Herout Micro-Cuvée No. 1 Cidre

June 10, 2019June 10, 2019 cidersays Herout, review barrel aged, cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, french cider, French cidre, Herout, tasting notes

Review of Maison Herout Micro-Cuvée No. 1 Sparkling Cidre aged in Calvados barrels. I previously tried a similar Calvados barrel aged cider from Herout, Coup de Foudre Cidre Biologique, plus I’ve had their Brut, Extra-Brut, D-Day Commemorative Brut, and Pommeau.

Calvados = French apple brandy
Cuvée = a French wine term for vat/tank

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

Cider: Micro-Cuvee No. 1 Sparkling Cidre aged in Calvados barrels
Cidery: Maison Herout AOC
Cidery Location: Cotentin Peninsula, Normandy, France
ABV: 6.5%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged bottles
Style: French cidre, from cider apples, Calvados barrel aged

Availability: In Washington, through Beauchamp Imports, plus online at their French Cider Inc. website (at the time of this review, they are able to ship to WA, OR, ID, CA, NV, NM, AK, ND, NH, & DC). They also offer a number of other selections from Herout, plus ciders and Pommeaux from many other makers.

Cider Description: Dense and complex, the Micro-Cuvée No. 1 Cidre is fermented for at least three months in an oak barrel that was previously used to age AOC Calvados. This gentle barrel fermentation gives this cider a very fine, fruity taste that is amplified by slightly tannic Calvados flavors on the finish. Higher alcohol content due to aging in Calvados barrels.

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 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 cider and here for more information on the cidery.

Price: n/a (retails for $29)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: it showed up

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

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Low tartness. Low to moderate acidity. Low funk and tannins. Hints of bitterness. No sourness. Notes of rich apple, must, orange, honey, leather, and earth/cork. Long tannic slightly bitter finish. High apple flavor, complexity, and sessionability. Moderate overall flavor intensity.

My Opinion: Awesome! I really enjoyed it, especially the flavor profile and complexity.

Most Similar to: Herout Coup de Foudre Cidre Biologique except more complexity and less bitterness

Closing Notes: French Cider Inc has an awesome cider selection!

Have you tried French cider? What did you think?

Herout Maison D-Day Commemorative Brut

June 5, 2019June 5, 2019 cidersays French Cider Inc., Herout, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, french cider, French cidre, hard cider, Herout, tasting notes

Review of Herout 2017 Maison D-Day Commemorative Brut Cidre 75th Anniversary Limited Edition, a dry sparkling French cidre. It is my first time trying this, but I have previously had their Brut, Extra Brut, Coup de Foudre Cidre Biologique, and Pommeau.

Cider: Maison D-Day Commemorative Brut Cidre, 75th Anniversary Limited Edition, 2017
Cidery: Herout AOC
Cidery Location: Cotentin Peninsula, Normandy, France
ABV: 5.0%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged bottle
Style: French cidre, from cider apples, sparkling, brut (dry)

Cider Description: This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Allied landings at Normandy. Located only 13 miles from Utah Beach, Maison Hérout is uniquely positioned to pay its respects to the Americans who fought so bravely to help liberate Europe. Limited availability and only available on the website. Authentic and full-bodied. The 75th Anniversary D-Day Commemorative Brut Cidre is distinguished by its golden color with orange undertones – and its very fine bubbles. On the mouth, the subtle acidity on the first taste is quickly balanced out by a refreshing finish. Subtle aromas of butter and dried herbs.

Price: n/a (retails for $25)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: it showed up

First Impression: Hazy light pumpkin hue. Moderate carbonation. Smells of musty funky apple.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Moderate tartness, acidity, and funk. Low tannins. Hints of bitterness. No sourness. Notes of rich bittersweet apple juice and pomace, butterscotch, must/earth, and lemon. Moderate tannic finish length. Moderate apple flavor, complexity, and flavor intensity. High sessionability.

My Opinion: Awesome! I enjoyed this funky find – it reminded me some of English cider, except sparkling.

Most Similar to: this was funkier than any other typical French cider I can remember trying (it nearly rivaled the Bordelet mini-keg I tried that I think was an off batch), which I personally loved, but the sweetness, carbonation level, flavor profile, etc, are all characteristically French (see a list of my French cider reviews here)

Closing Notes: This is my favorite of the three Herout ciders I’ve tried, although I think I liked their Pommeau even better (I’ll have to double check when I open the bottle of Pommeau I have at home).

Have you tried Herout cidre? What did you think?

Eric Bordelet Nouvelle Vague Sidre 5L Keg

January 4, 2019January 4, 2019 cidersays Eric Bordelet, review Bordelet, cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, french cider, French cidre, Nouvelle Vague Sidre, sidre, tasting notes

Review of Eric Bordelet’s Nouvelle Vague Sidre, in a unique format, a 5 liter keg. I previously tried this cider on tap (see here), plus I’ve had his Poire Authentique, Sidre Tendre, and Sidre Brut Tendre.

