Cider Rite of Spring 2017 Preview

February 13, 2017February 17, 2017 cidersays Cider Rite of Spring, event cider, cider event, Cider Rite of Spring, cider tasting, hard cider, oregon, portland

This year I’m excited to be planning to attend a new-to-me event Cider Rite of Spring, on March 25th 2017 in Portland Oregon. The 4th annual event is presented by the Northwest Cider Association. Cider Rite of Spring has been named “The Best NW Cider Festival” by SIP Northwest Magazine.

Date/Time/Location: Saturday March 25th 2017, noon to 6pm, at The Evergreen ballroom (618 Southeast Alder Street) in Portland Oregon; this is a new venue for this year, and all indoors

Admission: $25 or $40* (tickets sold here), which includes 8 tasting tickets and a tasting glass; this is a 21+ event only

*$40 is for VIP admission, which has the same start time, but includes access to the VIP lounge, with complimentary cheese pairings by Whole Foods and one-on-one interaction with 6 PNW cidermakers who will share a special cider offering for tasting and purchase only to VIP ticket holders

Cidermakers: 30 planned (^5 Cider, 1859 Cider Co, 2 Towns Cider House, 7Bev Corp, Alter Ego Cider, Baird & Dewar Farmhouse, Bandon Rain, Bauman’s Cider, Bull Run Cider, Cider Riot!, Dragon’s Head Cider, Elk Horn Brewery & Cider House, Finnriver Farm & Cidery, Locust Cider, McMenamins Edgefield, New West Cider, Pear UP, Portland Cider Co., Red Tank Cider, Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider, Runcible Cider Co, Schilling Cider, Seattle Cider Co, Snowdrift Cider Co, Spire Mountain Ciders, Square Mile Cider, Steelhead Cider, Swift Cider, Tieton Cider Works, Tumalo Cider Co, and Woodbox Cider)

Ciders: 100 planned

Bottle Shop: Yes – many ciders will be available to purchase bottles of to take home.

Food: Available for purchase from Wasabi Sushi

My Notes: I’ve never tried ciders from 10 of the 30 cideries (many are Oregon cideries which don’t yet distribute to Washington). My husband and I plan to make a weekend of it, driving down from Seattle on the morning of the event and staying overnight in a local hotel. The location near downtown is great as we can park the car once and take The Max or an Uber to the event and dinner.

Stay tuned for a review of the event and tasting notes!

Wandering Aengus Bloom

February 10, 2017February 5, 2017 cidersays review, Wandering Aengus Bloom, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, oregon, Salem, tasting notes

Review of Wandering Aengus Bloom. I tried this awhile back, pre-blog. I’ve also previously tried their Wickson, Wanderlust, Oaked Dry, Byrd, Golden Russet, Bittersweet, Wickson Barrel Aged, Cellar Door, and Pommeau.

Cider: Bloom
Cidery: Wandering Aengus
Cidery Location: Salem Oregon
ABV: 6.5%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles (and draft)
Style: American craft cider from heirloom apples

Availability: CA, ID, IL, IN, MI, MT, NJ, NM, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WA D.C.

Cider Description: Orchards: Hood River, OR Sweet and fruit forward “hints of tropical fruit” Pairings: Spicy food or on its own.

Cidery Description: At Wandering Aengus Ciderworks we press and blend over 20 cider apple varietals to craft our ciders. Our cider specific apples originate from France, England, and pre-prohibition America, but are grown now in Oregon. These heirloom varieties are essential for the depth of flavor, excellent body, and delightful aromatics of our distinctive ciders. All our ciders are always GLUTEN FREE.

They have a tasting room in Salem Oregon open on Fridays.

Price: ~$8.99
Where Bought: I forgot
Where Drank: home
How Found: I tried it previously

First Impression: Medium straw yellow hue. Low carbonation. Smells mild and apple-forward.

Tasting Notes: Semi-sweet. Medium bodied. Low tartness. Moderate acidity. Hints of tannins and bitterness. No sourness or funk. Notes of honey, peach, pineapple, green apple, and mineral. Moderate apple flavor, flavor intensity, and complexity. High sessionability.

My Opinion: This is a tasty cider. It is a nice introduction to craft cider as it is on the sweeter and easy drinking end (not sour or funky for example). I liked the honey and fruit notes.

Most Similar to: Bertolinos Hard Cider and Honeywood Hard Apple Cider

Closing Notes: This is one of my favorite Wandering Aengus ciders, as it is more approachable and less bitter than many of their other ciders. I’m also a big fan of their Bittersweet cider, and their Pommeau is also amazing.

Have you tried Wandering Aengus Bloom? What did you think?

Carlton Cyderworks Carry Nation

January 20, 2017January 15, 2017 cidersays Carlton, review Carlton, Carry Nation, cider, cider review, cider tasting, cyderworks, hard cider, oregon, tasting notes

Review of Carlton Cyderworks’ Carry Nation. It is my first time trying this cider, although I have tried their Black Currant Scrumpy, Sugar and Spice, Slake, First Fruits, AHH!!! Apricot Honey Habanero, Bourbon Barrel Peachy Keen, Citizen, and Impearial.

