Nectar Creek Top Bar Coffee Mead

July 27, 2020July 27, 2020 cidersays Nectar Creek, review 2 Towns, coffee mead, honey wine, mead, mead review, Nectar Creek, tasting notes, top bar

Review of not a cider, but a mead, Nectar Creek Top Bar (coffee). Nectar Creek closed in October 2019, but 2 Towns Ciderhouse has started making their meads. It is my first time trying this, but I’ve had Nectar Creek’s Honeycone, Waggle, and Nectarade.

>>This is a review of a sample bottle provided to Cider Says by 2 Towns. 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 review cue. I love free stuff, especially cider! Want your cider or mead reviewed here? Contact me.<<

Mead: Top Bar
Meadery: Nectar Creek
Location: Corvallis OR
ABV: 8.0%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles
Style: American craft mead (made from water & honey), with coffee and apple brandy

Availability: 2 Towns’ taproom, local delivery in Corvallis OR, and online sales, until a full roll out in September with 6 packs of cans

Mead Description: Locally roasted coffee blended with unfiltered honey makes for a mead that is rich, complex, and sessionable all at the same time.

Meadery Description: Founded in 2012, Nectar Creek makes meads using unfiltered honey. Their offerings include a wide variety of lightly carbonated meads. As one of the leaders of the resurgence of the mead category, Nectar Creek’s products have been helping bring this age-old beverage into the mainstream.

Price: n/a (retails for ~ $7-8 / bottle)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: it showed up

First Impression: Light caramel hue. Low carbonation. Smells of sweet coffee.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry to semi-sweet. Light to medium bodied. Low tartness, acidity, and bitterness. No tannins, sourness, or funk. Notes of mainly coffee with a hint of honey. Long bitter coffee finish. High coffee flavor. Moderate flavor intensity and sessionability. Low complexity and honey flavor.

My Opinion: I wasn’t into this, but mainly as I’m not big on coffee-flavored stuff (like candy or ice cream), or even coffee (I go for tea, a latte, or Frappuccino). My husband liked it though. If you also really like coffee, you’ll probably like this.

Most Similar to: The only coffee-flavored alcohol I’ve had is a cider from Schilling, Grumpy Bear, on Nitro tap, for which the coffee flavor wasn’t quite so strong. An online search tells me that a coffee flavored mead had been done elsewhere, especially in the homebrew world (seems weird to use the word “brew” for mead or cider as heat isn’t involved like it is for beer, but that term still seems synonymous to any type of home alcohol-making).

Closing Notes: I think their initial re-release offerings of citrus and coffee were odd choices for mead flavors, but maybe its just me.

Have you tried Nectar Creek mead? What did you think?

Nectar Creek Nectarade Lemon Lime

July 20, 2020July 18, 2020 cidersays Nectar Creek, review 2 Towns, cirtus mead, honey wine, Lemon-Lime, mead, mead review, Nectar Creek, Nectarade, tasting notes

Review of not a cider, but a mead, Nectar Creek Nectarade (Lemon Lime). Nectar Creek closed in October 2019, but 2 Towns Ciderhouse has started making their meads. It is my first time trying this, but I’ve had Nectar Creek’s Honeycone and Waggle.

Mead: Nectarade
Meadery: Nectar Creek
Location: Corvallis OR
ABV: 8.0%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles
Style: American craft mead (made from water & honey), with lemon & lime juice and apple brandy

Availability: 2 Towns’ taproom, local delivery in Corvallis OR, and online sales, until a full roll out in September with 6 packs of cans

Mead Description: Freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice blended with unfiltered honey to make a mead that is tart and electrifying.

Price: n/a (retails for ~ $7-8 / bottle)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: it showed up

First Impression: Medium straw yellow hue. Low carbonation. Smells of honey, citrus, and something else I couldn’t figure out (maybe from the apple brandy, which appeared to have been added to increase the ABV up to the new 8.0%?).

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry to semi-sweet. Light to medium bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. Hints of bitterness. No tannins, sourness, or funk. Notes of lemon, lime, and honey. Moderate length tart finish with an aftertaste which reminded me of artificial sweeteners. Low honey flavor and complexity. Moderate flavor intensity. High sessionability.

My Opinion: I wasn’t into this one, and neither was my husband. The citrus flavor just didn’t seem to work in a mead, and the artificial taste just made it worse. I did however like the flavor intensity and ABV (8.0%), both of which are higher than many of the newer mead options (often canned and referred to as “session” meads). Lemon-Lime and Coffee seem like interesting choices for initial re-releases.

Most Similar to: Nothing I’ve had. The meads I’ve tried have been plain, or with flavors like vanilla or berry, not citrus.

Closing Notes: This didn’t seem up to 2 Towns’ usual high quality. I actually can’t remember ever not liking anything from them, although some I enjoy much more than others. I’m guessing this was an initial batch, and they will work out the kinks in the next couple months before their larger release.

Have you tried Nectar Creek mead? What did you think?

2 Towns Blueberry Daze

June 29, 2020June 29, 2020 cidersays 2 Towns, review 2 Towns, 2 Towns cider, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, blueberry cider, Blueberry Haze, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, tasting notes

Review of 2 Towns Blueberry Daze (with blueberries, grapes, and lavender). It is my first time trying this, although I have had most of their ciders (see here).

