Eden Ezekiel Kingston Black

Review of Eden’s Cellar Series #8 ‘Ezekiel’ Kingston Black. It is my first time trying this, but I have had many varieties from Eden – Sparkling Dry, Cinderella’s Slipper, Heirloom Blend Ice Cider, Sparkling Semi-Dry, Northern Spy (Barrel Aged) Ice Cider, Honeycrisp Ice Cider, Imperial 11 Rosé, Heirloom Blend Apple Brandy Barrel Aged, Guinevere’s Pearls, Windfall Orchard Ice Cider, Two Ellies (collaboration with Tilted Shed), The Falstaff, Heritage (canned), and Siren Song.

Cider: Cellar Series #9, Ezekiel
Cidery: Eden Specialty Ciders
Cidery Location: Newport, VT
ABV: 8.0%
How Supplied: 750ml bottles
Style: American heritage cider, Kingston Black single varietal

Availability: probably just online, although their regular ciders are sold in stores

Cider Description: This cellar series cider is named after Ezekiel Goodband, the orchardist at Scott Farm who grew the apples from which it is made. 100% Kingston Black apples – a classic British cider variety that is known as one of the few apples that has sufficient sugar, acid and tannin to make a balanced single variety cider. Rare apples, pressed at harvest, carefully fermented and bottle-conditioned with our ice cider produce a cider that is exquisitely delicious and unique.

Winner: 2017 Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition, Silver Medal. 2016 Harvest. 100% Kingston Black, grown at Scott Farm in Dummerston, Vermont. Bottle-conditioned, naturally sparkling, residual lees…Limited run: Only 100 cases produced

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 in Newport VT, and a Boutique Taproom & Cheese Bar in Winooski VT. Their current product line includes ice ciders, Aperitif ciders, sparkling ciders, and Cellar Series releases.

Price: $20
Where Bought: their online store
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing, as I wanted to check if they had any new varieties since I last looked, and they did, so I ordered some, then they e-mailed to say they were offering free shipping! (through Dec 20 2018, on 3 or more bottles)

First Impression: Medium straw yellow hue. Moderate carbonation. Smells mild, of sharp tart apple.

Tasting Notes: Dry to semi-dry. Light bodied. High tartness and acidity. Low tannins and bitterness. No sourness or funk. Notes of sharp apple and pomace, lemon, mineral, and honey. Moderate length tart finish. Moderate apple flavor, complexity, flavor intensity, and sessionability.

My Opinion: This was a bit too tart and sharp for my liking. Also, less rich than all the other five Kingston Black SVs I’ve tried, but the KB is a bittersharp not a bittersweet cider apple variety, so rich flavor notes shouldn’t be a given. My husband was a big fan though, and happy to finish the bottle.

Most Similar to: many of the drier tart heritage ciders from heirloom cider apples available in the NE

Closing Notes: My favorite Kingston Black SV so far is from Liberty, although I’ve also tried ones from Farnum Hill, Eve’s, Dragon’s Head, and Whitewood.

Have you tried a Kingston Black single varietal? What did you think?

Austin Eastciders Texas Honey

December 13, 2018December 9, 2018 cidersays Austin Eastciders, review Austin Eastciders, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, honey cider, tasting notes, Texas Honey

Review of Austin Eastciders Texas Honey cider. It is my first time trying anything from this cidery.

Cider: Texas Honey
Cidery: Austin Eastciders
Cidery Location: Austin TX
ABV: 5.0%
How Supplied: 6 and 12 packs of of 12oz cans (and draft)
Style: American craft cider from dessert & bittersweet apples, with honey

Availability: year round in Texas, Oklahoma, and parts of the Northeast (see their cider locator here)

Cider Description: Austin Eastciders Texas Honey Cider is a blend of bittersweet apples and dessert apples with Texas honey to create a delicious cider with a hint of sweet.

Cidery Description: Could we move to an apple producing region, grow our own apples and make cider? Sure, but it wouldn’t be the delicious and complex cider we make today in good ol’ Texas. The most important thing to us is sourcing the best cider apples and using only high-quality natural ingredients.

See here for more info. They have a taproom in Austin Texas.

Price: ~$2 / can ? (runs $8.99 / six pack)
Where Bought: Total Wine
Where Drank: home
How Found: my husband picked this up for me while in Texas for business

First Impression: Light straw yellow hue. Low carbonation. Smells of sweet apple with a hint of honey.

Tasting Notes: On the drier side of semi-sweet. Medium bodied. Low tartness and acidity. No bitterness, sourness, tannins, or funk. Notes of sweet rich apple and honey with hints of apricot and floral. Quick finish. Moderate flavor intensity. Moderate apple flavor. High sessionability. Low to moderate complexity.

My Opinion: I really enjoyed this. Nice flavor, with more complexity than I was expecting, and a perfect amount of sweetness. I’m curious what percentage of the mix the bittersweet cider apples were, as it seemed slightly richer than I’d expect using only dessert apples, but the price point seems low for much to be used. Speaking of price, their ciders are much less than the going rate for similar ciders here in the Seattle area, by a few dollars per six pack.

Most Similar to: This reminded me some of Finnriver Honey Meadow, Tieton Lavender Honey, and Seattle Cider Olympic Honey.

Closing Notes: I have their Pineapple cider to try next.

Have you tried Austin Eastciders? What did you think?

Eden Cellar Series #9 Siren Song

December 11, 2018December 11, 2018 cidersays Eden, review Cellar Series, cider, cider review, cider tasting, Eden, Eden Specialty Ciders, hard cider, Siren Song, tasting notes, Vermont

Review of Eden Cellar Series #9, Siren Song. It is my first time trying this, but I have had many varieties from Eden – Sparkling Dry, Cinderella’s Slipper, Heirloom Blend Ice Cider, Sparkling Semi-Dry, Northern Spy (Barrel Aged) Ice Cider, Honeycrisp Ice Cider, Imperial 11 Rosé, Heirloom Blend Apple Brandy Barrel Aged, Guinevere’s Pearls, Windfall Orchard Ice Cider, Two Ellies (collaboration with Tilted Shed), The Falstaff, and Heritage (canned).