Cider: Carry Nation
Cidery: Carlton Cyderworks
Cidery Location: McMinnville OR
ABV: 6.25%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles (and draft)
Style: American craft semi-sweet cider, with cane sugar added to backsweeten

Availability: Only in Oregon and Washington

Cider Description: In honor of the resolute and tenacious Carry Nation, we craft this refreshing and unique Northwest cider. Made from a blend of apples grown in the fertile soils of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, our cider is approachable, sprightly, with a hint of sweetness – the exact opposite of the original Carry Nation. So drink to the memory of a woman who smashed bars with a hatchet – while carrying a bible. Drink to the memory of this leader who was banned from Kansas City for life. Honor her memory in the best way possible – with a bottle of Carry Nation!

Cidery Description: Family-owned Micro Cidery. We make some traditional cider. We make some modern cider. It’s all good stuff.

They have a taproom in McMinnville Oregon with their ciders and many others.

Price: $8.00
Where Bought: Schilling Cider House
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing. Its one of the few ciders from them I hadn’t tried.

First Impression: Medium straw yellow hue. Low carbonation. Smells apple-forward, with a hint of tannins.

Tasting Notes: Semi-sweet to semi-dry. Medium bodied. Low tartness and acidity. Hints of tannins and bitterness. No sourness or funk. This apple-forward cider also has notes of mango, pineapple, green apple, honey, and mineral. Quick finish. High sessionability. Moderate apple flavor, complexity, and flavor intensity.

My Opinion: This is an above average flagship semi-sweet cider. I liked that it had a bit more complexity and was very flavorful without being overly sweet.

Most Similar to: Soultree Authentic Dry Cider, Vermont Cider Co. Addison and William Tell Dry Hard Apple Cider.

Closing Notes: This is probably tied with their Bourbon Barrel Peachy Keen for my favorite Carlton cider. However, I think it is more suited for a multipack than $8 / 500ml.

Have you tried Carlton Carry Nation? What did you think?

2 Towns Return of the Mack

December 5, 2016December 3, 2016 cidersays 2 Towns, review 2 Towns, cider, cider review, cider tasting, Corvallis, hard cider, oregon, Return of the Mac, Return of the Mack, tasting notes

Review of 2 Towns Return of the Mack, a limited release unfiltered oak aged cider made with McIntosh apples. I previously tried an earlier release of this on draft (see here). I’ve also tried many other ciders from 2 Towns (see here).

>>This is a review of a sample bottle provided to Cider Says by 2 Towns. Although I will take care to treat it the same as any other review, there is always the potential for bias as I received it for free. The only consideration I knowingly made was pushing this up in my cider review cue. I love free stuff, especially cider! Want your cider or cider-related product reviewed here? Contact me.<<

Cider: Return of the Mack
Cidery: 2 Towns
Cidery Location: Corvallis Oregon
ABV: 8.4%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles (and kegs)
Style: American craft unfiltered cider with McIntosh apples, aged 12 months in oak foeders

Availability: Limited release, but 2 Towns ciders are generally available in AK, CA, HI, ID, OR, WA, and Minneapolis MN & Chicago IL.

Cider Description: Rich and complex, Return of the Mack is a specialty cider aged for 12 months in 1800 liter oak foeders and finished with McIntosh apples. So good. Yes, I cried, yes, I cried.

From Dave Takush, head cider maker for 2 Towns Ciderhouse: Return of the Mack is super rich, exceptionally juicy and has a big oak tannin backbone. It makes a great pairing with dark and stormy nights, and 90s slow jams.

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

Price: n/a (retails for $7.99)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: It showed up at my door (I’m spoiled!).

First Impression: Hazy dark pumpkin straw yellow. Still (no carbonation). Smells like tart unfiltered apple juice.

Tasting Notes: On the drier side of semi-sweet. Medium bodied. Low to moderate tartness. Moderate acidity. Hints of bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Smooth with a well-hidden ABV. Notes of unfiltered apple juice, lemon, orange, honey, and a hint of floral. Quick to moderate length finish. Moderate to high apple flavor. High sessionability. Moderate flavor intensity. Low complexity. Low oak influence (I expect it smoothed the flavor out more than adding any significant overt oak flavor).

My Opinion: I enjoyed Return of the Mack, but it is more of a basic easy drinking cider which I would expect to find in a multi pack, vs. a single bottle specialty release.

Most Similar to: I’d call this a sweeter, more boozy, and slightly more complex version of 2 Towns Out Cider.

Closing Notes: 2 Towns makes some great stuff. My favorites are Traditions Bourbon Barrel 2012, Bad Apple, Hop & Stalk, Traditions Cidre Bouche 2015, and Pommeau 2015.

Have you tried 2 Towns Return of the Mack? What did you think?

Red Tank Roughneck

November 16, 2016November 13, 2016 cidersays Red Tank, review Bend, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, oregon, Red Tank, Roughneck, tasting notes

Review of Red Tank’s Roughneck. Its my second time trying it (I previously tried it on draft; see here), and I’ve also tried their Happy Cider, Yukon Cornelius, Sour Cherry, Tropical, and Pear Bear.

Cider: Roughneck
Cidery: Red Tank
Cidery Location: Bend Oregon
ABV: 6.5%
How Supplied: four pack of 16oz cans (and draft)
Style: American craft cider from dessert apples

Availability: Year round in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Northern California

Cider Description: A powerfully complex cider blending all elements into each storied sip. Hints of yeast, earthy sour notes and an almost dry profile keep you wanting more.Our Roughneck Cider is for the hard working people of the NW who know that you can’t have the “sweet” without the “dry”. This is serious cider for a good time.