Cider: Blueberry Daze
Cidery: 2 Towns Ciderhouse
Cidery Location: Corvallis OR
ABV: 5.3%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles (and kegs)
Style: American craft cider from dessert apples, with blueberries, grapes, and lavender

Availability: limited release, Spring 2020 ? , in select areas where 2 Towns is typically sold (Oregon, Washington, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Chicago, and parts of Minnesota & Montana)

Cider Description: Blueberry Daze is a rich, smooth, soft, velvety, lush, and crazy aromatic cider. Yes. All those adjectives. The unfiltered, fresh-pressed Pacific Northwest blueberry juice is dark and full of rich berry-licious flavor. The addition of Muscat grapes lend the cider an incredibly fruity and floral aroma, while the lavender finishes the cider with deep, floral, and intoxicating notes.

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.

Price: ~ $6.99
Where Bought: Costco
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing

First Impression: Deep purple-red hue. Little to no carbonation. Smells of lavender with a hint of berry.

Tasting Notes: On the drier side of semi-dry. Light bodied. Moderate tartness. Moderate to high acidity. Hints of bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of blueberry, lavender, tart green apple, and a hint of grape. Moderate length tart finish. Low apple flavor. Moderate flavor intensity and overall complexity. Moderate to high sessionability.

My Opinion: Awesome! The flavor was superb, with some nice complexity for a modern cider (one made from dessert apples, often with adjuncts). I wouldn’t have minded a tad more sweetness, although as-is its super sessionable.

Most Similar to: Finnriver Lavender Black Currant, except with blueberries & grapes instead of black currants (both are semi-dry and tart).

Closing Notes: I wish this was a year-round canned release.

Have you tried 2 Towns Blueberry Daze? What did you think?

Alpenfire Calypso

June 22, 2020June 20, 2020 cidersays Alpenfire, review Alpenfire, Alpenfire Cider, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, port townsend, tasting notes, washington

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?

Ace Guava

June 1, 2020May 29, 2020 cidersays Ace, review Ace, Ace cider, cider, cider review, cider tasting, guava, guava cider, hard cider, tasting notes

Review of Ace’s Guava cider. It is my first time trying this, but I have had their Pineapple, Blackjack 21, Pumpkin, Apple-Honey, Apple, Berry, Joker, and Space.

Cider: Guava
Cidery: Ace
Cidery Location: Sebastopol CA
ABV: 5.0%
How Supplied: six pack of 12oz cans
Style: American large-craft cider from dessert apples, with Brazilian guava

Availability: wide release; check their cider finder

Cider Description: Fresh Pink Guava juice blended with our semi-dry apple cider. Fruit forward with semi-dry undertones. Enjoy this taste of Brazil!

Cidery Description: California Cider Company is the first family-owned cidery in the US. We have been making ACE Cider since 1993 in the beautiful Sebastopol area of Sonoma County, just north of San Francisco.

Price: ~ $9.99 / six pack
Where Bought: Total Wine
Where Drank: home
How Found: Facebook

First Impression: Hazy orange with a hint of pink hue. Very low carbonation. Smells of tart tropical fruit, although not specifically guava.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Light bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. No sourness, bitterness, funk, or tannins. Notes of guava juice, tart green apple, and a hint of lemon. Moderate length tart finish. High sessionability. Low apple flavor. Low to moderate complexity. Moderate flavor intensity.

My Opinion: I liked it, due to the great guava flavor, which is a favorite of mine. However, I would have loved it, if only there was a touch more sweetness. With 9g sugar per can and its tartness, this barely tasted semi-dry to me.

Most Similar to: I’ve had four ciders with guava – Common Cider Pineapple Guava, One Tree Passionfruit Guava, Schilling Guava Mint, and Seattle Cider Strawberry Guava – but all had an additional flavor. Ace Guava wasn’t similar to any of those, as the Common Cider and Seattle Cider selections were of a similar sweetness but mild in flavor and not guava-forward, while the One Tree and Schilling selections were much sweeter and super full-flavored.

Closing Notes: This is a super sessionable summery cider, with the low ABV, lack of sweetness, and guava flavor profile.

Have you tried Ace Guava? What did you think?

Tieton Hazy Strawberry

May 18, 2020May 14, 2020 cidersays review, Tieton cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, tasting notes, Tieton, Tieton cider, Tieton Cider Works, washington

Review of Tieton’s Hazy Strawberry. It is my first time trying this, but I have had most of their line-up (see here).

Cider: Hazy Strawberry
Cidery: Tieton Cider Works
Cidery Location: Yakima WA
ABV: 6.9%
How Supplied: six pack of 12oz cans (and kegs)
Style: American craft cider from dessert apples with strawberries

Availability: seasonally, around May thru August, at least in AZ, CA, CO, FL, ID, IL, NJ, NM, NV, OR, TX, and WA; check their cider finder

Cider Description: As Washington farmers we like to support local growers and Northwest strawberries are some of the very best! This blend of hand-picked juicy strawberries and fresh-pressed cider pours as a ruby blush. It is unfiltered for added body and accentuated flavors. Enjoy this fruity summer beverage with smoky bar-b-que and fresh cheeses.

Cidery Description: From our orchards to your glass, TCW controls every aspect of the growing and cidermaking process. TCW boasts the largest orchard of cider apple varieties in Washington state and the largest Perry pear orchard in the United States. We blend our cider fruit with all Washington apples. We’ve been growing apples, apricots, cherries and pears on Harmony Orchards – our family farm – since the 1930’s and are thrilled to be involved in Re:interpreting the tradition of cider making.