Cider: Cellar Series #9, Siren Song
Cidery: Eden Specialty Ciders
Cidery Location: Newport, VT
ABV: 7.5%
How Supplied: 750ml bottles
Style: American craft orchard-based heritage cider

Availability: probably just online, although their regular ciders are sold in stores

Cider Description: In Greek mythology the songs of the Sirens were enough to entice a Mariner to jump off his trireme, only to meet his end in the depths of the Adriatic Sea. This cider will beguile you with fruit, spice and smoke, cradled in an illusion of residual sweetness. As you follow it down to the depths of your glass, the tannins reveal themselves in astringency rather than bitterness. The complexity derives from a mix of over 20 apple varieties, harvest-pressed and fermented slow and cold as are all our heritage ciders. The curvaceous balance derives from skillful blending by our enraptured Cider team. Another glassful calls.

Limited run: Only 80 cases produced. Winner 2018 Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP) Gold: Heritage Dry Cider. 2017 Harvest. 20 variety blend of tannic cider apples, including Kerr and Dolgo crabs, Russets and high acid heirlooms. Filtered and carbonated. 7.5% ABV, 1.2% residual sweetness.

First Impression: Medium straw yellow hue. Low carbonation. Smells of tart tannic rich apple.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Moderate tartness. High acidity. Low to moderate tannins. Hints of bitterness. No sourness or funk. Notes of sharp apple, caramel, lemon, mineral, earth, and butterscotch. Moderate length finish. Moderate flavor intensity, sessionability, and apple flavor. High complexity.

My Opinion: I enjoyed it. Nice complexity with a unique flavor profile, a little of everything. I definitely picked up more influence from crab and heirloom apples than bittersweet apples though. I had this after dinner, but I think it would be even better suited to pair with a meal, nearly anything.

Most Similar to: Liberty Ciderworks Hewe’s Crab SV

Closing Notes: I also purchased Eden’s newish Extra Sec and Cellar Series Ezekiel (Kingston Black SV), both of which I’ll review soon, and another bottle of Guinevere’s Pearls, which I have to say I prefer over Siren Song.

Have you tried Eden Siren Song? What did you think?

South City Ciderworks Original Blend

December 6, 2018December 6, 2018 cidersays review, South City california, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, South City, South City Cider, South City Ciderworks, tasting notes

Review of South City Ciderworks’ Original Blend cider. It is my first time trying anything from this cidery.

Cider: Original Blemd
Cidery: South City Ciderworks
Cidery Location: San Bruno CA
ABV: 5.5%
How Supplied: four pack of 12oz cans
Style: American craft cider from dessert apples

Availability: probably only in Northern California, plus online sales

Cider Description: The Original Blend is our very first cider, formerly known as “South City Cider”. We started the company because we wanted an easy-drinking cider we could bring camping, while hanging out at the beach, to the dog park, or really anywhere that glass wasn’t a good idea, and this blend was the result. This semi-sweet, dry finishing cider is known for it’s easy drinkability without being overly sweet. The Original Blend is available in 12-ounce cans and kegs.

Cidery Description: We founded South City Ciderworks in 2015 as an urban cider company to make great cider and a difference. Using only fresh-pressed, West Coast apples our ciders are crafted to be well balanced and easy drinking. We support non-profits focused on helping the community, animals, and the environment. We’re here to Make Cider Make A Difference.

Price: ~$3 / can
Where Bought: at the ferry terminal in San Francisco CA (they have a bunch of cool shops, many with local stuff – this was from a shop which had wine and some single bottles/cans of beers & ciders, but no idea which one unfortunately)
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing

First Impression: Moderate straw yellow hue. Low carbonation with some foam. Smells mild, of sweet apple.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry to semi-sweet. Light to medium bodied. Low to moderate tartness and acidity. No bitterness, sourness, tannins, or funk. Notes of non-specific apple with hints of lemon and floral. Quick finish. Low flavor intensity, complexity, and apple flavor. High sessionability.

My Opinion: I liked it. However, it was a bit boring, like most unflavored ciders from dessert apples (ie. those without fruit/hops/spices/etc) are to me. At least they made it a bit sweeter, as that does help these sorts of ciders have some flavor, but wasn’t anywhere near too sweet.

Most Similar to: a bit like Blackfin Splash

Closing Notes: I bet this selection would have a wide appeal, being mid level sweetness and no qualities to not make it entry level (like sourness, bitterness, funk, or tannins).

Have you tried South City cider? What did you think?

Cidrerie Milton CID Original Cider

December 4, 2018December 4, 2018 cidersays Milton, review Canadian, Canadian cider, CID, cider, cider review, cider tasting, Ciderie Milton, hard cider, Quebec, tasting notes

Review of Cidrerie Milton’s CID Original Cider. It is my first time trying anything from this cidery.

Cider: CID Original Cider
Cidery: Cidrerie Milton
Cidery Location: Quebec Canda
ABV: 4.5%
How Supplied: four pack of 355ml bottles
Style: Canadian cider from heirloom apples

Availability: unknown

Cider Description (translated): Developed from Mcintosh and Spartan apples, our Cid Original is the essential cider to keep the doctor away! Gerald the moose, the biggest animal in the province, must consume 30 bottles of original cid per day to satisfy his needs! Refreshing. Light. Fresh apples. Perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.

Price: ~$4 / bottle?
Where Bought: The Jug Shop in San Francisco CA
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing – this was a random selection as I couldn’t read the bottle (I assume its in French), but I thought I might as well give it a try

First Impression: Light straw yellow hue. Very low carbonation. Smells very mild, of sweet apple.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Low tartness and acidity. No sourness, bitterness, tannins, or funk. Notes of non-specific apple with some pineapple and lemon. Quick finish. Low apple flavor, complexity, and apple flavor. High sessionability.

My Opinion: I enjoyed it. I had been expecting something more commercial tasting, but this was quite nice, with some light flavor.

Most Similar to: a more refined and light version of Woodchuck 802 Collection ‘Lil Dry

Closing Notes: I think this may be the first regular Quebec cider I’ve tried (although I think I had some ice cider from there). Also, their website shows updated bottle labels, so who knows how old this bottle is.

Have you tried Canadian cider? What did you think?

Hard Row to Hoe The Other Cider of the Lake

November 30, 2018November 25, 2018 cidersays Hard Row to Hoe, review Chelan, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Hard Row to Hoe, tasting notes, The Other Cider of the Lake, washington

Review of Hard Row to Hoe’s The Other Cider of the Lake. It is my first time trying anything from this winery (they primarily makes grape wine).