Cidery Description: Born from years of industry experience, Red Tank Cider creates real North West hard cider. We make cider because we have a serious, uncontrollable passion for it. We won’t stop. It’s not supposed to be easy. That’s why it tastes so good. We practice sustainable techniques in our cider house. We use only apples, yeast and natural sulfites to make our cider. We do not put in any chemical additives and present our craft in its natural form.

They have a tasting room in Bend Oregon.

Price: ~$2.50 / single can
Where Bought: Special Brews in Lynnwood WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing.

First Impression: Medium straw yellow hue. Nearly still (very low carbonation). Smells like acidic apple juice.

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

My Opinion: This is a typical flagship apple-forward semi-dry cider. I thought it was rather average.

Closing Notes: I think I prefer their Happy Cider; it seemed more flavorful and complex (also, slightly sweeter).

Have you tried Red Tank Roughneck? What did you think?

Reverend Nat’s Revival

October 19, 2016October 16, 2016 cidersays Rev Nat's, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, oregon, portland, reverend nat's, Revival, tasting notes

Review of Reverend Nat’s Revival. I’ve tried this cider before in 500ml bottles and draft, but not a six pack. I’ve also previously tried his ¡Tepache!, Hopland #5 / Envy, Newtown Pippin, Ciderkin, Winter Abbey Spice, Hallelujah Hopricot, Deliverance Gin & Tonic, Revival Dry, Sour Cherry, The Passion, and Whiskey Barrel Aged Golden Russet with Black Currant.

Cider: Revival
Cidery: Reverend Nat’s
Cidery Location: Portland Oregon
ABV: 5.8%
How Supplied: six pack of 12oz bottles (and 500ml bottles & draft)
Style: American craft cider from dessert apples, with Mexican piloncillo sugar and two yeast strains

Availability: Year round in AK, CA (Southern), HI, ID, OR, and WA, as well as B.C. Canada, Singapore, and Tokyo & Nagano Japan, although the 500ml bottles are easiest to find.

Cider Description: My newest release is Revival Hard Apple and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share it with you. I start with a secret blend of Washington-grown apples and add piloncillo, dark brown evaporated cane juice, purchased direct from Michoacan, Mexico. I ferment this dark base to all the way to dry using two exotic yeast strains: a beer yeast known for the round mouthfeel in Saisons and a rarely-used secret culture which produces aromas of pineapple, guava and peaches. This cider is brilliantly golden in color and deeply complex while remaining subtly familiar, with just the right amount of sweetness and acidity to be an everyday beverage.

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

Price: $13.99
Where Bought: Target
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing. Its easy to find the single 500ml bottles, but this is only the second time I’ve seen the six packs. The first was at Whole Foods, but only once. Per ounce the six packs are a good deal. I was very surprised to see it at Target, which otherwise only had commercial ciders.

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

Tasting Notes: Semi-sweet to semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Low to moderate tartness. Moderate acidity. Hints of bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of apple juice, apple pomace, yeast, brown sugar, and honey. Slight richness. Quick finish length. Moderate to high apple flavor. High sessionability. Moderate flavor intensity. Low to moderate complexity.

My Opinion: Yum! This is a tasty everyday cider. It varies quite a bit batch to batch, more than any other cider I’ve tried (but that is typical for craft ciders). Sometimes I like it better than other times, but its always good.

Most Similar to: Breton French cider, as it is apple-forward and yeast-forward, although less carbonation.

Closing Notes: This is Reverend Nat’s most typical cider, and my favorite from him.

Have you tried Reverend Nat’s Revival? What did you think?

Wandering Aengus Wanderlust

October 6, 2016September 10, 2017 cidersays review, Wandering Aengus cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, oregon, Salem, tasting notes, Wandering Aengus, Wanderlust

Review of Wandering Aengus’ Wanderlust. I previously tried this at Port Townsend’s Summer Cider Day (see here), although I haven’t done a full review. I’ve had a number of their other ciders (see here).

Cider: Wanderlust
Cidery: Wandering Aengus
Cidery Location: Salem OR
ABV: 6.7%
How Supplied: 500ml bottle
Style: American craft cider from heirloom apples

Availability: At least in Oregon and Washington

Cider Description: Wanderlust is a semi-dry cider with a rich body and a long spicy finish. Enjoy slightly chilled with BBQ, pork, turkey, or aged cheddar. 2015 Oregon Harvest of Organically Grown Golden Russet (45%), Roxbury Russet (21%), Ashmead’s Kernel (16%), Ribston Pippin (12%), and Cox Orange Pippin (6%). Bottled June 30, 2016.

They have a tasting room in Salem Oregon.

Price: $4.75
Where Bought: PCC (a local natural food store chain)
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing. I remembered liking this at Port Townsend’s Summer Cider Day (see my tasting notes here), and for $4.75, I thought it was worth another try. At my next trip to PCC I found their ciders were on sale for $4, so I picked up a bottle of Bloom, which I haven’t had in awhile.

First Impression: Light straw yellow hue. Very low carbonation upon pouring. Smells acidic, slightly tannic, and of citrus, honey, and oak.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Low to moderate carbonation. Light to medium bodied. Moderate tartness. High acidity. Low to moderate bitterness. Low tannins. No sourness or funk. Sharp flavor. Notes of lemon, honey, green apple, mineral, and oak. Moderate to long finish length. Moderate apple flavor, sessionability, flavor intensity, and complexity.

