing this up in my cider review cue. I love free stuff, especially cider! Want your cider or cider-related product reviewed here? Contact me.<<

Cider: Hewe’s Virgnia Crab SV
Cidery: Liberty Ciderworks
Cidery Location: Spokane WA
ABV: 8.5%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged bottles
Style: American craft cider, a single varietal from Hewe’s Virginia crabapples

Availability: This is a limited release, but in general their ciders are sold in Washington and Oregon (see a list of locations here). They also have online sales through Vino Shipper.

Cider Description: An American original, this crab apple was cultivated in Virginia some time in the 18th century with the sole intent of turning it into cider. Another one of Thomas Jefferson’s favorites, this crab apple’s 2016 crop yields floral, buttery plum, herbal aromas, with flavors of dried fruit, herbal sweetness with a dry, tannic finish.

Cidery Description: Located in the largest apple-growing region on the continent, Liberty Ciderworks is all about the apple, showcasing the diversity and wonders of locally grown fruit. From well known apples like McIntosh and Jonathan to rare, cider-specific fruit like Kingston Black and Dabinett, Liberty ciders put apples in their proper place: Front and center. We started Liberty Ciderworks in 2013 with a simple, two-part mission: 1) Using apples from local farms and fields to create unique, wonderful ciders, and 2) Sharing them with friends and neighbors across the great Pacific Northwest. Welcome to the cider revolution.

They have a tap room in Spokane WA, which also now has a bottle shop of selections from around the world.

Price: n/a (retails for ~ $14.99)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: one of the co-owners/cidermakers contacted me (Rick Hastings)

First Impression: The hue was in between dark straw yellow and light amber. Very low carbonation. Smells tart and tannic with a hint of richness.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of dry. Light bodied. Moderate to high tartness. High acidity. Low to moderate tannins. Low bitterness. No sourness or funk. Notes of crabapple pomace, caramel, lemon, leather, grapefruit, and oak. Moderate apple flavor and flavor intensity. Low to moderate sessionability. Moderate to high complexity.

My Opinion: I really enjoyed it. I especially liked the richness and tannins. I wouldn’t have minded a bit more sweetness and less tartness/acidity though. This really tasted like a cider made from cider apples, not crabapples, which is pretty cool to be able to do with a crabapple single varietal. I agree this cider is best drank closer to room than fridge temperature (I really wish I had a dedicated cider fridge so I could serve these types of ciders at cellar temperature!).

Most Similar to: Liberty’s Manchurian Crabapple, but not quite as intense (as that one has a much higher ABV and is sweeter and more flavorful).

Side Note: Crabapples are commonly used in cidermaking, especially by home cidermakers that want to add some tannins to their cider but don’t have access to cider apples. They are typically used as part of a blend though, as very few varieties of crabapples are suitable as a single varietal, as they are so tart and tannic (and often nearly impossible to eat).

Closing Notes: This was another great selection from Liberty, and would likely appeal best to fans of dry acidic cider.

Have you tried any ciders from crabapples? What did you think?

Cider Says

A cider enthusiast blog focusing on cider reviews, based in Seattle WA.

Author: cidersays

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