Price: ~ $2 / single can (runs ~ $11.99 / six pack)
Where Bought: Trader Joes (note that they will sell a single can/bottle of any multi-pack, and don’t mark it up beyond the unit price like most other stores)
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing the store, although I saw it first in the Hard Cider Appreciation Society Facebook group

First Impression: Deep red-pink hue. Very low carbonation. Smells of mild sweet berry.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. No sourness, bitterness, funk, or tannins. Notes of strawberry and granny smith apple. Quick tart finish. Low apple flavor and complexity. Moderate flavor intensity. High sessionability.

My Opinion: I liked it. Interestingly it tasted much drier than the stated sugar content (19g / can), I’m guessing because of the tartness. Nice real strawberry flavor.

Most Similar to: My list says I’ve only tried four strawberry ciders (from Bull Run, Cider Brothers – William Tell, Longdrop, and Seattle Cider), and the later 2 had additional flavors. Tieton Hazy Strawberry is most like Bull Run Strawberry Fields, with a similar level of sweetness and flavor profile.

Closing Notes: I like being able to pick up single cans/bottles of multipacks, so I don’t get stuck with selections I don’t like, although in this case I wouldn’t have minded having 5 more cans.

Have you tried Tieton Hazy Strawberry? What did you think?

Alpenfire Traditional Cuvée

May 11, 2020May 8, 2020 cidersays Alpenfire, review Alpenfire, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, orchard cider, port townsend, Traditional Cuvée

Review of Alpenfire Traditional Cuvée. It is my first time trying this variety, but I have had most of their lineup (see here).

Cider: Traditional Cuvée
Cidery: Alpenfire
Cidery Location: Port Townsend WA
ABV: 6.9%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles
Style: American orchard-based cider from heirloom & cider apple varieties, dry

Availability: probably only through their website and in a limited number of specialty shops in WA

Cider Description: This cider cuvée has a classic balance of traditional & heirloom apples. The cider apples are organically grown in our orchard while the heirloom apples come from two other organic growers, Lazy J Farm in Port Angeles and Heirloom Orchards in Hood River. Cider apples provide depth of flavor and a tannic sizzle while heirloom apples provide acidity and bright flavors. Cool fermentation, lengthy maturation and no filtration create complexity and rich body. Try this well rounded orchard based cider with breads & cheese, burgers, or just about everything.

Price: $11.99
Where Bought: Alpenfire’s online shop
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing their website when I made a large order when they were offering free shipping

First Impression: Medium gold hue. Smells of dry, tart, tannic, heirloom apple with a hint of funk.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of dry. Light bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. Low tannins. Hints of bitterness and funk. No sourness. Notes of heirloom apple juice & pomace, wood, lemon, and floral. Moderate length tannic finish. Moderate apple flavor, sessionability, and overall flavor intensity. Moderate to high complexity.

My Opinion: I liked it. It didn’t seem quite as tart/sharp as many other dry ciders, which I enjoyed, as I usually tend towards sweeter ciders, and tartness makes dry ciders taste even drier for me.

Most Similar to: Eden Heritage Cider, Dragon’s Head Heritage, and also reminiscent of Snowdrift but not any 1 specific release

Closing Notes: Alpenfire’s lineup is really wide-ranging in type, so there is something for everyone

Have you tried Alpenfire Traditional Cuvée? What did you think?

Alpenfire Smoke

May 4, 2020May 1, 2020 cidersays Alpenfire, review Alpenfire, Alpenfire Cider, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, port townsend, smoke, tasting notes

Review of Alpenfire’s Smoke Pommeau (cider + apple brandy), their barrel aged dessert cider. I’ve had a previous version of this (see here), plus I’ve tried most of their lineup (see here). I missed out on the only release that I knew of in between the previous one I tried years ago and this one, so I was excited to buy some.

Cider: Smoke, 2017 Harvest
Cidery: Alpenfire
Cidery Location: Port Townsend WA
ABV: 18%
How Supplied: 375ml bottles
Style: American craft apple brandy-fortified barrel-aged cider from Estate-grown bittersweet cider apple varieties

Availability: very limited, likely mostly online, plus some specialty shops in WA

Cider Description: A barrel aged desert cider blended for those who love a rich full bodied cider and a touch of peaty smoke in their whiskey. This after dinner tipple sits as the 2nd best cider in the world on RateBeer’s best of list….Harvested in 2017 and fermented dry, referemented and aged in a rye whiskey barrel, then matured in a peated whiskey barrel, then blended with cider aged over oak chips before estate Bittersweet apple brandy is added in to bring it up to 18%.

Price: $24.99
Where Bought: their online shop
Where Drank: home
How Found: originally, browsing a shop

First Impression: Light gold hue. Still (no carbonation). Smells of rich bittersweet apple, brandy / high ABV, aged spirits (esp. scotch), and oak barrel.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Medium body. Moderate tartness and acidity. Low bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of bittersweet cider apples, oak, smoke, scotch/whiskey, and a hint of peat. Long warm finish. Moderate to high complexity and flavor intensity. Low to moderate apple flavor. Very low sessionability.

My Opinion: I enjoyed it. However, I have to say that it didn’t live up to the previous version I tried, which was truly epic and one of the best things I’ve ever drank. I imagine the years I waited to buy more of this served to further elevate my opinion on the previous version. Never the less, as a stand-alone product, this Pommeau is superb, and I’ll happily drink the 3 bottles I bought.