My Opinion: I liked it, but it was slightly more bitter, sharp, and acidic than I prefer. However, it mellowed a bit as it warmed some from fridge temperature. I have found all of the Wandering Aengus ciders I’ve tried so far to have more bitterness than other similar ciders.

Closing Notes: I liked this better when I tried it at Summer Cider Day (where I picked up some bittersweet cider apple flavor, vs. this time there was more sharpness & acidity). As its a relatively small batch craft product, I imagine it changes batch to batch and year to year. However, it was still enjoyable and a good value.

Have you tried Wandering Aengus Wanderlust? What did you think?

Honeywood Winery Hard Apple Cider

October 5, 2016October 1, 2016 cidersays Honeywood, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard apple cider, hard cider, Honeywood, oregon, Salem, tasting notes, winery

Review of Honeywood Winery’s Hard Apple Cider. This is the winery’s only cider, and the first time I’ve tried it.

Cider: Hard Apple Cider
Cidery: Honeywood Winery
Cidery Location: Salem Oregon
ABV: 11%
How Supplied: 750ml corked clear glass wine bottle
Style: American apple wine

Availability: Oregon and Washington. They also have an online store.

Cider Description: Nothing says autumn like Apples! There’s bobbing for apples, an apple for your teacher, and of course apple pie. Honeywood’s Hard Apple Cider is made from Pacific Northwest Apples, the best grown in Washington and Oregon, specially blended into a great Hard Cider. Rich, clean, fresh and fruity, and very flavorful. Can be served heated…add a cinnamon stick or other spices.

Cidery Description: In 1933, Honeywood Winery was founded by Ron Honeyman and John Wood. It was originally called Columbia Distilleries, and produced fruit brandies, cordials and liqueurs. Eventually, they settled on making premium wines and decided a name change was in order for the winery. Contrary to the obvious, Messrs. Honeyman and Wood did not use a contraction of their names to make Honeywood, and in fact, objected to the name on those grounds. An advertising consultant provided the rationale with a line from Oliver Goldsmith’s play, “The Good Natured Man,” wherin the products of fermentation were referred to as, “smooth as HONEY…aged in WOOD…the drink of the good natured man.” Honeywood became synonymous with the elite in wines. A winery must be close to its source of ingredients, and so it is with Honeywood. Located in Salem, in the heart of Oregon’s great and fertile Willamette Valley, the winery is minutes away from some of the world’s finest vineyards, cane berry fields and fruit orchards. Honeywood is the oldest producing winery in Oregon. The winery produces a full line of premium vinifera wines and the most extensive listing of premium fruit and specialty wines. We offer complimentary tasting and our tasting room includes a gourmet marketplace that sells Oregon food products and wine related gifts.

Price: $12
Where Bought: a wine shop in Port Townsend WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing. I had never heard of or seen this cider, and couldn’t find any detailed information online, so I decided to pick it up. I call these finds “mystery cider”.

First Impression: Medium straw yellow hue. Still (no carbonation). Smells like sweet acidic white wine, with a hint of cork.

Tasting Notes: Semi-sweet to sweet. Medium bodied. Low tartness. Moderate acidity. Hints of tannins and bitterness. No sourness or funk. Notes of white grape, honey, pineapple, and green apple. Quick but boozy finish. Low apple flavor. Moderate sessionability. Moderate flavor intensity. Low complexity.

My Opinion: Definitely not what I was expecting. I had guessed this would be dry (based on it being 11% ABV and being made by a winery), but it was the opposite. However, I enjoyed it. More of a dessert beverage than something to have with dinner.

Most Similar to: A cross between sweet white wine and sweet mead.

Closing Notes: This cider was a good value too.

Have you tried Honeywood Winery’s cider? What did you think?

Hi-Wheel Wine & Mead Co. Lavender Lemon

August 29, 2016August 21, 2016 cidersays Hi-Wheel, not cider, review fruit wine, Hi-Wheel, Lavender, lemon, oregon, portland, wine

Review of Hi-Wheel Wine & Mead Company’s Lavender Lemon. This isn’t cider, but instead a carbonated fruit wine, made from fermenting water, lemon juice, sugar, and lavender. Its my first time trying anything from Hi-Wheel.

Beverage: Lavender Lemon Carbonated Fruit Wine
Company: Hi-Wheel Wine & Mead Co.
Location: Portland OR
ABV: 6.8%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles
Style: American craft fruit wine made from lemon and lavender

Availability: Oregon and Washington

Product Description: This refreshing drink has the same lemon start as its cousin Ginger Lemon, but infused with lavender.

Company Description: Hi-Wheel Wine & Mead Co. makes fizzy wines out of fruit not typically used for wine making, such as grapefruit, lemon & lime. Brewed with culinary herbs and spices, we present a growing series of session beverages with AVB around 6.8%, such as Ruby Zozzle (grapefruit), Ginger Lemon, Lavender Lemon, & Lime Habanero.

Hi-Wheel also crafts long-aged meads, with a release of Beloved Sovereign – an herbal honey wine made with Sauvie Island honey, savory spices & citrus – later this autumn. These meads are designed for intimate dinners and connections, in tasteful packaging, and run about 14% AVB.