Cider: The Other Cider of the Lake
Cidery: Hard Row to Hoe
Cidery Location: Chelan, WA
ABV: 4.7%
How Supplied: 16oz cans
Style: American craft cider from dessert apples

Availability: likely limited to the Chelan area, plus online sales

Cider Description: The Other Cider of the Lake is our seasonal, small-batch, premium hard cider. Made with Granny Smith, gala, fuji and honeycrisp apples and finishes dry and crisp. The name harkens back to the Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards namesake story about a copper mine, a row boat and a brothel on the other side of the lake [Chelan]. This cider comes in a 4 pack of 16 ounce cans.

Cidery Description: Making Serious Wines with a Lighthearted Approach

Price: ~ $4 / can
Where Bought: my husband picked this up for me at the winery when wine tasting
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing

First Impression: Nearly clear. Still (no carbonation). Smells of sweet green apple.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Very light bodied. Very low tartness and acidity. No bitterness, sourness, funk, or tannins. Notes of green apple with a hint of pineapple. Short finish. Low apple flavor and complexity. Very low flavor intensity. Very high sessionability.

My Opinion: I thought this was average, plenty drinkable, but it didn’t hold my interest. A bit watery and light in flavor, probably due to it being drier and made from non-cider apples. My husband was a bigger fan.

Most Similar to: Ulee’s Light Cider Dry and Number Six Dry 99

Closing Notes: For the most part I haven’t been impressed by ciders made by wineries or breweries.

Have you tried The Other Cider of the Lake? What did you think?

Sicera Cidre de Normandie Florentin

November 28, 2018November 28, 2018 cidersays review, Sicera Florentin cider, cider review, cider tasting, Cidre de Normandie, french cider, French cidre, hard cider, Sicera Florentin, tasting notes

Review of Sicera Cidre de Normandie’s Florentin It is my first time trying anything from this cidery.

Cider: Florentin
Cidery: Sicera Cidre de Normandie
Cidery Location: Normandy, France
ABV: 4.0%
How Supplied: 750ml corked bottles
Style: French cidre

Availability: unknown

Cider Description (translated): The Florentine is a cider with a fruity and fresh nose in the mouth. There are notes of citrus and pine. The varieties of apple that make up this cider: Red Binet, Caillouel, Clos Renaud, Judor, Petit. The Florentine is the result of a fermentation on native (natural) yeast for 5 months. The yeasts present in the fruit and atmosphere of the cellar are called indigenous yeasts.

Cidery Description: The family property “Amfreville” is located in Eturqueraye in Calvados appellation area, in the heart of Normandy, between the Seine Valley and the Risle Valley. The apples are all from our family orchards. We work 10 hectares of tall orchards and 10 hectares of low stems. We grow 15 varieties of apples belonging to the groups: bitter, sweet, bittersweet and tart. Each cider is made up of several varieties of apples, each of which has its importance: the bitter ones bring structure, the bittersweet their aromas, the sweet ones for the sugar and finally the acidulated ones structure the product and bring freshness.

Price: ~$20 CAN ?
Where Bought: Victoria B.C. Canada
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing, at a cruise port

First Impression: Light gold hue. Smells of apple pomace and funk. Moderate carbonation.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Light bodied with a fluffy texture from the natural carbonation. Low tartness, acidity, tannins, and funk. No bitterness or sourness. Notes of apple pomace, apricot, and lemon. Moderate length finish. Moderate apple flavor, complexity, and flavor intensity. High sessionability.

My Opinion: I enjoyed it. Drier and less rich (more fruity) than most other French ciders, which made it unique.

Most Similar to: Kystin Opalyne

Closing Notes: I thought this was a neat find in Victoria, one that I hadn’t seen previously, and such a pretty label.

Have you tried French cider? What did you think?

Newton’s Folly Semi-Dry Barrel Select

November 26, 2018November 23, 2018 cidersays Newton's Folly barrel aged, Barrel Select, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Newton's Folly, tasting notes

Review of Newton’s Folly Semi-Dry Barrel Select. This is a Trader Joe’s exclusive, made at the Woodchuck facility, and appears to be a barrel aged version of their regular Newton Folly Semi-Dry canned cider, which I reviewed here.

Cider: Newton’s Folly Semi-Dry Barrel Select
Cidery: American Hard Cider Company
Cidery Location: Middlebury VT
ABV: 6.9%
How Supplied: 750ml corked bottle
Style: American commercial semi-dry cider, barrel aged

Availability: only at Trader Joe’s

Cider Description: Hard Cider has a history that reaches back hundreds of years in Vermont, where our Newton’s Folly Cider is fermented and bottled. Newton’s Folly Barrel Select Semi-Dry delivers an oaky, bourbon taste perfect for enjoying with family and friends. We do offer a heads up however. Enjoy this fine cider directly under an apple tree at your own risk.

Price: $5.99
Where Bought: Trader Joe’s
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing

First Impression: Medium straw yellow hue. Low carbonation. Smells mild, of apple juice.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Low to moderate tartness and acidity. Hints of bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of green apple juice, honey, tropical fruit, and hints of oak & bourbon. Moderate apple flavor and flavor intensity. High sessionability. Low to moderate complexity. Low barrel influence.

My Opinion: I liked it. I wished there was more barrel influence, but I say that about nearly every barrel aged cider. Also, the cider profile isn’t really the type that is ideal for barrel aging (more fruity than rich).

Most Similar to: a slightly barrel aged version of Bertolinos (except Newton’s Folly is lower carbonation), Bite Hard Semi-Sweet, or Woodchuck 802 Collection Lil’ Dry

Closing Notes: Like Trader Joe’s Dan Armor (French cider), this is a tasty budget-friendly cider that likely would have wide appeal, and be a perfect cider to serve at a gathering.

Have you tried Newton’s Folly? What did you think?

Embark Dream Cicle Field of Dreams

November 23, 2018November 25, 2018 cidersays Embark, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, Dream Cicle, Embark, Embark cider, Field of Dreams, hard cider, tasting notes

Review of Embark Cider’s Dream Cicle, Field of Dreams. It is my first time trying anything from this cidery (or even seeing their products in person, although I heard about them online). Note that they also have another cider in the ‘Dream Cicle’ series, called The Topics, a hopped mango version, with a green can label, as described in this article.