Most Similar to: a slightly lighter (less rich) and less sweet version of their previous Smoke, or a typical Pommeau with added barrel/smoke flavor

Closing Notes: Alpenfire is a favorite of mine, and a highlight is their vast lineup, with offerings from dry to semi-sweet, fruity to rich, sessionable to not, and everything in between, all of which are exceptional.

Have you tried Alpenfire Smoke? What did you think?

Portland CiderAde

April 15, 2020April 14, 2020 cidersays Portland Cider, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, ciderade, hard cider, portland, Portland Cider, tasting notes

Review of Portland Cider’s CiderAde, a special release. It is my first time trying this, but I’ve had their Passion Fruit, Pearfect Perry, Kinda Dry, Hop’Rageous, London Dry Gin, Apple, Crooked Cock Scrumpy, Strawperry, Pineapple, Sangria, Mojito, Cranberry, Concord Grape, Perfect 10, Pumpkin Spice, Pineapple Rosé, Peach Berry, and Razzberry.

>>This is a review of a sample can provided to Cider Says by Portland Cider. 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: CiderAde
Cidery: Portland Cider
Cidery Location: Portland Oregon
ABV: 4.0%
How Supplied: 19.2oz “proper pint” single cans (and kegs)
Style: American craft cider from dessert apples, with lemon, lime, and salt (as electrolytes)

Availability: small batch special release, starting April 2020, in Oregon (including to-go at Portland Cider’s 2 taprooms), Washington, Northern Idaho, and Northern California

Cider Description: The cider that aids you! Freshly squeezed lemons and limes brighten this cider made with 100% Northwest apples. A cider that’s refreshing & replenishes with electrolytes sourced from sea salt harvested in Netarts Bay along the Oregon coast by Jacobsen Salt Company. Rejuvenation & relaxation in a glass!

Cidery Description: We started the Portland Cider Company in 2013 with the intent of marrying English cider traditions with the innovative Northwest micro-brewing culture. Lynda hails from Somerset county of England, the traditional cider making region, and Jeff is a native Oregonian. It all started from a desire to make the clean, dry cider Lynda grew to love in England, and Jeff yearned to find here. The first batches began in our guest room closet, 5 gallons at a time, made to quench our own thirst. We then introduced it to our friends and family, most never having drank cider before, and discovered we were on to something when our popularity soared and those small batches went fast! That cider is what became our signature and bestselling “Kinda Dry.” Now 6 years on, we continue to devote the same passion for 5000 gallon batches as we did for those first 5 gallon ones. Only now we don’t worry about running out of what we love! We hope you won’t run out of it either!

Price: n/a (retails for ~ $4 per 19.2oz can)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: it showed up

First Impression: Light straw yellow hue. Low carbonation. Smells mild, dry, and of citrus.

Tasting Notes: Dry. Light bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. No bitterness, sourness, funk, or tannins. Notes of green apple, lemon, salt, and lime. Moderate length tart finish. Low apple flavor, sessionability, and complexity. Very high sessionability.

My Opinion: I wasn’t super into this, as I tend towards slightly sweeter ciders, but my husband who is a bigger fan of dry tart ciders liked it.

Most Similar to: Ulee’s Light Cider with some salt and lime

Closing Notes: I’m not one to mix outdoor activities in hot weather with alcohol, so I don’t really get the appeal of this, but I can imagine others having the opposite opinion. Good thing there is a wide range of ciders so there is something for everyone.

Have you tried Portland CiderAde? What did you think?

Double Mountain Wickson Crab Cider

March 30, 2020March 29, 2020 cidersays Double Mountain, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, crabapple cider, Double Mountain, hard cider, tasting notes, Wickson Crab

Review of Double Mountain Brewery’s Wickson Crab cider. It is my second time trying this (see here for the first). I’ve also had their Jumpin Jack Heirloom Cider, Dry, and Arkansas Black.

Cider: Wickson Crab
Maker: Double Mountain
Location: Hood River Oregon
ABV: 8.2%
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 carbonation. Smells mild, of tart citrus.

Tasting Notes: Dry. Light bodied. High tartness and acidity. Hints of bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of sharp crabapple & green apple, lemon, and floral. Moderate length tart finish. Low sessionability and complexity. Moderate flavor intensity and apple flavor.

My Opinion: I wasn’t into this cider, but my husband was a big fan, as its his favorite style (dry, tart, and higher ABV). This was drier, more tart, and higher ABV than their previous version.

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

Closing Notes: Its unique to see a brewery make cider, especially heritage (vs. modern) cider.

Have you tried crabapple cider? What did you think?

Portland RazzBerry

March 23, 2020March 21, 2020 cidersays Portland Cider, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Portland Cider, raspberry cider, RazzBerry, tasting notes

Review of Portland Cider’s RazzBerry, a new seasonal release. It is my first time trying this, but I’ve had their Passion Fruit, Pearfect Perry, Kinda Dry, Hop’Rageous, London Dry Gin, Apple, Crooked Cock Scrumpy, Strawperry, Pineapple, Sangria, Mojito, Cranberry, Concord Grape, Perfect 10, Pumpkin Spice, Pineapple Rosé, and Peach Berry.

Cider: RazzBerry
Cidery: Portland Cider
Cidery Location: Portland Oregon
ABV: 5.8%
How Supplied: 6-packs of 12oz cans, 19.2oz single cans, and kegs
Style: American craft cider from dessert apples with raspberries, pears, and lemon zest

Availability: seasonally, starting March 2020, in Oregon, Washington, Northern Idaho, and Northern California

Cider Description: Loads of bright raspberries combine with Northwest grown apples, a touch of lemon zest, and Hood River Valley pears for a refreshing cider that everyone will love. Easy-drinking, thirst-quenching and refreshingly tart, the cider is 5.8% ABV and ideal for barbecues and outdoor adventures.