Price: $6.99
Where Bought: Total Wine
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing. I had seen them before, but only other varieties which didn’t appeal to me (I’m not a fan of grapefruit, ginger, or spicy beverages).

First Impression: Hazy lemonade hue. Low carbonation upon pouring. Smells of tart lemonade with a hint of lavender.

Tasting Notes: Semi-sweet to semi-dry. Medium bodied. High tartness. Moderate acid. No bitterness or sourness. Notes of only lemonade and lavender. Moderate finish with lingering tart lemon and a hint of booze. Moderate flavor intensity. Very low complexity. Very high sessionability (this was too easy to drink!).

My Opinion: A refreshing summer sipper. No complexity, but I liked it. I would have preferred slightly less tartness (as well as more carbonation), but I imagine most folks will like the high tartness, and it only bothered me the first few sips. I appreciated that it wasn’t overly sweet. The lavender worked well and was an appropriate amount–definitely noticeable but not overpowering. This would have been quite boring without the lavender.

Most Similar to: Other alcoholic lemonades, such as from Crabbie’s and Big B’s. I think I slightly prefer the Big B’s Lazy Daze (although its actually a mix of cider with lemonade, so maybe that is why).

Closing Notes: I’m curious to try their other products. I imagine this will sell well, as altervative alcoholic beverages are popular now (alcopop and the like).

Have you tried Hi-Wheel’s fruit wines? What did you think?

Blackfin Splash Semi Sweet Cider

July 13, 2016July 8, 2016 cidersays Blackfin, review Blackfin, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, oregon, Splash

Review of Blackfin’s Splash Semi Sweet cider. They are a relative new cidery, since November 2015 (see this article), and made at the Blue Mountain facility in Milton-Freewater Oregon. I’ve previously tried their Pacific Peach cider (see here).

Cider: Splash
Cidery: Blackfin Hard Cider
Cidery Location: Milton-Freewater OR
ABV: 5.7%
How Supplied: four or six pack of 12oz cans (or kegs); they are currently switching from 4 to 6 packs
Style: American craft cider made from dessert apples

Availability: OR and WA

Cider Description: Fresh pressed apple blend fermented to perfection and back sweetened with fresh more cider from the orchard just before packaging.

Cidery Description: At Blackfin Hard Cider we create top quality craft beverages from the freshest local ingredients. Our apples are handpicked and fresh pressed within sight of the orchards from which they came. Our ciders are created to deliver the best possible quality and value at an affordable price. Proudly produced in the state of Oregon, we celebrate all the adventure and beauty of our beloved Northwest in each and every can.

Price: ~$2.50 / single can (runs ~ $8 / four pack)
Where Bought: Total Wine
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing. I had tried their Pacific Peach cider but not this one, the only other cider from Blackfin available in the Seattle area at this time. In Oregon they also have Tidebreak Crisp Apple and Northwest Berry.

First Impression: Pale straw yellow hue. Low carbonation. Smells very mild, of tart apples, honey, citrus, and floral.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. Hints to mild bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of apple pomace, honey, citrus (lemon), and floral. Moderate finish length. Low apple flavor. Moderate to high sessionability. Low complexity. Low flavor intensity.

My Opinion: I found this to be an average cider…I found the flavor on the boring / bland side (almost watered down tasting) and quite tart.

Closing Notes: I’m glad I tried this, but this type of cider isn’t really my thing. Its ideal for someone wanting a tart easy to drink cider. I preferred their Peach cider, as although it was also more tart than I prefer, it was more flavorful.

Have you tried Blackfin Splash? What did you think?

Portland Cider Company Strawperry

July 12, 2016July 9, 2016 cidersays Portland Cider, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, oregon, perry, portland, Straw-Perry, Strawberry, Strawperry

Review of Portland Cider Company’s Strawperry, a perry (made from 100% pears, no apples) with strawberries. This is a summer seasonal for them (2nd year). I’ve previously tried a number of their ciders; see here.

>>This is a review of a sample provided to Cider Says by the Portland Cider Company. 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: Strawperry
Cidery: Portland Cider Company
Cidery Location: Portland OR
ABV: 5.4%
How Supplied: draft only
Style: American craft perry (made from 100% pears) with fresh strawberries

Availability: Summer seasonal, limited release, draft only. In general, their ciders are available in Oregon, Washington, California, and Colorado (see here), but this draft-only cider likely has less availability then their bottled varieties.

I have been able to determine it is currently on tap at least at the following places: Schilling Cider House in Seattle WA, Portland Cider House (Hawthorne Portland OR), Portland Cider Company Taproom (Clackamas Portland OR), Liberty Tapworks (Dalles OR), Oly Taproom (Olympia WA), and The Growlerie (Beaverton OR).

Cider Description: With a base of our award-winning 100% pear juice Perry, we have blended NW strawberries to create a delicate, delightful cider for the summer.

Cidery Description: Drink it, it’s good! Portland Cider Company was started in the fall of 2012 by an Oregonian and a family of British expats with the mission of bringing handcrafted cider in the English tradition to the northwest. We don’t use concentrates, flavorings, colorings, or anything you wouldn’t want in your cider. We just use the finest Northwest grown fruit. Always gluten free.

Price: n/a
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: n/a

First Impression: Light pink-orange hue. Low carbonation. Smells mild, fruity and tart.