Cider: Dream Cicle (series), Field of Dreams
Cidery: Embark Ciderworks
Cidery Location: Williamson, NY
ABV: 5.0%
How Supplied: four pack of 12oz cans
Style: American craft cider from dessert apples, unfiltered, with strawberries, blackberries, peaches, and milk sugar

Availability: likely limited

Cider Description: Fermented with milk sugar and blended with strawberries, blackberries, and white peaches.

Cidery Description: We focus on what makes a great hard cider: local passion, unique heritage & quality apples.

They have a tap room in Williamson NY.

Price: $13.99 / four pack
Where Bought: Cheese Plus in San Francisco CA
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing, on a cruise port stop (this shop is across the street from The Jug Shop, and both are awesome)

First Impression: Hazy pink hue. Low carbonation. Smells mild, of berry.

Tasting Notes: Dry to semi-dry. Light bodied. Low tartness and acidity. Hints of bitterness. No tannins, sourness, or funk (although it seemed to have a lot of the qualities of a sour cider without the actual sourness itself). Notes of non-specific berry (but not peach), lemon, malt, and yeast. Moderate length finish. Low apple flavor. Moderate sessionability. Low to moderate flavor intensity and complexity.

My Opinion: This cider grew on me. Overall I’d say I liked it, but just barely. Its definitely beer-inspired, super unique, and was quite difficult for me to try to describe. The only reason I bought it is because I was intrigued by the use of milk sugar (I assume lactose). I’ve heard of it being used in home cidermaking as it is a non-fermentable sugar so you don’t have to worry about cider fermentation restarting and creating “bottle bombs”. I’m wondering if the milk sugar significantly contributed to the overall flavor profile, or whether that was from something else. If the description had said it was beer-inspired I probably wouldn’t have bought it.

Most Similar to: nothing I’ve had!

Side Note: I bought about 2 cases of cider on my last cruise. Good thing we didn’t have to fly. And of those, this was the only cider I bought a multi-pack of. Most everything else I bought was either a single large format bottle, or a single 16oz can (in Victoria B.C. – probably split by the shops for convenience as we were in a downtown/tourist area). Plus I realized I wouldn’t be able to get nearly as many selections if I bought multipacks.

Closing Notes: I’d be interested in trying a more traditional cider from them.

Have you tried Embark Dream Cicle? What did you think?

Woodchuck 802 Collection Lil’ Dry

November 21, 2018November 16, 2018 cidersays review, Woodchuck 802 collection, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Lil' Dry, tasting notes, Vermont, Woodchuck

Review of Woodchuck 802 Lil’ Dry. It is my first time trying this, but I have had most of their line-up (see here).

>>This is a review of a sample can provided to Cider Says by Woodchuck. 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: 802 Collection Lil’ Dry
Cidery: Woodchuck
Cidery Location: Middlebury VT
ABV: 5.1%
How Supplied: four pack of 16oz cans
Style: American commercial cider from fresh-pressed Vermont apples

Availability: only in Vermont to start, then limited in Maine and New Hampshire

Cider Description: A traditional cider made with only fresh pressed Vermont juice from our orchard partners. Enjoy this semi-dry cider with good friends and good company.

See this article for detailed info.

Cidery Description: Vermont Cider Company is a leading hard cider maker in the United States, with a state of the art cidery located in Middlebury, Vermont. Vermont Cider Company crafts a variety of ciders for a variety of consumers. There’s ultra-craft Vermont Cider Co., iconic Woodchuck, fruit-forward Wyder’s as well as the classic Magners Irish Cider and Blackthorn, rounding out our import offerings. Vermont Cider Company reinvigorated American hard cider in 1991, with the launch of Woodchuck, and stays focused on the category today through our commitment to crafting innovative and refreshing hard ciders.

Price: n/a (retails for $10.99)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: it showed up

First Impression: Medium straw yellow hue. Low carbonation. Smells of sweet green apple.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light bodied. Moderate tartness. Low acidity. No bitterness, sourness, funk, or tannins. Notes of green apple, honey, and tropical fruit. Moderate tart finish. Moderate apple flavor and flavor intensity. High sessionability. Low complexity.

My Opinion: I really enjoyed it. Never would have guessed it was Woodchuck actually, as it lacks the characteristics that I associate with every Woodchuck cider, as to me they all have a bit of the same baseline flavor (likely the same apple blend), and a fuller body than expected for the level of sweetness. This tastes like it was made with a different blend of apples, maybe some heirloom ones thrown in with the dessert ones. The quality was characteristic of their ‘Vermont Cider Company‘ line (released in 2016 and 2017).

Most Similar to: Vermont Cider Co, Addison, although this was a touch drier, lighter bodied, and more craft tasting

Side Note: They previously had a cider called ‘802’, a caramelized brown sugar type cider, but that was discontinued a few years back. They also did this previously, re-using the name Summer Time, but having it be a different cider, ginger pear instead of blueberry. As cool as using the ‘802’ area code is, I could see it being confusing.

Closing Notes: Too bad it doesn’t sound like this will make it out to the PNW (or at least not soon).

Have you tried Woodchuck 802 Lil’ Dry? What did you think?

Pick Cider Ideas for Thanksgiving 2018

November 19, 2018November 19, 2018 cidersays 2 Towns, AEppelTreow, Alpenfire, Bertolinos, Dan Armor, Domaine de la Minotiere, Eden, Eric Bordelet, Eve's Cidery, Kystin, La Chouette, L’Hermitiére, Liberty, Manoir de Grandouet, Pierre Huet, review, Slyboro, Snowdrift, Tilted Shed, Wandering Aengus, Whitewood cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, pick cider, pickcider, thanksgiving, thanksgiving cider

I actually remembered to do a Thanksgiving cider article this year, so here it goes! A list of some suggestions (at least for folks who can get these in their area) for Thanksgiving-dinner friendly ciders. Besides pairing with a variety of foods, I think the ideal holiday cider will appeal to a wide audience (presuming you will share it with the table). However, these selections will of course sway towards my personal tastes.