Price: n/a (retails for ~ $12.99 per 6-pack or ~ $4.29 per 19.2oz can)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: it showed up

First Impression: Moderate red hue. Very low carbonation. Smells mild, of tart raspberry.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Moderate tartness. Moderate to high acidity. No sourness, bitterness, funk, or tannins. Notes of raspberry, green apple, and lemon (no noticeable pear). Moderate length tart finish. High sessionability. Low complexity and apple flavor. Moderate flavor intensity and raspberry flavor.

My Opinion: I liked it. Not what I’d usually pick, but tasty, on the lighter side, and super sessionable, with the low ABV, mid-level sweetness, and simpler flavor profile.

Most Similar to: nothing I’ve tried, as the raspberry ciders I’ve had were:
– much sweeter (from Washington Gold, Woodchuck, Wyder’s, Eaglemount, One Tree, Schilling, & Doc’s Draft)
– much drier & high ABV (Blue Moon Winery), or
– had other ingredients (Apple Outlaw Chocolate Raspberry, Bauman’s Peach Raspberry, Pear Up Rasperry, & Cockrell Raspberry Habanero)

Closing Notes: Last summer’s seasonal from Portland Cider was Pineapple Rosé, which they made a year-round release, so this is the replacement.

Have you tried Portland Cider RazzBerry? What did you think?

Eden Claudine Keeved Cider

March 2, 2020February 29, 2020 cidersays Eden, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, Claudine, Eden, Eden cider, hard cider, keeved, keeved cider, tasting notes

Review of Eden’s Claudine, a French-style keeved cider. It is my first time trying this, but I have had their Sparkling Dry, Cinderella’s Slipper, Heirloom Blend Ice Cider, Sparkling Semi-Dry, Northern Spy Ice Cider, Honeycrisp Ice Cider, Imperial 11 Rosé, Heirloom Blend Barrel Aged, Guinevere’s Pearls, Windfall Orchard Ice Cider, Two Ellies, The Falstaff, Heritage, Siren Song, Ezekiel Kingston Black, Harvest, and Extra Sec.

Cider: Claudine (Cellar Series)
Cidery: Eden Specialty Ciders
Cidery Location: Newport VT
ABV: 4.0%
How Supplied: 375ml bottles
Style: American craft French-style keeved cicder

Availability: online only, limited release

Cider Description: Normandy-style keeved cider, made from 3 bittersweet apple varieties. This is a special version of a petillant naturel that retains residual sweetness, balanced by tannin rather than acidity. Its delicious, rich flavor is a fantastic accompaniment to traditional Normandy foods. Enjoy with a plate of cider-braised mussels, a bowl of pork stew, or a slather of Camembert cheese.

Cidery Description: Our specialty ciders reflect the cold winter climate and apple heritage of Northern New England. We make ciders that are unique and innovative, but that also respect the rare and expensive apples we use, and refrain from aggressive manipulation and industrial beer and wine processing techniques.

Price: $36 / 3 bottles (currently no single bottle option) + shipping
Where Bought: their website
Where Drank: home
How Found: e-mail from the cidery

First Impression: Medium orange amber hue. Moderate carbonation. Smells sweet, of rich apple and yeast.

Tasting Notes: On the drier side of semi-sweet. Medium bodied. Low tartness and acidity. No funk or sourness. Notes of rich complex apple pomace & juice and orange. Quick finish with a hint of bitterness and tannins. High apple flavor, sessionability, and overall flavor intensity. Low complexity.

My Opinion: I really liked it. On the simpler side, but most French and French-style ciders are, and its far from boring. Sweeter than most other offerings from Eden, which I like, as my favorite non-ice cider from them is probably their semi-sweet Guinevere’s Pearls. I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between this and a French cider. I think it would be perfect for a weekend brunch.

Most Similar to: a number of cleaner French ciders (no funk or sourness); see here for some of my past French cider reviews

Closing Notes: Interesting they are only selling this in half-size 375ml bottles, especially with the low ABV. From the price and style I’m guessing this cider cost them a lot to make, and the smaller bottle size kept the price much lower (vs. $24 / 750ml bottle assuming double the price of one 375ml bottle).

Have you tried Eden Claudine? What did you think?

Kite & String Royal Cider

February 17, 2020February 16, 2020 cidersays Kite & String, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, ice cider, Kite & String, Pommeau, tasting notes

Review of Kite & String’s Royal Cider, ice cider fortified with apple brandy then oak barrel aged. It is my first time trying this, but I have had their Baldwin and Honeoye.

Cider: Royal Cider
Cidery: Kite & String (Finger Lakes Cider House)
Cidery Location: Interlaken NY
ABV: 18%
How Supplied: 375ml bottles
Style: American craft barrel-aged brandy-fortified ice cider

Availability: limited, probably only in the Northeast, plus online sales

Cider Description: Fortified desert cider. A cold concentrated ice cider partially fermented then blended with a young apple brandy. Aged briefly in American oak. Deeply textured layers of caramel and vanilla balanced with refreshing acidity. Unfiltered and unfined.

Cidermaker’s Notes: Following a passion for port wines, Royal Cider was born. Beginning with a a high acid blend of heirloom apples cold concentrated in the winter of 2015 to 40+ brix. Fermented to 13% ABV then fermentation was arrested via fortification with apple brandy to 18% ABV. Then barrel aged to soften the edges and allow the brandy to settle in. Naturally clarifying, requiring no filtration.