Tasting Notes: Semi-sweet. Medium bodied. Low tartness and acidity. No bitterness, sourness, funk, or tannins. Notes of strawberry, kiwi, and honey. Quick finish. Low pear flavor. High sessionability. Low to moderate flavor intensity.

My Opinion: This is a great summer cider…fruity and sessionable (low ABV and easy to drink).

Most Similar to: I’ve had two strawberry ciders, from Bull Run (Strawberry Fields) and Cider Brothers (William Tell Dry Hard Apple Cider with Strawberry). I find this similar to the Bull Run Strawberry Fields, except Strawberry Fields had a more intense flavor, and Strawperry is more complex. I also find Strawperry similar to Atlas Dragonfruit, which also had strawberry & kiwi notes (but also a weird bitterness).

Random Side Note: This cider holds the record as my most unique sample so far…I received it in a recycled swing-top bottle (its draft only so they didn’t have a typical capped & labeled bottle) and picked it up locally.

Closing Notes: I’m glad I got a chance to try Strawperry–its a unique summer sipper. I think this is one of my favorite Portland Cider Company ciders so far, along with their London Dry Gin.

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

2 Towns Cellar Series La Mûre

June 13, 2016June 11, 2016 cidersays 2 Towns, review 2 Towns, Blackberry, cider, cider review, Corvallis, hard cider, La Mûre, lambic, oregon, sour cider

Review of 2 Towns’ newest Cellar Series cider, La Mûre, a sour blackberry cider aged in Pinot Noir red wine barrels for over a year. It is inspired by Belgian-style sour lambic beer. I’ve tried most of their cider line-up; see my past reviews here.

Cider: La Mûre
Cidery: 2 Towns
Cidery Location: Corvallis OR
ABV: 6.9%
How Supplied: 750ml bottle
Style: American craft sour Belgian lambic beer inspired cider with blackberries, aged in Pinot Noir barrels

Availability: Limited release of 70 cases, mostly in the 2 Towns tap room and a few select accounts in Oregon. In general 2 Towns ciders are available in AK, CA, HI, ID, IL (Chicago), MN, NV, OR, and WA.

Cider Description: La Mûre is made with 100 percent fresh-pressed Northwest apples and whole, Oregon-grown blackberries…Inspired by the Flemish beers of Belgium, La Mûre is 6.9% ABV, bone dry, and holds complex fruit character. La Mûre is aged in local Pinot Noir barrels with lactobacillus for over a year, resulting in a strong backbone, light oak flavors and a wild lactic tang. “This cider is for the more adventurous cider drinker who dabbles in wild ales, sour beers and farmhouse or Asturian-style ciders,” said Dave Takush, head cider maker at 2 Towns Ciderhouse. “La Mûre is French for blackberry. We named this cider after the berry to pay homage to the Flemish ciders of Belgium, and echo wild lambic beers like framboise and cassis.”

Price: unknown (probably ~$20)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home, with a group
How Found: n/a

First Impression: Red wine hue. Still. Slight turbidity and sediment. Smells of blackberries, red wine, oak, sourness, and funk.

Tasting Notes: Dry. Light to medium bodied. A balance of moderate tartness, acidity, and sourness. However, the sourness is more at the front of the palate than a typical sour cider where the sourness hits further back. Hints of funk and bitterness. Tannic blackberry flavor. Moderate to high red wine influence. Low to moderate oak influence. Moderate length finish. Moderate flavor intensity. No apple flavor. Very low sessionability.

My Opinion: I’m not a sour cider fan, so no surprise, I wasn’t a fan of this cider. And thats ok…not everyone likes every cider. I knew going into it that I needed some backup, so I had three cider friends over. They are all sour cider lovers, especially berry sour ciders, and loved this one. We opened a lot of ciders and this was one of the few that actually got finished.

Most Similar to: Finnriver Barrel Berry Sour from Port Townsend WA (although less sour) and WildCraft berry ciders from Eugene OR (all their ciders have a slight sourness although most aren’t advertised as sours).

Closing Notes: If you love sour & farmhouse-style cider, Belgian-style lambic beer, etc, and can find this special release, give it a try. 2 Towns really branched out with this one, making something that won’t be a crowd pleaser, but will be truly appreciated by those who enjoy these types of uniquely crafted ciders.

Have you tried any sour ciders? What did you think?

Atlas Dragonfruit Cider

June 6, 2016June 6, 2016 cidersays Avid (prev. Atlas), review atlas, Bend, cactus, cider, cider review, cider tasting, dragonfruit, hard cider, oregon, prickly pear

Review of Atlas Cider’s Dragonfruit Cider. This is their newest summer seasonal release, made with dragonfruit (which is the fruit of certain types of cactus, said to taste like kiwi and pear). I’ve tried most of their line-up; see here for previous reviews.

Cider: Dragonfruit Cider
Cidery: Atlas Cider
Cidery Location: Bend Oregon
ABV: 6.0%
How Supplied: 22oz clear glass bottles
Style: American craft cider made from dessert apples, infused with dragon fruit and prickly pear juice

Availability: Seasonably in ID, OR, NV, and WA.

Cider Description: A long time ago when dragons roamed the land, soldiers were sent out to bring back one thing for their emperor – the prized Dragon Fruit. Legend has it that as he thrust his sword in the heart of the dragon, fire and fruit was breathed out in his last breath. The fruits cactus like neon-magenta skin and lime green scales very closely resemble the flesh of a mythical dragon. It is believed that those who feast on the flesh, which has a mild kiwi/sorbet flavor, will be endowed with the strength and ferocity of the dragon. Side effects might include breathing fire and other unknowns.