French ciders – French ciders are inherently food-friendly, and have a wide appeal, typically being mid-level sweetness and apple-forward, but often having surprising complexity. Its fun to share something unique (imported) with guests too. Plus, they have a lower ABV, which can be ideal for meals earlier in the day. Some of my favorites are from Domaine de la Minotiere, Eric Bordelet, Kystin, La Chouette, L’Hermitiére, Manoir de Grandouet, and Pierre Huet. I recently picked up a 5L mini keg of Bordelet, but I’m saving that for Christmas. The easiest French cider to find for some may be Dan Armor, sold at Trader Joe’s, and at only $5 / 750ml, its an excellent value, and something I wouldn’t hesitate to serve at my house. My top American-made French-style cider pick is 2 Towns Cidre Bouche.

AeppelTreow Appely Doux – This Wisconsin methode champenoise (naturally sparkling) selection is mid-level sweetness with a flavor profile of citrus, green apple, honey, and floral. It would make a nice champagne alternative anytime.

Alpenfire Spark! – This Washington cider is a great introduction to heritage ciders, with some rich notes of apple pomace, honey, orange, and leather, but remaining mid-level sweetness and clean.

Bertolinos Hard Cider – This Italian cider is mid-level sweetness, has some good fizz, and notes of honey, pineapple, and grapefruit. Especially wide crowd appeal from my experience.

Eden Specialty Ciders – This Vermont cidery may have started with ice ciders (which I cover later), but they make some amazing regular ciders with wide appeal, such as their super complex Sparkling Semi-Dry, rich Guinevere’s Pearls, or new canned Heritage cider, which has to be the highest quality cider I’ve ever seen in a can.

Eve’s Rustica – This New York mid-sweetness cider has some unique notes of honey, cream/vanilla, and fruit, all expertly crafted just from the apples and yeast.

Liberty Kingston Black – This Washington single varietal is made only from the iconic Kingston Black apples, yet I think it would have a wide appeal, as it retains some sweetness (semi-dry), is flavorful, and doesn’t cross over into funky/sour/bitter territory.

Slyboro Old Sin – This New York semi-dry cider has some rich tannic flavor reminiscent of English cider, with notes of butterscotch, caramel, and tropical fruit, and is another selection which would make a great introductory heritage cider. Lovely color to it too!

Snowdrift – This Washington cidery has several Thanksgiving-worthy crowd-pleasing cider selections, such as their Cidermaker’s Reserve (semi-dry, sparkling, fruity, and complex), Seckel Perry (mid-level sweetness, made only from Seckel pears), and Cliffbreaks Blend (semi-sweet, tart, and fruity).

Tilted Shed Smoked – This dry cider hails from California, and is unique, nuanced, oaky, and slightly smokey. Probably a bit less likely to be widely appealing, but I think it would be appreciated by certain audiences, and to me seems uniquely suited to Thanksgiving dinner.

Wandering Aengus Bloom – This Washington cider is mid-level sweetness and made from heirloom apples, but has widely appealing familiar notes of honey, green apple, and tropical fruit.

Whitewood Jonathan – This Washington cider is a single-varietal of Jonathan apples, and dry to semi-dry, but super approachable, being apple-forward with notes of citrus and honey.

ice cider – For a special treat with dessert, try ice cider. It is made from naturally concentrating apple juice using cold to increase the sugar content before fermenting, resulting in a higher ABV sweet dessert cider bursting with flavor. One of my favorites is Eden Brandy Barrel Aged Heirloom.

Pommeau – Also, Pommeau (cider + apple brandy) is another great dessert cider option. It is made by fortifying cider (either fermented or unfermented juice) with distilled apple juice (brandy). Like ice cider, it is a nice sipping option, although it is available in a wide range of sweetness. Some of my favorites are from 2 Towns, Etienne Dupont, EZ Orchards, Herout, and Wandering Aengus.

Visit the Pick Cider campaign website for lots more great info, and try your local fine bottle shop or online, such as through Cider in Love or VinoShipper. No matter which cider/s you choose, I’d encourage you to pick up some extra bottles, as a good cider can easily turn even those who have sworn off cider into cider lovers, holidays are holidays, and plus with the lower ABV, a bottle doesn’t go as far as wine.

Hérout Coup de Foudre Cidre Biologique

November 15, 2018June 10, 2019 cidersays Herout, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, french cider, French cidre, hard cider, Herout, tasting notes

Review of Hérout’s ‘Coup de Foudre Cidre Biologique’, a French Calvados cask fermented cidre. It is my first time trying this, but I have had their Cotentin Extra-Brut, Cotentin Brut, and Pommeau.

Cider: Coup de Foudre Cidre Biologique
Cidery: Hérout
Importer: Beauchamp Imports, French Cider Inc.
Cidery Location: Cotentin Peninsula, Normandy, France
ABV: 7.5%
How Supplied: 375ml corked bottles
Style: Organic craft French cidre from cider apples, Calvados cask fermented

Availability: In Washington, through Beauchamp Imports, plus online sales though their French Cider Inc. website (but this one isn’t specifically listed – I’m guessing it is very new). Also see Hérout’s Cotentin Brut, Cotentin Extra-Brut, Pommeau, apple juice, apple cider vinegar, and gift pack.

Cider Description (translated): The vintage Thunderbolt is the latest Cider House Herut.
100% pure juice, it naturally fermented in Calvados casks. The exchange with the Calvados cask brings to this cider clog an aromatic complexity broad and slightly reinforced in alcohol. The vintage Coup de Foudre is rather raw and serves as an aperitif, but will also delight your “Happy Hours”!

Always in search of original and elaborated flavors, the corked Normandy organic ciders of the Hérout House combine authenticity and novelty. Thus the Coup de Foudre vintage respects the tradition of natural fermentation and bottled foam; but it brings a novelty by letting fermentation take place in oak barrels that have contained Calvados. Non-gasified and unpasteurized, the cask in Calvados boosts the alcohol content giving body to the cider, while exalting raw and authentic flavors.

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: $16
Where Bought: Schilling Cider House in Seattle WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing

First Impression: Medium orange hue. Low carbonation. Smells mild, of tart apple, cork, and funk.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. Low tannins, bitterness, and funk. No sourness. Notes of bittersweet cider apple, oak, cork/earth, orange, leather, and alcohol. Long tannic finish. Moderate apple flavor and flavor intensity. Low to moderate sessionability. High complexity.