Apple Varieties: Newtown Pippin, Northern Spy, Honeycrisp, & Baldwin

Cidery Description: ‘Kite’ means light, playful, balanced, fun. ‘String’ means grounded to a place, our small farm. Kite & String Ciders are produced at Finger Lakes Cider House on our organic and diversified farm in Interlaken, New York. Please come visit us in the tasting room any time of year.

Price: $28
Where Bought: their website
Where Drank: home
How Found: online discussion

First Impression: Medium caramel amber hue. No carbonation. Smells sweet, high ABV, and of caramel & spice.

Tasting Notes: Sweet. Medium bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. Hints of bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of rich baked apple, caramel, vanilla, and spice. Long warm finish. High apple flavor, overall flavor intensity, and complexity. Low sessionability.

My Opinion: I liked it. More ice cider than Pommeau.

Most Similar to: ice cider + a bit of Pommeau

Closing Notes: I think Eden ice ciders are still my favorite so far. My favorites from Eden are are The Falstaff and Brandy Barrel Aged Heirloom.

Have you tried Kite & String Royal Cider? What did you think?

Schilling Cider House Visit 36 Tasting Notes

February 10, 2020February 9, 2020 cidersays Channel Marker, Cider Riot, Finnriver, Independent Cider, review, Schilling cider, cider bar, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Schilling Cider House, tasting notes

Tasting notes #36 from the Schilling Cider House in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle WA. Check out my past posts from the cider house here.

I was here on a Monday afternoon with my husband and a friend from out of town. We skipped work to hang out with our friend at Pike Place and the cider bar. I ordered most of the ciders they had that I hadn’t previously tried. It appears that most if not all of these are draft-only.

Schilling (Auburn WA) Imperial Brut (8.5% ABV): On the sweeter side of dry, tart, with rich bittersweet cider apple flavor

Independent Cider (Dryden WA) Barreled Blackberry Perry (5.9% ABV): On the sweeter side of semi-dry, with berry, and a hint of oak (barrel), but no detectable pear

Channel Marker Cider (Seattle WA) Quince (7.8% ABV): Dry to semi-dry, tart, with mild general fruitiness

Finnriver (Port Townsend WA) Bourbon Barrel Aged Heritage (9.5% ABV): Semi-dry, with heirloom apple flavor with some tannins and bitterness

Cider Riot (Portland OR) New Wave (5.1% ABV): Dry to semi-dry with sharp heirloom apple flavor

I liked the Blackberry Perry, but wasn’t too into the others, mostly as they were on the drier / tart / sharp / bitter side. I probably should have just ordered something I knew I would like, but I like to try new ciders, especially at the lower price of a taster. I was more excited about the bottle shopping I did – I picked up a bunch of Dunkertons (an English cider which is a favorite of mine that hasn’t been available for quite awhile) and Alpenfire (a local favorite), plus a few others.

Stay tuned for more Schilling Cider House tasting notes here at Cider Says. Have you had any good draft cider / cider flights recently?

Hemly Pear Cider

January 28, 2020January 26, 2020 cidersays Hemly, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, Hemly, pear cider, tasting notes

Review of Hemly’s Pear Cider (cider from apple & pear juice). It is my first time trying anything from this cidery.

Cider: Pear Cider
Cidery: Hemly Cider
Cidery Location: Cortland CA
ABV: 5.5%
How Supplied: four-pack of 12oz bottles
Style: American craft pear cider, from apple & pear juice

Availability: probably only in CA; see here

Cider Description: Our flagship and most popular cider. This pear cider is medium sweet, tastes of fresh pear and has a beer like body. Our Original is made from Bosc and Bartlett Pears and a small amount of Gala Apples, is aged on oak and unfiltered. At 5.5% alc. Hemly Original is bright, refreshing and sessionable.

Cidery Description: It may have taken us 165 years, but it’s definitely worth the wait! Six generations later, thanks to Josiah, we can share the heart of our pear ciders with you: fermented dry,aged on oak, unfiltered. A light refreshing, authentic and cloudy pear cider crafted for you to enjoy. Our cider is made from 100% fresh pressed fruit straight from our orchards, never artificially flavored. We control the entire process from the roots to the glass. After six generations of growing pears, we have a gold worth sharing.

Price: $11.99 / four pack
Where Bought: Total Wine
Where Drank: home
How Found: on a business trip to Southern CA I picked up a number of singles

First Impression: Hazy yellow hue. No carbonation. Smells mild, of pear.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light bodied. Low tartness and acidity. No bitterness, sourness, funk, or tannins. Notes of green apple, pear, and lemon. Quick finish. Low pear flavor, apple flavor, overall flavor intensity, and complexity. High sessionability.

My Opinion: I really enjoyed the flavor. However, it was quite mild overall.

Most Similar to: Anthem Pear and Longdrop Tanager Pear Cider

Closing Notes: Hemly also has at least two other pear ciders, Dry, and Sloughhouse (with Jalapeño).

Have you tried Hemly Pear Cider? What did you think?