Cidery Description: ATLAS Cider Co. produces authentic hard cider fermented from 100% fresh pressed fruit from our region. Partnering with Northwest farmers to source our fruit has been a priority of ours from the beginning. Our ciders start with a base of NW fruit that are pressed to achieve a balance of sweetness, tartness, and dryness. We forge our ciders in the heart of the NW in Bend, OR.

Price: $6.50
Where Bought: Special Brews in Lynnwood WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing, although I had been on the look out for it since reading online about its release

First Impression: Orange-pink hue. Nearly still. Smells of strawberry-watermelon-candy.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Mild tartness. Moderate acidity. Mild to moderate bitterness. No sourness or funk. A hint of tannins. Strawberry, kiwi, passionfruit, lime, and pineapple notes. Quick finish of the flavor, but some lingering bitterness. Low apple flavor. Moderate flavor intensity. High sessionability.

My Opinion: Although I enjoyed this cider, the taste was a bit of a let down after the intensely fruity scent. I was surprised by the bitterness, although that did add some depth to the flavor. There was even a hint of tannins/astringency.

Most Similar to: Other exotically fruity ciders. Ciders with quince come to mind, such as from Eaglemount and Cider Head.

Closing Notes: This is a unique cider. Although its quite common to add fruit, hops, spices, etc, to ciders made from dessert apples, this is the first I’ve heard of with dragon fruit (at least in the U.S….I see one mention online of a cider with dragonfruit in Cambodia). I’m surprised they were able to keep it so affordable.

Have you tried Atlas Dragonfruit Cider? What did you think?

2 Towns Imperial Hop and Stalk

May 24, 2016May 23, 2016 cidersays 2 Towns, review 2 Towns, cider, Corvallis, hard cider, Hop and Stalk, hopped cider, hops, oregon, rhubarb

Review of 2 Towns’ Imperial Hop and Stalk, a seasonal release with Citra hops and Crimson Red rhubarb. I’ve tried most of their line-up; see my reviews here.

Cider: Hop and Stalk
Cidery: 2 Towns
Cidery Location: Corvallis OR
ABV: 8.0%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles and kegs
Style: American Imperial (high ABV) craft cider made from dessert apples, with Citra hops and Crimson Red rhubarb

Availability: Seasonably (May-Aug) in AK, CA, HI, ID, IL (Chicago), MN, NV, OR, and WA.

Cider Description: An outrageous amount of Citra hops, locally grown Crimson Red rhubarb, and fresh-pressed NW apples create a trenchant hard cider with huge floral, citrus & passion fruit notes. The outspoken dry-hopped character of this cider is best when fresh, so make sure to exercise your Stalk Hoptions before they expire!

Price: n/a (runs $7-$9)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: n/a

First Impression: Medium straw yellow. Low to moderate carbonation upon pouring. Smells primarily of citrus, with some hops and strawberry-rhubarb.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Medium bodied. Low carbonation. Moderate tartness and acidity. Hints of bitterness. No sourness, tannins, or funk. Moderate length finish. Moderate hoppiness, although with less bitterness and lingering flavor than many hopped ciders. Notes of citrus (lots!), hops, strawberry, rhubarb, passion fruit, honey, and floral. Low apple flavor. Moderate to strong overall flavor intensity. Moderate sessionability.

My Opinion: I wasn’t expecting to like this cider as I wouldn’t call myself a fan of hops or rhubarb. However, I really enjoyed it–I loved the complexity and uniqueness.

Most Similar to: Hopped ciders with lots of citrus notes and some fruitiness. Portland Cider Hop’Rageous also uses Citra hops, so you get more citrus & floral than bitter hops. Tod Creek Mala-Hop also had a lot of citrus notes, but used Chinook, Sterling and Centennial, not Citra hops. This is the most citrusy hopped cider I’ve tried though, and the only one with another fruit addition.

Closing Notes: Another winner from 2 Towns!

Have you tried 2 Towns Hop and Stalk? What did you think?

10 Barrel Brewing Company Bubbly Hard Apple Cider

May 11, 2016May 7, 2016 cidersays 10 Barrel, review 10 Barrel, Bend, Bubbly, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, oregon

Review of 10 Barrel Brewing Company’s “Bubbly” Hard Apple Cider, from Bend Oregon. This is made by a brewery and is their first cider.

Cider: Bubbly Hard Apple Cider
Cidery: 10 Barrel Brewing Company (owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev)
Cidery Location: Bend Oregon
ABV: 6.5%
How Supplied: six pack of 12oz bottles
Style: American craft hard cider made by a brewery from dessert apples

Availability: Oregon and Washington

Cider Description: Fix the paper jam in the printer? Finally topped your moms candy crush score? Time to break out the bubbly! The perfect complement to celebrate anything in life.

Bubbly is the creation of 10 Barrel brewer Tonya Cornett, who handpicked Pink Lady and Granny Smith apples from a small farm in Yakima, Washington, to create a blend of juice. Tonya then fermented it out with a wine yeast to create strong champagne characteristics. Hence the name Bubbly.

Made from Pink Lady and Granny Smith apples.