My Opinion: I enjoyed this because of its uniqueness. You don’t see a Calvados (French apple brandy) cask fermented cider very often. Most French ciders are rather similar to each other (apple and yeast forward, mid level sweetness, carbonated, etc), but this was quite different (tart, earthy, more complex, higher ABV, less carbonated). It was nice to try, but not really something I’d drink regularly, especially with the price point. My husband was an even bigger fan.

Most Similar to: French cidre with a hint of Pommeau and more earthiness & complexity

Closing Notes: I liked this better then Herout’s Cotentin Extra-Brut and Cotentin Brut, but so far my favorite from them is the Pommeau, by far. Also, the Pommeau is an excellent value.

Have you tried French cidre? What did you think?

Alpenfire 3 Pommes (Apple, Pear, Quince)

November 12, 2018November 5, 2018 cidersays Alpenfire, review 3 Pommes, Alpenfire, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, port townsend, tasting notes

Review of Alpenfire’s 3 Pommes, made with apples, pears, and quince (which is a pomme fruit most similar to pears and apples). It is my first time trying this, but I have had their Dungeness, Spark, Smoke, ApoCalypso, Ember, Simple Cider, Calypso, Pirate’s Plank, Glow, Cinders, Shrub, Spiced Tonic Shrub, Traditional Heirloom Cider, Flame, Tempest, Foxwhelp SV, and Rosy Pommeau.

Cider: 3 Pommes – Apple, Pear, Quince (2016 vintage, released 2018)
Cidery: Alpenfire
Cidery Location: Port Townsend WA
ABV: 6.9%
How Supplied: 750ml bottles
Style: American artisan cider from estate pomme fruit (apples, pears, & quince)
Varietals: Muscadet de Dieppe, Dolgo Crab, Vilberie, Dabinett, & Pink Pearl apples; Bosc, Hendre Huffcap, & Romanian pears; Quince

Availability: likely limited to Western Washington, plus online sales

Cider Description: A blend of estate bittersweet apples, perry & wild foraged pears, and locally grown quince. The early pears, crab apples and quince are hand pressed macerated and fermented in stainless. The late season apples are pressed and fermented then blended with the early fruit for aging. Very light bottle conditioning gives this cider a petulant carbonation, just enough to tease the nose.

Cidery Description: We invite you to experience the distinctive flavors of our estate grown 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!

Price: ~ $17.99
Where Bought: Schilling Cider House in Seattle WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing

First Impression: Dark straw yellow hue. Nearly still (very low carbonation). Smells primarily of canned pear.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. Low to moderate tannins. Hints of bitterness and funk. No sourness. Notes of pear, tropical fruit, tart heirloom apples, and honey. Long tannic finish. Low apple flavor, Moderate pear flavor, flavor intensity, complexity, and sessionability.

My Opinion: I really enjoyed it, and so did the others I tasted it with. Way unique. Wine-like. Fruity, but barely sweet. However, it wasn’t sparkling like I had expected per the label, although it worked as a nearly still cider, and was probably easier to drink.

Most Similar to: I’ve had cider with quince from Eaglemount and CiderHead, and this had some of the same tart tropical & honey notes, but the pear was more prominent.

Closing Notes: Alpenfire is one of my favorite PNW cideries, and has a wide variety of unique selections. My favorites however are probably their richest selections, Smoke and Ember.

Have you tried cider with quince? What did you think?

Le Pere Jules Cidre de Normandie

November 9, 2018November 4, 2018 cidersays Le Pere Jules, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, french cider, French cidre, hard cider, Le Pere Jules, tasting notes

Review of Le Pere Jules Cidre de Normandie. I previously tried this (see here), but it was a bad bottle, so especially as I was able to find a small bottle, I wanted to give it another go.

Cider: Cidre de Normandie
Cidery: Le Pere Jules
Cidery Location: Normandy France
ABV: 5.0%
How Supplied: 11.2 oz bottle
Style: French cidre from bittersweet cider apples

Availability: semi wide release, although easier to find in 750ml corked bottles

Cider Description (translated): Pours a hazy amber color with a thin ring of head. Aroma of dry apples, mild barnyard, hay, glue and vinous notes. The taste is sweet apples, tannic notes, mild must and vanilla. Medium bodied, good balance, soft carbonation.

Cidery Description (translated): Since 1919, quality and rigor are the key words of four generations of producers, faithful to ancestral traditions and lovers of their craft. Their one and only wish, to offer you great products. All our products are elaborated from varieties of apples and pears carefully selected from traditional orchards high stems in zone protected designation of origin.

Price: ~$5 / single bottle
Where Bought: The Jug Shop in San Francisco CA
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing

First Impression: Dark orange hue, Moderate to high carbonation. Smells of bittersweet apple juice and yeast.

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

My Opinion: I enjoyed it. Distinctively French and easy to drink.

Most Similar to: A slightly less complex version of Kystin Opalyne

Closing Notes: I’m glad I gave this one another try.

Have you tried Le Pere Jules? What did you think?

Schilling Cider House Visit 34 Tasting Notes

November 7, 2018November 7, 2018 cidersays Cider Riot, Liberty, Moonlight Meadery, review, Schilling, Wildcraft cider, cider bar, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Schilling Cider House, seattle, tap room, tasting notes

Tasting notes from my 34th visit to the Schilling Cider House in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle WA. Its actually been a few times more than that as sometimes I just pop in to buy bottles. Check out my past posts with tasting notes here.

<“firkin” options from Wildcraft Ciderworks – my husband tried both and liked them, but I don’t do 20% ABV at room temperature>

I was there on a Friday afternoon with my husband and two out of town friends, after taking the day off and visiting Pike Place market. I got another awesome poke (sushi) bowl from Just Poke a few doors down to share with my husband. I ordered a couple flights for our friends and a few tasters for me, getting about half of the 32 ciders on tap (basically everything but the driest and sweetest ones).

Its awesome even with how many ciders I’ve tried, they always have at least a few new to me selections. And they always have some really interesting stuff too, like Earl Grey tea infused, rhubarb-hops, and grapefruit gin, plus occasionally some imported selections (this time they had Louis Raison – see my previous tasting notes here). I only have tasting notes on the few I ordered just for myself though.