Cider: Nouvelle Vague Sidre
Cidery: Eric Bordelet
Cidery Location: Normandy, France
ABV: 5.0%
How Supplied: 5L mini (party) keg
Style: French sparkling cider from cider apples

Availability: likely limited

Cider Description: Eric Bordelet’s newest creation is going to be a big hit. This fresh, off-dry (but closer to dry) apple cider from his younger trees is fermented in a fresher style than his bottled ciders. Less skin maceration, makes for a more refreshing cider that will be even more versatile. Presented in 5L, re-closeable aluminum “kegs,” just put this in your fridge and the cider will stay fresh and vibrant for up to two weeks after opening. We bet it doesn’t last that long!

Cidery Description: The Bordelet family’s biodynamic orchards are in southern Normandy. The orchards as well as the cider making is undertaken by former Paris sommelier Eric Bordelet. All tolled, the orchard is 37 acres, seven and a half of which bear apple and pear trees 50 years old. The estate holds 20 varieties of apples and 15 varieties of pear. This is cider you are going to want to make a special effort to seek out.

See here and here for more information.

Price: ~$90
Where Bought: Schilling Cider House in Seattle WA
Where Drank: at my in-laws house over xmas break
How Found: browsing

First Impression: Medium amber hue. Nearly still (very low carbonation). Smells super funky.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Light bodied. Low tartness, acidity, bitterness, and tannins. Very high funk. Hints of sourness. Notes of bittersweet cider apple juice and pomace, orange, and leather. Moderate length finish. Moderate apple flavor, complexity, and flavor intensity. High sessionability.

My Opinion: Although I enjoyed the cider and had no problem finishing it, I was disappointed. It wasn’t nearly as sparkling as I expected (vs. all other French ciders I’ve had, plus photos and videos of this specific kegged cider), and it was super funky. Very different from when I tried it previously. For the price, based on what I saw online, and my previous trial, I had high expectations. I had planned to share it with others for Christmas dinner, but no one liked it as it was so funky. Thankfully I had a week to finish it myself. However, I understand that due to the style of cider (wild yeast fermentation), there will be variations batch to batch. Also, maybe there was some user error with the keg as far as getting it to be sparkling (although we followed the instructions).

Most Similar to: With it being nearly flat and super funky, this actually reminded me more of English than French cider.

Closing Notes: I think I’ll stick to bottled Bordelet ciders in the future, as those have all been superb.

Have you tried French cidre? What did you think?

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?

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?

Eric Bordelet Sidre Brut Tendre

October 25, 2018October 21, 2018 cidersays Eric Bordelet, review Bordelet, cider, cider tasting, cidre, Eric Bordelet, french cider, French cidre, hard cider, Sidre Tendre, tasting notes

Review of Eric Bordelet’s Sidre Brut Tendre. I’ve previously had the non-Brut (sweeter) version of this same cider (see here), as well as his Poire Authentique and Nouvelle Vague Sidre.

Cider: Sidre Brut Tendre
Cidery: Eric Bordelet
Cidery Location: Normandy, France
ABV: 4.5%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged bottles
Style: French craft cider from cider apples, sparkling, brut (dry), naturally fermented

Availability: Semi wide release. In addition to France and the U.S.A., the website says the ciders are available in Germany, Austria, Great Britain, Spain, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Brasil, and South Africa.

Cider Description: Traditional semi dry cider.

They also make a non-brut (sweet) version of this cider. I’ve read the only difference between the two is that this drier version was allowed to ferment fully, while the sweeter version has fermentation stopped early.

See here and here for more information.

Price: $12
Where Bought: Cheese Plus in San Francisco CA (across the street from The Jug Shop) – I highly recommend both shops
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing, on a cruise port stop – it was a really neat store, with lots of fancy wine and other beverages (they probably had 8 cider varieties, national, Spanish, and French – I also picked up some cans of Embark cider), cheese, charcuterie, and other fine foods – perfect to pick up items for a dinner party, or just a sandwich for lunch

First Impression: Moderate gold hue. Low carbonation. Smells of apple pomace.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Light bodied. Low tartness and acidity. Moderate tannins. No bitterness, sourness, or funk. Notes of bittersweet cider apple juice and pomace, yeast, caramel, oak, and orange. Moderate length finish. High apple flavor and sessionability. Moderate flavor intensity and complexity.

My Opinion: Awesome! I think I enjoyed this more than the sweeter version. I loved the complexity (more than the sweeter version). Completely clean (no sourness or funk), so it would be a great introduction to French cider. It is amazing that Bordelet can create such a clean cider with wild fermentation. This would also make a nice brunch cider, due to the lower ABV, and it is food-friendly (I had it with some smoked salmon).