Eden Extra Sec

January 9, 2020January 4, 2020 cidersays Eden, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, Eden, Eden cider, Extra Sec, hard cider, tasting notes, Vermont

Review of Eden’s Extra Sec, their dry sparkling methode champenoise cider made from heirloom and bittersweet apple varieties grown in Vermont and New Hampshire. It is my first time trying this, although I have had their Sparkling Dry, Cinderella’s Slipper, Heirloom Blend Ice Cider, Sparkling Semi-Dry, Northern Spy Ice Cider, Honeycrisp Ice Cider, Imperial 11 Rosé, Heirloom Blend Apple Brandy Barrel Aged, Guinevere’s Pearls, Windfall Orchard Ice Cider, Two Ellies, Falstaff, Heritage 2018, Siren Song, Ezekiel Kingston Black, and Harvest 2019.

Cider: Extra Sec
Cidery: Eden Specialty Ciders
Cidery Location: Newport VT
ABV: 8.0%
How Supplied: 375ml & 750ml bottles
Style: American craft cider from heirloom & cider apples, methode champenoise, dry

Availability: limited, although they have online sales

Cider Description: Champagne-method cider made from heirloom and bittersweet apple varieties grown in Vermont and at Poverty Lane Orchards in New Hampshire. It is naturally sparkling and clean – we hand-disgorge the yeast from every bottle! Beautifully balanced between fruit, acid, and tannin. The barely perceptible dosage serves to bring forth the fruit character of the cider. Perfect with roast pork, turkey and vegetable gratin dishes.

Price: ~ $15
Where Bought: their website
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing

First Impression: Light gold hue. Low to moderate carbonation. Smells mild, of dry acidic heirloom apple cider.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of dry. Light bodied. Moderate to high tartness and acidity. Low bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of complex tart heirloom apples, lemon, wood/earth, and pineapple. Long tart finish.

My Opinion: I enjoyed it, especially as it isn’t fully dry, and has some complexity, but this isn’t my favorite style of cider. My husband was predictably even a big fan, as its a favorite style of his. I recommend this to fans of complex dry tart sparkling ciders; its very well made and an excellent value.

Most Similar to: Eden Harvest cider, but sparkling, a touch drier, and more complex

Closing Notes: Awhile back Eden replaced their flagship ‘Dry’ and ‘Semi-Dry’ ciders with ‘Brut Nature’ and ‘Extra Sec’, all of which are sparkling, with the former at 0% residual sugar and the later (reviewed here) at 0.9% residual sugar. I think I preferred the ‘Semi-Dry’ a bit over Extra Sec, as it was a touch sweeter and richer, but anything from Eden is a good choice.

Have you tried Eden Extra Sec? What did you think?

Superstition Meadery Hawaiian Honeymoon

January 6, 2020January 2, 2020 cidersays mead, review, Superstition mead, mead review, mead tasting, pineapple mead, Superstition, Superstition Mead, Superstition Meadery, tasting notes

Diverging a bit from cider, this is a review of Superstition Meadery’s Hawaiian Honeymoon, a pineapple-vanilla mead. Mead is made by fermenting watered down honey. It is my first time trying this one, but I sampled a number of Superstition’s varieties when I visited their tasting room (see here).

Mead: Hawaiian Honeymoon
Meadery: Superstition Meadery
Location: Prescott AZ
ABV: 13.5%
How Supplied: 375ml corked bottles
Style: American craft mead (honey wine), with pineapple & vanilla added

Availability: limited; see here, plus they have online sales

Mead Description: Hawaiian Honeymoon is a recent Superstition creation which has become an instant staff favorite. Big juicy Tahitian vanilla beans and pineapple, aged on toasted American oak staves, join forces with Arizona honey in this delicious craft beverage that will take you on vacation.

Meadery Description: We have introduced over 200 unique meads and hard ciders since 2012.
Our products range from dry to sweet, still to sparkling, and easy drinking to the most flavorful beverage you have ever imagined.

Price: ~ $24
Where Bought: unknown
Where Drank: home
How Found: my husband got me this (and 1 other Superstition mead) for Christmas

First Impression: Light yellow hue. No carbonation. Smells of pineapple and honey.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry to semi-sweet. Light to medium bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. Low bitterness. No tannins, funk, or sourness. Notes of pineapple, honey, lemon, vanilla, and stone fruit. Long warm finish, due to the high ABV. Moderate honey flavor. High flavor intensity and complexity. Low sessionability.

My Opinion: I enjoyed it. It was more pineapple than honey forward, and the vanilla was barely perceptible. I see mead as a nice option in between cider and wine, and although there are more sessionable (low ABV) mead options, which often tend drier, I usually prefer the more traditional sweeter higher-ABV meads, which tend to be full-flavored.

Most Similar to: High-ABV pineapple cider, or pineapple wine, with a hint of honey.

Closing Notes: Superstition’s meads are at the higher end of the price spectrum, but they are also high quality.

Have you tried mead? What did you think?

Tieton Single Varietal Harrison

December 30, 2019May 14, 2020 cidersays review, Tieton cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Harrison, single varietal, tasting notes, Tieton, Tieton cider

Review of Tieton’s single varietal cider from Harrison apples. I first sampled this at a tasting event in August (see here), but this time I’m doing a detailed review of a bottle. I’ve also had their Apricot, Smoked Pumpkin, Wind (Pommeau), Wild Washington, Cherry, Blossom Nectar, Cidermaker’s Reserve, Sparkling Perry, Cranberry, Bourbon Peach, Frost (ice cider), Spice Route, Russian Red, Lavender Honey, Oak Barrel Aged Cider Summit Collaboration, and Organic.