Moonlight Meadery (Londonderry NH) Last Apple (16% ABV): A barrel aged cyser (cider from apples + mead from honey). Also available in bottles, such as on their website, $27-28 / 375ml. See my previous full review here. Sweet. Full bodied. Full flavored sweet rich apple and honey notes with a quick finish. I didn’t detect any barrel influence this time, but I’m guessing it smoothed out the flavor and contributed to the well-hidden ABV. I may have drank it a bit too cold – warmed may have maximized its complexity.

Cider Riot! (Portland OR) La Luna (7.0% ABV): Made from bittersweet cider apples with some dessert apples, then oak barrel aged. Also available in bottles, but probably only in their taproom. Completely dry. Predominately oaky (more so than most barrel aged ciders I’ve had) with a hint of rich bittersweet cider apple flavor. Low tartness and tannins. I think I would have liked this more with some sweetness, as it had a low flavor intensity, especially in comparison to the next selection – the oak was my favorite part.

Liberty Ciderworks (Spokane WA) Kingston Black (8.0% ABV): A single varietal from Kingston Black cider apples. Previously available in bottles for ~ $15, although they don’t have any current availability on their website, and I haven’t seen it locally, so this specific batch may be draft-only. On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Lovely bold bittersweet cider apple flavor with hints of honey and oak. High tartness and moderate tannins. I liked that they went a tad sweeter with this, as often they seem to go full dry, which can make a cider seem a bit harsh, especially if it is tart.

Both me and my husband loved the Liberty Kingston Black – its probably my favorite Kingston Black single varietal to date (including from Farnum Hill, Eve’s, Whitewood, and Dragon’s Head). So, we split a pint.

I picked up some awesome bottles to take home, and even an Eric Bordelet (French cidre) 5L mini keg! A bit spendy, but a rare opportunity. Unfortunately it is getting more difficult to get English ciders, like Newton’s Court Gasping Goose and Dunkertons Black Fox, due to distributors going out of business or dropping cideries, but at least I was able to pick up some Worley’s Mendip Hills, my favorite of their four varieties available in the U.S.

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

Portland Cider Cranberry 2018

November 5, 2018November 2, 2018 cidersays Portland Cider, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, portland, Portland Cider, tasting notes

Review of Portland Cider Company’s Cranberry seasonal cider. I had this last year, plus I’ve had their Passion Fruit, Pearfect Perry, Kinda Dry, Hop’Rageous, London Dry Gin, Apple, Scrumpy, Strawperry, Pineapple, Sangria, Mojito, Concord Grape, Perfect 10, and Pumpkin Spice.

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 and Washington

Cider Description: Our cranberry cider is a blend of fresh NW grown cranberries & apples, Slightly tart & semi-sweet, with a rich apple taste at its core. Tastes like fresh cranberry relish!

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: Red-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?

Fresh Cut Watermelon Cider

November 1, 2018October 28, 2018 cidersays Fresh Cut Cider, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, Fresh Cut Cider, hard cider, tasting notes, Watermelon cider

Review of Fresh Cut Watermelon Cider. It is my first time trying anything from this cidery.

Cider: Watermelon Cider
Cidery: Fresh Cut (by Central City Brewers + Distillers)
Cidery Location: Surrey B.C. Canada
ABV: 5.0%
How Supplied: single 500ml can
Style: Canadian craft? cider from dessert apples with natural watermelon flavor

Availability: likely only in British Columbia

Cider Description: Bursting with flavour like a fresh cut watermelon, Fresh Cut is a fruity, lightly sweet and delicious twist on apple cider. Chill, relax and enjoy Fresh Cut Watermelon with friends.

Cidery Description: Fresh Cut is a fruity, lightly sweet and delicious twist on apple cider. Try Fresh Cut Cider in flavours like fresh cut pineapple and watermelon. Chill, relax and enjoy Fresh Cut Pineapple with friends!

Price: ~ $4 CAN
Where Bought: a shop in Victoria B.C. Canada
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing during a cruise port stop

First Impression: Light pink hue. Low carbonation. Smells like a hint of watermelon.

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

My Opinion: I really enjoyed it. My expectations were low, as from the packaging and flavor (and the high prevalence of non-cider “ciders” in the area), I had assumed this would be commercial (fake) tasting and super sweet. However, it had some nice light flavor and a mid-level sweetness.

Most Similar to: Locust Watermelon

Closing Notes: I didn’t realize it at the time of purchase, but this cidery is part of Central City Brewers, which made a cider that I bought last year in B.C. that was amazing (probably my favorite cider of the couple cases I purchased, and my favorite cider ever made by a brewery), and I was super disappointed not to find it again this year – Central City Limited Edition Imperial Cider. Central City Brewers also makes Hopping Mad Cider, although I haven’t spotted it in Victoria.

Have you tried Fresh Cut Cider? What did you think?

Montana Ciderworks Darby Pub Cider

October 22, 2018October 20, 2018 cidersays Montana Ciderworks, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, Darby Pub, hard cider, Montana, Montana Cider, Montana Ciderworks, tasting notes

Review of Montana Ciderworks’ Darby Pub Cider. I previously tried this at Cider Summit (see here), and have also had their North Fork Traditional, Spartan Dry-Style, and Small Batch Dolgo.

Cider: Darby Pub Cider
Cidery: Montana CiderWorks
Cidery Location: Darby MT
ABV: 5.0%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles
Style: American craft cider from Montana-grown cider, heirloom, & crab apple varieties, back sweetened with juice & fructose

Availability: Year round in CO, MT, and WA (see here)

Cider Description: Semi-Dry New World Style Cider. An approachable, effervescent cider made for sharing with friends. By coaxing subtle flavors from a blend of Bitterroot Valley apples through a gentle fermentation process, then adding back a bit of sweet juice, we created a fruit-forward experience perfect for drinking anytime. Appley with wood, spice & Mac notes; a medium semi-dry cider….Darby Pub Cider was awarded a Gold medal at the 2018 Great Lakes International Cider Competition, a Gold medal at the 2017 Royal Bath & West Show (United Kingdom), Best of Show at the 2016 Portland International Cider Cup, and a Silver medal at the 2015 GLINTCAP. SIP Northwest magazine awarded it Best Traditional Apple Cider in 2016. The crisp clean flavor of Darby Pub Cider is a prefect complement to light fare, and a wonderful après de lawn mowing refreshment.