Most Similar to: Bordelet Sidre Tendre (non-brut), Bordelet Nouvelle Vague Sidre, and Christian Drouin Pays d’Auge

Closing Notes: It looked like this bottle sat around for awhile in the store, as the label was messed up (and it was at a lower price than I’d expect). It was also a bit less carbonated than I’d expect, which can happen over time. However, it was still awesome. Ciders like this can even improve with age.

Have you tried Eric Bordelet cidre? What did you think?

Louis Raison Rouge Delice

August 16, 2018August 13, 2018 cidersays Louis Raison, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, french cider, French cidre, hard cider, Louis Raison, Rouge Delice, tasting notes

Review of Louis Raison Rouge Delice. It is my first time trying this, but I’ve also sampled their Organic Dry version. This article gives a nice overview of the cidery, such that they started in 1923, and are the top selling cidermaker in France.

Cider: Rouge Delice
Cidery: Louis Raison
Cidery Location: Le Theil-sur-Huisne France
ABV: 5.5%
Brix: 6.57 (23 g sugar / 11.2 oz)
How Supplied: six pack of 11.2 oz bottles
Style: commercial French cider, from 10% Rouge Delice red-fleshed apples + 90% bittersweet apples

Availability: wide release in Europe, plus at least sold in Washington & Oregon in the U.S. since March 2018

Cider Description: [Rouge Delice] is comprised of Rouge Delice and Bittersweet apples. Rouge Delice apples – grown only in France – are recognized for their unique red flesh, delivering the natural rose hue of the liquid itself. On the nose, this cider is citrusy with bright acidity, accompanied by hints of strawberry and cranberry. The taste is floral with hints of white tea, spiced apple, and melon. Rouge Delice finishes with a soft, sweet hint of playful plum and fruit flavors. 2017 Tastings Gold Medal recipient.

Ingredient List: hard cider, apple juice, liquid sugar, citric acid, natural flavors, color: E163

Cidery Description: Observing the growth that the American cider industry has experienced, Louis Raison saw an exciting opportunity to introduce high-quality French cidre to US consumers. With such a rich history in cider making, it seemed like a natural fit. After almost a century of production, the Raison team has shown dedication to the longevity of their cider-making expertise, respect for its cooperative values, and the development of sustainable agriculture. Nothing short of a modern-day family, it is only with the knowledge and expertise of its 300 producers and members of the cooperative that Louis Raison has become the market leader of cidre in France. Years of experience have earned Louis Raison the mastery of the sustainable cultivation of apples from orchard to glass. Ultimately, Louis Raison is proud of its cooperative spirit – between producers of apples, employers of factory workers, and providers to cider drinkers alike, all are a part of the Raison family. Santé!

Price: ~$2 / single bottle (runs ~$9.99 / six pack)
Where Bought: Total Wine
Where Drank: home
How Found: I read about them online, and tried another variety at Cider Summit last year

First Impression: Light red hue. Low carbonation. Smells sweet, of apple, and slightly fruity.

Tasting Notes: Sweet. Medium bodied with a fluffy texture. Low tartness and acidity. No bitterness, sourness, or funk. Hints of tannins. Notes of sweet apple, strawberry, and watermelon, with hints of rich bittersweet apple. Quick finish. Moderate apple flavor. Moderate to high flavor intensity. High sessionability. Low complexity.

My Opinion: I really liked the flavor, but it was a bit too sweet for me. Perfect for summer though.

Most Similar to: Two other French ciders I’ve had which were made using red-fleshed apples, Domaine du Verger Rosé Cidre Bouche and La Chouette Cidre Rosé. All three only used red-fleshed varieties as part of a blend. The La Chouette was my favorite of the three, as it isn’t as sweet, but still flavorful, the most complex, and the least commercial tasting, although it also cost the most per ounce.

Closing Notes: Louis Raison’s ciders are definitely more commercial tasting than most other French ciders I’ve tried, but are at a nice low price point, and will likely eventually be fairly widely distributed, and therefore able to introduce more folks to French cider, which I think overall is a good thing. I think it was slightly deceptive to name this ‘Rouge Delice’ and highlight their use of this red-fleshed apple variety when they were only 10% of the mix, but at least the ingredient list on the label clearly stated the percentage, which is better than some other cideries have done (Angry Orchard, I’m thinking of you).

Side Note: If you are interested in trying American ciders from 100% red-fleshed apples, I recommend Alpenfire Glow, Alpenfire Cinders, and Snowdrift Red.

Have you tried French cidre? What did you think?

Kystin Cuvée XVII

July 13, 2018September 10, 2018 cidersays French Cider Inc., Kystin, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, Cuvée XVII, french cider, French cidre, hard cider, Kystin, tasting notes

Review of Kystin’s Cuvée XVII, a French cidre. The “XVII” refers to the 16 apple varieties plus a 17th ingredient, chestnuts. I’ve previously tried their Opalyne.