Cider: Single Varietal Harrison
Cidery: Tieton Cider Works
Cidery Location: Yakima WA
ABV: 6.9%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles (and kegs)
Style: American craft cider from heirloom Harrison apples

Availability: special release, at least in AZ, CA, CO, FL, ID, IL, NJ, NM, NV, OR, TX, and WA; check their cider finder

Cider Description: This is our second cider in our single varietal series. We use Harrison apples it in our ciders often because its great for blending with other apples, but since it makes such good cider on it’s own, we chose too make a single variety cider. It is golden colored, with spiced apple, honey notes and a deeply rich mouthfeel finished by a lingering hint of ginger.

Price: $7.99

Where Bought: Total Wine
Where Drank: home
How Found: initially at a tasting event

First Impression: Light gold hue. Low carbonation. Smells mild and slightly rich.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. Hints of bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of heirloom & green apples, honey, pear, lemon, and an overall flavor which I would best describe as creamy. Moderate length tart finish. Moderate apple flavor, sessionability, overall flavor intensity, and complexity.

My Opinion: I enjoyed it. Very approachable for an heirloom apple cider, as many tend towards super dry and tart. Its at a nice price point too.

Most Similar to: Snowdrift Forefathers and Locust Honey Pear

Closing Notes: I always like finding ciders from heirloom and/or cider apples which are a bit sweeter, as I’m not usually into fully dry ciders, but like their flavor and complexity.

Have you tried Tieton Harrison? What did you think?

2 Towns Branch & Barrel

December 26, 2019December 25, 2019 cidersays 2 Towns, review 2 Towns, Branch & Barrel, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, heirloom cider, imperial cider, tasting notes

Review of 2 Towns Branch & Barrel, an Imperial-style cider made from heirloom apples, then barrel aged. It is my first time trying this, but I’ve had most of their line-up (see here).

Cider: Branch & Barrel
Cidery: 2 Towns Ciderhouse
Cidery Location: Corvallis OR
ABV: 8.2%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles (and kegs)
Style: American craft Imperial-style cider from heirloom apples, barrel aged

Availability: seasonal, in fall, in select states where 2 Towns is typically sold (Oregon, Washington, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Chicago, and parts of Minnesota & Montana)

Cider Description: Pomona, goddess of orchards, blessed our crop this year with a bounty of eclectic heirloom apples which, when fermented & aged in French oak foeders, yield a deliciously aromatic cider fit for the gods!

Price: $6.99
Where Bought: Total Wine
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing; I was surprised to see this on shelves vs. usually receiving samples of their new releases in the mail (they did however send me an awesome holiday gift – a bottle of their Pommeau!)

First Impression: Medium straw yellow hue. Low carbonation. Smells mild, dry, of complex heirloom apples.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry to semi-sweet. Light bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. Hints of bitterness and tannins. Notes of heirloom apple, stone fruit, and honey. Moderate length tart finish. Moderate apple flavor, sessionability, flavor intensity, and complexity.

My Opinion: I liked it, especially because they went a bit sweeter with this one than their others and its flavor profile. It tasted sweeter than it smelled. My husband was also a fan, especially due to it being Imperial-style (higher ABV), which is his favorite.

Most Similar to: Tieton SV Harrison and Snowdrift Forefathers

Closing Notes: 2 Towns is always a good choice, as they make so many different varieties of ciders, and they are all pretty middle of the road, to appeal to the masses.

Have you tried 2 Towns Branch & Barrel? What did you think?

Angry Orchard Unfiltered Crisp Apple

December 16, 2019December 14, 2019 cidersays Angry Orchard, review Angry Orchard, cider, cider review, cider tasting, Crisp Apple, hard cider, tasting notes, unfiltered

Review of Angry Orchard’s newest regular release, an unfiltered less sweet version of their Crisp Apple. It is my first time trying this, but I’ve had a number of their other selections (see here).

Cider: Unfiltered Crisp Apple
Cidery: Angry Orchard
Cidery Location: Walden NY (their R&D facility)
Cider Production Locations: Cincinnati OH & Breingsville PA
ABV: 6%
How Supplied: six pack of 12oz bottles
Style: American commercial cider from dessert & bittersweet apple varieties, unfiltered, less sweet

Availability: wide release

Cider Description: Crisp Apple Unfiltered is an homage to traditional cider with a natural, less sweet, fresh apple taste. It is made with bittersweet apples, the gold standard in cider making.

Ingredients: hard cider, water, cane sugar, apple juice from concentrate, malic acid, honey, natural flavor, carbon dioxide, and sulfites to preserve freshness

Price: ~ $2 / single bottle (runs ~ $8.99 / six pack)
Where Bought: Total Wine
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing

First Impression: Hazy light amber hue. Smells of sweet baked apple. Very low carbonation.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. Hints of tannins and bitterness. Notes of unfiltered apple juice, orange, honey, and chemicals. Moderate length tart finish. Moderate apple flavor and flavor intensity. High sessionability. Low complexity.

My Opinion: The weird chemical flavor ruined it for me, and my husband agreed – we ended up dumping it out. Maybe it had gone bad, but it didn’t taste like ciders I have had before which were truly flawed (the most common I’ve found is those which have turned vinegary).

Most Similar to: Angry Orchard Easy Apple, Crispin The Saint, and some favorites of mine, Downeast Original Blend and 2 Towns Return of the Mac, except with a chemical twist…ick

Closing Notes: I was hoping this would be a full-ABV version of their Easy Apple (their less sweet, less filtered, low ABV cider), but that one is much better.

Have you tried Angry Orchard Unfiltered? What did you think?

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