Cidery Description: Montana CiderWorks is a bonded winery located in Darby, Montana. We offer exceptional English-style ciders crafted from Bitterroot Valley apples and other local fruits. We support sustainable agriculture and the preservation of open spaces in our beautiful valley. We increase the value and usefulness of Montana’s orchards so that they may support and delight future generations.

Here is a nice article from CiderCraft on Montana Ciderworks. The owner and cidermaker is Lee McAlpine, who I’ve met at Cider Summit Seattle.

Price: $9.99
Where Bought: Total Wine
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing – I realized I’ve had tastes of this, but never reviewed a bottle

First Impression: Dark straw to light gold hue. Low carbonation. Smells of tart heirloom apples.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. Hints of tannins and bitterness. No sourness or funk. Notes of sharp tart heirloom & crab apples, butterscotch, wood, earth, and lemon. Long tart finish. Moderate apple flavor, sessionability, flavor intensity, and complexity.

My Opinion: I enjoyed it. However, I seemed to remember liking it more previously. It seemed a bit more tart and dry this time. That might have been my fault though, as I drank it at cellar temperature, like I do for most ciders of this style (vs. flavored ciders from dessert apples), but maybe this would be better at fridge temperature.

Most Similar to: Finnegan Cider Semi-Dry and Grizzly Ciderworks The Ridge

Closing Notes: This is a great selection at a nice price point. I like that they use local cider-specific apples yet make ciders which are approachable. I think my current favorite is North Fork Traditional (also available at Total Wine in my area). As much as I like to support local bottle shops, Total Wine is very convenient, as they have a semi real time online inventory and keep their stock of cider pretty steady (vs. some of the smaller shops which may get some cooler smaller batch ciders, but also tend to have some items out of stock at times). So, I go to both.

Have you tried Montana Ciderworks cider? What did you think?

Finnegan Cider Semi-Dry

October 18, 2018October 18, 2018 cidersays Finnegan, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, Finnegan, Finnegan Cider, hard cider, tasting notes

Review of Finnegan Cider Semi-Dry. It is my first time trying this, but I have had their Harvest Blend.

Cider: Semi-Dry
Cidery: Finnegan Cider
Cidery Location: Lake Oswega OR
ABV: 6.9%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles
Style: American orchard-based cider from cider apples, semi-dry

Availability: Oregon, Washington, and California (per Cider Journal, as of 2015, although I have not seen them in the Seattle area), and appear to be distributed through Shelton Brothers

Cider Description: Our semi-dry cider is fermented to near-dryness and uses a blend of authentic, old-world English, American, and French cider apples such as Yarlington Mill, Foxwhelp, Domaines, Roxbury Russet, and others. Our cider is a balance of the crucial elements of distinguished cider: tannin, acidity, and aromaticity. Finnegan cider features aromas of honeysuckle, melon, and ripe apples, with flavors of peach, apricot, and cognac. It pairs superbly from appetizer to entree.

Cidery Description: An artisan crafted hard cider using only traditional cider apples – Our commitment to a quality-cider experience.

Finnegan Cider has been around since 2010, and planted their own orchard in 2012. The owners/cidermakers are Colleen Finnegan and Josh Johnson. Here is a nice writeup from Beervana, who visited with Josh Johnson at their orchard.

Price: $22
Where Bought: The Jug Shop in San Francisco CA
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing

First Impression: Light gold hue. Low carbonation. Smells of rich sweet caramelized apple.

Tasting Notes: Dry to semi-dry. Light bodied. Moderate tartness. High acidity. Low tannins, bitterness, and funk. Hints of sourness. Notes of caramelized apple pomace, butterscotch, orange, lemon, and wood. Moderate length finish. Low apple flavor and sessionability. Moderate flavor intensity. Moderate to high complexity.

My Opinion: I liked it, especially the flavor notes. However, I would have preferred more sweetness and/or less tartness & acidity, as it was a bit harsh.

Most Similar to: Wandering Aengus Wickson and Eve’s Scatterseed

Closing Notes: I preferred their Harvest Blend, plus that one was much lower priced (although I bought them from different stores in different states, several years apart).

Have you tried Finnegan cider? What did you think?

Moonlight Meadery Virtue

October 16, 2018October 16, 2018 cidersays Moonlight Meadery, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, cyser, hard cider, Moonlight, Moonlight Meadery, tasting notes, Virtue

Review of Moonlight Meadery’s Virtue, a cyser (25% honey + 75% apple). It is my first time trying this, although I’ve had their How do you Like them Little Apples, How do you like them Apples, Boys N Berries, Last Apple, Crimes of Passion, and Thirteen 5.

Cider: Virtue
Cidery: Moonlight Meadery
Cidery Location: Londonderry NH
ABV: 18%
How Supplied: 375ml bottle
Style: American craft cyser (from honey & apples), barrel aged

Availability: limited, although their products are sold in ~ 28/50 states (see here), and their online store ships to ~ 36/50 states (see here, although I didn’t see it listed)

Cider Description: Conditioned in our Utopian barrels for up to six months. Hints of vanilla and coconut from the oak, blend with the apple and honey. A deep rich apple with the hints of bourbon and a smooth honey finish. Clearly something of special worth.

Cidery Description: We are a world class meadery from Londonderry, New Hampshire. We specialize in meads, the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage made from honey, and ciders. The diversity of our offerings often leave people speechless, while the flavors have them coming back time and time again. It all started back in 1995 when Michael, our founder and head mead maker, tried a cyser (apple and honey mead) for the first time.

Price: $27
Where Bought: Schilling Cider House in Seattle WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing

First Impression: Medium straw yellow hue. Still. Smells of honey, apple, caramel, and alcohol.

Tasting Notes: Semi-sweet. Medium bodied. Low tartness and acidity. Hints of tannins. No sourness, funk, or bitterness. Notes of honey, apple, caramel, oak, alcohol, and a hint of floral. Long finish. High complexity. Low sessionability. Moderate to high flavor intensity and honey flavor. Low to moderate apple flavor.

My Opinion: I enjoyed it, but with the price and description, I was expecting a bit more. I didn’t pick up the vanilla & coconut that the description enticed me with – we all taste things slightly differently though.

Most Similar to: Moonlight Meadery Last Apple

Closing Notes: I picked up more honey than apple, surprising with the 25-75 ratio.

Have you tried cyser? What did you think?

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