>>This is a review of a sample bottle provided to Cider Says by French Cider Inc. / Beauchamp Imports. 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: Cuvée XVII
Cidery: Kystin
Cidery Location: Brittany France
ABV: 4.0%
How Supplied: 750ml bottles
Style: Breton French Demi-Sec (sweet) cidre from 16 varieties of cider apples, with chestnuts

Availability: limited, imported by French Cider Inc.

Cider Description (translated): After seven long years of experimentation, a maceration of chestnut, raw, crushed, for many months in the juice will finally be retained to tie apple and chestnut: La Cuvée XVII is born! Today, it offers us a particularity and unique flavor, amazing Chefs and Sommeliers of very beautiful establishments, honoring the Gastronomy and knowing how to put forward the difference. Its sublime amber color, its tuberous nose, its attack very fresh honeyed apples gradually gives place to the flavors of Chestnut and its notes of undergrowth. There is also the creamy chestnut, cocoa and floral notes very intense.

Cidery Description: Created in 2012, Kystin offers a range of original and very unique gourmet ciders, made of unusual ingredients such as chestnuts, pears and ginger. With a history dating back to the 14th century, Kystin ciders combine fruit, tradition and authenticity to create an unforgetabble taste. The brand recently released “Kalysie” – a pear ginger cider named as a tribute to the Khaleesi character from popular TV series Game of Thrones.

Price: n/a (retails for $26.99)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: through French Cider Inc.

First Impression: Light orange hue. Moderate carbonation. Smells of sweet apple with earth and nut.

Tasting Notes: Semi-sweet to semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Low tartness. Moderate acidity. Moderate tannins. Hints of bitterness. No sourness or funk. Notes of bittersweet cider apple & pomace, yeast, nuts, orange, leather, and earth. Long tannic nutty finish. High apple flavor, sessionability, and complexity. Moderate to high flavor intensity.

My Opinion: Excellent! I love the uniqueness of this cider. Quite complex and flavorful. Probably the most tannic French cidre I’ve ever had, which I enjoyed, and the nuttiness paired perfectly. Also less sweet than I was expecting for a Demi-Sec, which makes it quite versatile. I drank this at cellar temperature (in between fridge & room temps), which the cidery recommended, and I agree with.

Most Similar to: I’ve actually tried two Chestnut themed ciders, an English cider aged in a Chestnut wood cask (Sandford Orchards Chestnut Cask), and a cider with Chestnut crabapples and aged with toasted oak spirals (Number 12 Chestnut), but neither were with actual chestnuts. The most nutty cider I’ve had was an English Perry from Hogan’s, but again, no nuts.

Closing Notes: Next up is Kystin’s Kalysie, a perry (100% pears) with ginger. So far I’m quite impressed, especially considering this is a relatively new cidery (2012), especially in comparison to the age of many other French cideries which have been around for generations.

Have you tried French cidre? What did you think?

Ferme de Beau Soleil Cidre Fermier Brut

April 27, 2018April 27, 2018 cidersays Ferme de Beau Soleil, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, Cidre Fermier Brut, Ferme de Beau Soleil, France, french cider, French cidre, tasting notes

Review of Ferme de Beau Soleil’s Cidre Fermier Bio Brut, a French “Farmer’s Cider”. It is my first time trying anything from this cidery, although I am a fan of French cidre (see some of my reviews here).

Cider: Cidre Fermier Bio Brut
Cidery: Ferme de Beau Soleil
Cidery Location: Matignon, Brittany, France
ABV: 5%
How Supplied: 750ml champagne corked & caged bottles
Style: Breton French cidre

Availability: likely limited, imported by “Wines of France”

Cider Description: Google translated as To offer you this raw cider, I have selected and assembled the best varieties of apples live from my orchards. Since a slow fermentation and craftsmanship, its characteristic fruity taste will seduce you with an aperitif, until dessert.

Cidery Description: The Renouard family has been making cider since 1975, and were certified organic in 2008. The current cidermaker is Thomas Renouard (one source said its a one-man operation-wow).

Price: $12
Where Bought: Full Throttle Bottles in Seattle WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing, the first time I had been in since their long closure for remodel

First Impression: Light orange amber hue. Low carbonation. Smells of bittersweet cider apples and yeast.

Tasting Notes: On the drier side of semi-sweet. Light to medium bodied. Moderate tartness. Low acidity, tannins, and funk. Hints of bitterness. No sourness. Notes of bittersweet cider apples & pomace, caramel, yeast, earth, leather, and orange. Moderate length finish. Moderate apple flavor and flavor intensity. Moderate to high complexity and sessionability.

My Opinion: Excellent! This cider had some nice stages, from tart to flavorful & funky to tannic. I really liked everything about it – flavor profile, complexity, tannins, funk, etc. It was edging towards rustic, yet without any sourness (which is my least liked quality). However, it didn’t quite have as much of that fluffy texture (body) I love with French cidres (which I assume is from the keeving process), I’m guessing as it wasn’t as carbonated as many selections.

Closing Notes: I liked how this combined my favorite elements of both Brittany and Normandy ciders – sweeter, apple-forward, funky, but not sour. It also hits a nice price point, about average of what I’ve seen.

Have you tried French cidre? What did you think?

Herout AOC Cotentin Brut 2015

April 16, 2018April 8, 2018 cidersays Herout, review Brut, cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, french cider, French cidre, Herout, tasting notes

Review of Herout AOC Cotentin Brut 2015, an Organic French cidre. It is my first time trying this, but I have had their Extra Brut.

Cider: Cotentin Brut (2015 harvest)
Cidery: Herout AOC
Cidery Location: Cotentin Peninsula, Normandy, France
ABV: 5.0%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged bottle
Style: Organic French cidre, from cider apples, brut (dry)

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

Cider Description: We are currently offering bottles of the award-winning 2015 vintage, Cidre Cotentin Brut! Hérout à Auvers is the only French cider producer who puts a vintage date on their bottles. The date represents the year the apples where harvested. Like a fine wine, the flavor evolves with time and we think the 2015 Brut is just about perfect right now. to heighten the flavor experience, decant/carafe it before drinking. Cotentin Brut cider is made from 100% organic, naturally-fermented cider apple juice.

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 cider and here for more information on the cidery.

Price: n/a (retails for $23.99)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: the importer Joan Harkins contacted me (we met at Cider Summit Seattle 2017)

First Impression: Light orange amber hue. Moderate carbonation. Smells of apple, must, funk, and yeast.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of dry. Light bodied. Low tartness, acidity, tannins, and funk. Moderate bitterness. No sourness. Notes of bittersharp apple pomace, yeast, orange, and caramel. Long bitter finish. Moderate flavor intensity and complexity. Low sessionability and apple flavor.

My Opinion: I personally wasn’t a fan. However, it is a well made cider – just too bitter and dry for my preferences. Every cider isn’t for everyone, so its great we have so many choices. This is probably the driest French cider I’ve had (surprisingly I perceived this Brut version as drier than their Extra Brut version).

I’d recommend it for for folks who like French cider, but find most too sweet, as well as wine lovers. Note that the importer recommended to let this breathe a bit before drinking to bring out more flavor, so I poured a glass and stuck it back in my cellar-temperature cider fridge for a bit.

Most Similar to: Herout AOC Cotentin Extra Brut

However, for drier French ciders, I personally prefer Cidrerie Daufresne Brut, Domaine de la Minotiere Cidre Fermier Bio Brut, and Pierre Huet AOC Pays D’Auge Cidre, although those are all a bit sweeter than both Herout selections.

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

Have you tried Herout cidre? What did you think?

La Chouette Cidre Rosé

April 11, 2018April 8, 2018 cidersays La Chouette, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, french cider, French cidre, hard cider, La Chouette, rose, tasting notes

Review of La Chouette Cidre Rosé, a French rosé cidre, made from apples (including red-fleshed) and pears. It is my first time trying this, but I have had their Demi-Sec (see here).

Cider:  Rosé
Cidery:  La Chouette Cidre
Cidery Location:  Saint-Pair-sur-Mer, France
ABV: 4.5%
How Supplied: 330ml (12oz) single bottles
Style: French cidre from apples (including red-fleshed) and pears, demi-sec

Availability: In Washington, through Beauchamp Imports, plus online at their French Cider Inc. website. In addition to La Chouette’s Rosé, they also offer their Demi-Sec.

Cider Description: La Chouette Cidre Rosé is an all-natural craft cidre made from red-fleshed apples and pears – giving it a beautiful rose color and a bright, crisp demi-sec flavor. Thirst quenching and easy to drink, our 2018 prediction is that it will become one of your favorites. No gluten, no added sugar and no added flavoring.

Cidery Description: La Chouette—which means “the Owl” in French—refers to the surprising bond between this elusive night bird and French cidre. Traditionally, many farmers in the northwest of France made their own cidre with apples from their orchards. Often, the farmers made their cidre in barns, where the owls could be seen watching over the production from their perches under the roof. Thus La Chouette has always looked after French cider and continues to look over our cidre today.

See here for more on the cidery, and here for more on the cider.

Price: n/a (retails for $5.99)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: the importer Joan Harkins contacted me (we met at Cider Summit Seattle 2017)

First Impression: Moderate red hue. Smells of pear, watermelon, and strawberry. Moderate carbonation.

Tasting Notes: Semi-sweet. Light bodied, with a fluffy texture. Low to moderate tartness. Moderate acidity. No bitterness, sourness, tannins, or funk. Notes of canned pear, watermelon, strawberry, green apple, and lemon. Long tart fruity finish. Moderate complexity. High sessionability. Moderate to high pear flavor and flavor intensity. Low apple flavor.

My Opinion: Awesome! I really enjoyed everything about it – flavor, texture, complexity, and balance. The flavor has a lot of the notes from the red-fleshed apples, plus pear. You can tell that this is naturally (not force) carbonated, as it has such a fluffy texture, which helped make it seem lighter bodied than is typical for this level of sweetness.

Most Similar to: nothing I’ve had, as this was like a combination of French poire (perry) and cider from red-fleshed apples

Closing Notes: I found this far superior to most American commercial rosé selections. It was more on par to ciders from red-fleshed apples (such as Alpenfire Glow and Snowdrift Red), although it had the added French and pear components.

Have you tried French cidre or rosé cider? What did you think?

Cidre de Rhuys Brut

February 14, 2018February 14, 2018 cidersays Cidre de Rhuys, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, French, french cider, French cidre, hard cider, tasting notes

Review of Cidre de Rhuys Brut, from France. It is my first time trying anything from this cidery.

Cider: Brut
Cidery: Cidre de Rhuys
Cidery Location: Brittany France
ABV: 5.5%
How Supplied: 330ml and 750ml bottles, and kegs
Style: French cidre from the Brittany region

Availability: semi wide release (see here)

Description: For three generations our family has perfected the craft of making artisanal natural cider. Made from only freshly harvested fruit, each apple is carefully selected and hand picked. A slow fermentation allows the cider to develop its rich fine flavours and gentle acidity without the use of added sulfites or pasteurization. Award winning in both regional and international competitions, please enjoy our cider fresh and lightly chilled.

Price: ~$4?
Where Bought: Schilling Cider House in Seattle WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing. It was the only French cidre available at the time in single serve bottles, and I hadn’t tried it.

First Impression: Moderate brown amber hue. Very high carbonation with some foam (I ended up spilling about 1/3 of the bottle upon opening!). Smells of sweet bittersweet apple juice.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light to medium bodied with a fluffy texture. Low tartness, acidity, bitterness, and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of primarily apple pomace, with some brown sugar and caramel. Moderate length finish. Moderate flavor intensity, apple flavor, and sessionability. Low to moderate complexity.

My Opinion: I liked it. However, its not one of my favorite French cidres. It smelled quite sweet and of apple juice, but the flavor was surprisingly dry and mild, of apple skin, with some hints of richness. With the flavor profile I think I would have liked it a bit sweeter.

Most Similar to: Herout AOC Cotentin Extra-Brut and Aval. However, for a single serve Brittany France cidre, I prefer Celt (this has a bit less sweetness and more complexity though) as well as Lefevre Winter Cidre.

Closing Notes: This also comes in a Doux version, and in larger bottle sizes, but I’ve only seen this one.

Have you tried French cidre? What did you think?

Eric Bordelet Sidre Tendre

January 5, 2018October 21, 2018 cidersays Eric Bordelet, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, Eric Bordelet, french cider, French cidre, sidre, Sidre Tendre, tasting notes

Review of Eric Bordelet’s Sidre Tendre. It is my first time trying this one, but I’ve previously tried Bordelet’s Poire Authentique and Nouvelle Vague Sidre.

Cider: Sidre Tendre
Cidery: Eric Bordelet
Cidery Location: Normandy, France
ABV: 3.5%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged bottles
Style: sweet sparkling French cidre from cider apples, wild yeast fermented

Availability: Semi wide release. In addition to France and the U.S.A., the website says their ciders are available in Germany, Austria, Great Britain, Spain, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Brasil, and South Africa.

Cider Description: Smooth fruity citrus cider with aromas of wild apples from low alcoholic autumn – 3.5% / vol. (Accompanies perfectly on desserts and pastries).

They also make a Brut (dry) version of this cider. The only difference between the two is that this sweeter version has the fermentation stopped early, while the Brut is allowed to ferment dry.

See here and here for more information.

Price: 50% off $17.99
Where Bought: Downtown Spirits in Seattle WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing, after attending a cider tasting class taught by Rev Nat. The shop had a 50% off shelf filled with all sorts of awesome ciders!

First Impression: Light orange amber hue. Low carbonation with some foam. Smells of complex sweet apple juice.

Tasting Notes: Semi-sweet. Medium bodied. Low tartness. Low to moderate acidity. No bitterness, sourness, or funk. Hints of tannins. Notes of overripe bittersweet cider apple, yeast, and orange. High apple flavor and sessionability. Moderate to high flavor intensity. Low to moderate complexity.

My Opinion: Awesome! Although this lovely cider is rather juice-like and lower complexity, it is far from boring. This would make a wonderful introduction to fine cider for someone who is used to drinking sweet commercial cider. It retained the apple & yeast forward qualities of French cider, but lacks any of the more difficult to appreciate qualities often found in Normandy French cider, such as sourness & funk. It is amazing that Bordelet can create such a clean cider with wild fermentation.

This would also make a nice brunch cider, due to the lower ABV, and its complex simplicity would make it food-friendly. Also, although it is rather sweet, it drank like a drier cider (I drank the entire bottle myself and it wasn’t a sugar overload).

Most Similar to: Christian Drouin Pays d’Auge and Eric Bordelet’s Nouvelle Vague Sidre, although both of those are significantly drier. Clos des Ducs is sweeter than this, but Eric Bordelet’s ciders are far superior in flavor and complexity.

Closing Notes: I hope I can find more Eric Bordelet varieties to try!

Have you tried Eric Bordelet sidre? What did you think?

Lefevre Winter Cidre

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

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

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

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

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

See here for more information on the cider.

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

See here for more information on the cidery.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you tried Lefevre cidre? What did you think?

Herout AOC Cotentin Extra-Brut

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

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

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

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

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

See here for more information on the cider.

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

See here for more information on the cidery.

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

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

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

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

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

Have you tried Herout cidre? What did you think?

Pierre Huet AOC Pays D’Auge Cidre

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

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

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

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

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

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

See here for more information on the cider.

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

See here for more information on the cidery.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Florence Loisel Cidre Breton “Gosne”

June 21, 2017June 21, 2017 cidersays Florence Loisel, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, cidre breton, Florence Loisel, french cider, French cidre, hard cider

Review of Florence Loisel Cidre Breton “Gosne”, from Brittany France. It is my first time trying anything from this cidery, but I’ve tried a number of other French cidres (like these).

Cider: “Gosne”
Cidery: Florence Loisel
Cidery Location: Noyal sur Vilaine, Brittany, France
ABV: 4.5%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged bottles
Style: French cidre

Availability: semi wide release, imported by Petit Monde Wine Merchant

Description: none given, besides that this is a Brut (dry) French apple cider

Price: $10
Where Bought: Bushwhacker Cider in Portland OR
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing. This was one of the many ciders I picked up when I was there for Cider Rite of Spring (see here).

First Impression: Light yellow amber hue. Moderate to high carbonation. Smells apple-forward, acidic & fruity, with a hint of funk.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Moderate tartness. High acidity. Low tannins. No bitterness, sourness, or funk. Notes of heirloom, crab, & green apples, lemon, stone fruit, pineapple, and mineral. Moderate length finish, mostly lingering carbonation on the palette. Moderate apple flavor, sessionability, complexity, and flavor intensity.

My Opinion: I enjoyed it – drier than most French cidres (it actually held true to the “Brut” label), and fruity (no significant cider apple flavor or richness).

Most Similar to: The flavor notes and carbonation were similar to Bertolinos (from Italy), but that was less acidic and slightly sweeter. Also, E.Z. Orchards Roman Beauty, Domaine Pacory Poire Domfront, Snowdrift Cliffbreaks Blend, Scandinavian Green Apple Cider, and Dragon’s Head Columbia Crab.

Closing Notes: This is one of the most unusual French cidres I’ve tried – it strayed from the typical course, but the flavor was nice – a perfect cider for warm weather. I found it more “American” than French style though.

Have you tried French cidre? What did you think?

Domaine du Verger Rosé Cidre Bouche

March 10, 2017March 3, 2017 cidersays Domaine du Verger, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, Domaine du Verger, France, French, hard cider, red fleshed, rose, tasting notes

Review of Domaine du Verger’s Rosé Cidre Bouche, a French cider made with some red-fleshed apples to give it a rosé hue. It is my first time trying this cider and anything from this cidery.

Cider: Rosé Cidre Bouche
Cidery: Domaine du Verger
Cidery Location: Brittany France
ABV: 2.5%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged champagne bottles
Style: French rosé doux/sweet cidre from French cider apples, including red-fleshed varieties

Availability: semi wide release

Cider Description: 100% apple juice from 90% bittersweet apples and 10% bitter apples. The pink coloration is natural from the adjunction of a specific variety of apple with red flesh named : Baya Marisa. To make a cider “doux /sweet” the alcoholic fermentation is shorten to about 5 weeks leaving higher natural residual sugar and resulting of a lower alcohol content. It is then followed by a filtration and an adjunction of Co2 for carbonation.

The bittersweet apple varieties are from Brittany France and the bitter apple varieties are from Normandy France.

Cidery Description: Since 1983 the Val de Rance cooperative has brought together the cider-making experience of 300 passionate local growers from Brittany. After recent investments, the cooperative has expanded and modernised its equipment. Today, Val de Rance represents over a 1,000 acres of orchards, producing ten to fifteen thousand tons of apples each year.

The cider from Domaine du Verger is produced from 100% apple juice. All the apples are harvested 90% from Brittany (bitter-sweet) region and 10% from Normandy (bitter). After being cleaned, the apples are gently crushed; they are then fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, and carefully filtered with the addition of Co2 for the carbonation.

Price: $7.99
Where Bought: Schilling Cider House
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing. It was the first time I had seen the brand, and the first time I had seen a rosé French cidre.

First Impression: Light rosé hue. Moderate carbonation. Smells mildly fruity.

Tasting Notes: Sweet. Medium bodied, with a fluffy frothy texture. Moderate tartness. Moderate acidity. No bitterness, sourness, funk, or tannins. Notes of strawberry, white grape, and pomegranate. Low apple flavor. Low complexity. High sessionability. Moderate flavor intensity.

My Opinion: I liked the flavor, and loved the higher carbonation and texture. However, it was sweeter, lower ABV, and more juice-like than I prefer.

Most Similar to: I’ve had several ciders from red-fleshed apples, including Alpenfire Glow, Alpenfire Cinders, and Snowdrift Red. This was quite different than any of those ciders, and quite different than any of the French ciders I’ve had. It tasted more like a cider from American dessert apples which was back sweetened with a lot of fruit juice, then highly carbonated.

Closing Notes: Rosé (grape) wine is from blush grapes. For cider, it typically refers to red-fleshed apples. Here is a nice article on rosé cider. Cidre Bouche literally means “cider with a cork”; many French ciders are named as such.

Have you tried Domaine du Verger Rosé Cidre Bouche? What did you think?

Clos des Ducs French Cidre

January 16, 2017January 13, 2017 cidersays Clos des Ducs, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, Clos des Ducs, France, french cider, French cidre, hard cider, tasting notes

Review of Clos des Ducs, a French cider. It is my first time trying this one, although I’m a fan of French cider.

Cider: Premium Hard Cider
Cidery: Clos des Ducs
Cidery Location: Brittany, France
ABV: 5.0%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged bottles (and 330ml bottles)
Style: commercial French cidre

Availability: wide release

Description: A traditional farmstead product, made with a blend of sweet, tart, dry, and bitter apples.

Price: $6.99
Where Bought: The Cave in Kirkland WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing. I’ve seen it before but never tried it for whatever reason.

First Impression: Medium orange amber. Low carbonation and foam. Smells of sweet concentrated apple juice.

Tasting Notes: Sweet. Medium to full bodied. Low tartness. Low acidity. No bitterness, funk, or sourness. Hints of tannins. Notes of primarily apple juice concentrate (concentrated overly “appley” flavor), with hints of orange & honey. Quick finish length. Very high apple flavor. High sessionability. Moderate flavor intensity. Very low complexity.

My Opinion: I wasn’t too impressed with this one. However, if you like a very sweet, apple juice forward, and easy to drink cider, you may enjoy it. They also offer a pear variety.

Most Similar to: Other French ciders, although this is sweeter than any other one I’ve had, less carbonated, less yeast-forward, and more commercial tasting (less complex). This one doesn’t have as many of the characteristics I’ve come to associate with French cidre. For an easy drinking French cidre, I think I’ll stick with Celt and Dan Armor.

Closing Notes: I should have read the Nutrition Facts on this one before purchase, as 16g of sugar per 8oz is well over what I prefer.

Have you tried Clos des Ducs? What did you think?

L’Hermitiére Cidre Brut

January 9, 2017January 6, 2017 cidersays L’Hermitiére cider, cider review, cider tasting, cidre, Cidre Brut, France, French, hard cider, L’Hermitiére, tasting notes

Review of L’Hermitiére Cidre Brut, a sparkling Farmhouse style cider from Normandy France. It is my first time trying this one, although I’m a fan of French cidre.

Cider: Cidre Brut
Cidery: Cidrerie L’Hermitiére
Cidery Location: Le Theil-sur-Huisne, France
ABV: 5.0%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged bottles
Style: French cidre

Availability: semi wide release

Cider Description: Cidrerie L’Hermitière Cidre Brut is lively and complex, with the delicate aroma of ripe apples, leather, and freshly mown hay.

Cidery Description: This cidrerie, which sits among the rolling hills of the Perche region of Normandy, makes only pure juice ciders in the farmhouse style, that ferment naturally and are bottled without any pasteurization or carbonation – a prime example of the ancestral cider-making process.

Price: $7.99
Where Bought: The Cave in Kirkland WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing. I had never seen cider from this cidery.

First Impression: Medium pumpkin amber hue. Very high carbonation. Smells apple and yeast forward, with some funk and hints of honey.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light to medium bodied with a frothy texture and very carbonated mouthfeel. Low tartness, acidity, and tannins. Hints of bitterness and funk. No sourness. Notes of apples, apple pomace, yeast, honey, orange, and butterscotch. Moderate length finish. High apple flavor. Moderate sessionability, flavor intensity, and complexity.

My Opinion: I really enjoyed it, with the flavor of a Normandy France cider without the sourness, and without too much funk, plus the higher carbonation level more typical of Brittany France cider, yet more complexity/depth.

Most Similar to: A milder Normandy France cider.

Closing Notes: I’m a big fan of French cider (as long as it isn’t sour). They can be surprisingly affordable too. Someday I want to go to France and try the less commercial stuff (as I assume that similar to the U.S., the large producers are the ones that have the wider distribution).

Have you tried L’Hermitiére Cidre Brut? What did you think?

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