Price: runs $10.99 / six pack
Where Bought: Total Wine
Where Drank: home
How Found: I had read about this online awhile back, but my husband spotted it and brought a bottle home.

First Impression: Very pale straw yellow hue. Low carbonation upon pouring. Smells very mild, of apple juice, citrus, and a mild chemical type smell.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Still (no carbonation). Medium bodied. Mild tartness, acidity, and bitterness. No sourness, funk, or tannins. Juice-like and yeast forward, with hints of honey, citrus, and green grape notes. Moderate length finish. Moderate sessionability. Low apple influence.

My Opinion: Unfortunately this was undrinkable for me and two others who tried it. The end of the flavor was just very “off”…it didn’t particularly taste like it had gone bad, but was just very weird and chemical. Plus I was expecting more carbonation.

Most Similar to: Nothing I’ve tried.

Closing Notes: Disappointing, although I didn’t have too high of expectations for a cider made by a brewery. There aren’t too many reviews online, but they don’t seem to be glowing.

Have you tried Bubbly? What did you think?

EZ Orchards Poire

May 10, 2016May 7, 2016 cidersays E.Z. Orchards, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, EZ Orchards, hard cider, oregon, perry, Poire

Review of EZ Orchards’ Poire, a French-style perry. Note that perry (made only from pears) varies from pear cider (made from apples & pears). I’ve tried a few varieties from them–Semi Dry, Roman Beauty, Hawk Haus.

Cider: Poire
Cidery: EZ Orchards
Cidery Location: Rickreall OR
ABV: 5.9%
How Supplied: 500ml bottle
Style: French-style perry made from heirloom & dessert pear varieties

Availability: As seasonally available / while supplies last, at least in OR, WA, IL, and NY.

Cider Description: Poire is named from the French word for “pear”, and is completely appropriate, natural and perfect for this uniquely delicious drink. EZ Orchards Poire is made entirely from estate-grown Forelle, Comice and Bosc winter pears—no apples. The fruit is carefully cleaned, milled and pressed. No yeast is added to the juice and no sulfites are added. Naturally-occurring yeasts are allowed to ferment over months at low temperatures. Finally, when the sugars are depleted—or nearly so—Poire is bottled and allowed to mature and condition. Like all EZ Orchards cider and cidre, it is never released until it is ready.

Cidery Description: The Pioneers who settled Oregon’s Willamette Valley in the 1850’s must have marveled at their good fortune. The soil was rich, the water plentiful, the winters mild, and summers ideal, crops seemed to burst from the ground. For more than 150 years small family farms have dominated the Willamette Valley – one of the most productive and diverse agricultural areas in the world. The Zielinski Family and E.Z. Orchards are part of this history and ongoing commitment to the land.

E.Z. Orchards Willamette Valley Cidre is the culmination of 10 years effort to develop our orchard and refine our fermentation technique. We grow a selection of French, English, and Early American apple varieties. The fruit contain essential characteristics, necessary to impart structure and aroma in our Cidre.

They use traditional French cider making methods–pressing their apples in a rack and cloth press, fermenting with wild yeast in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for 4-6 months, and bottling before fermentation is complete to allow secondary fermentation to take place in the glass.

Price: ~$9
Where Bought: Schilling Cider House in Seattle WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing. I remembered that although I haven’t had much luck with enjoying American perries, I have liked a couple French poires, so I thought I’d give it a try.

First Impression: Pale straw yellow hue. Low carbonation with tiny bubbles. Smells of juicy pear, mango, pineapple, lemon, mineral, and vanilla.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Medium bodied. Frothy and creamy texture. Moderate carbonation (more than visibly apparent). Mild tartness. Moderate acidity. A hint of tannins. A hint of bitterness. No sourness. No funk. Notes of juicy pear, mango, pineapple, lemon, mineral, and vanilla. Compared to the scent, the pear was less intense and the tropical & citrus were more intense. Moderate length finish. Mild pear intensity. Moderate sessionability.

My Opinion: Refreshing for summer, with subtle complexity, and wine-like qualities. I liked it, as did my husband. This is the first American perry I’ve truly enjoyed. Oddly enough I tend more towards pear ciders, as they typically are more flavorful (although less complex), although neither perry or pear cider is a favorite of mine.

Most Similar to: Nashi Orchards Chojuro Blend Asian Pear Perry (it was also complex, wine-like, and semi-dry, although it had some sourness & funk). The style of Poire seemed in between that of the American and French perries I’ve tried…the American Snowdrift Perry for example had a low flavor intensity, less complexity, and some bitterness…the French perry Domaine Pacory Poire Domfront for example was sweeter, richer, and higher carbonation. Although this perry remained fairly dry, it was complex.

Closing Notes: This was enjoyable. Roman Beauty (cider) remains my favorite from EZ Orchards though. I look forward to trying more from them–I think the only variety I haven’t tried is their Dry.

Have you tried EZ Orchards Poire? What did you think?

Carlton Cyderworks AHH!!! Apricot Honey Habanero

April 12, 2016April 11, 2016 cidersays Carlton, review Apricot, Carlton, cider, cider review, cider tasting, Habanero, hard cider, honey, oregon

Review of AHHH!!! Apricot Honey Habanero from Carlton Cyderworks in McMinnville Oregon. I’ve tried a few of their other ciders–Black Currant Scrumpy, Sugar and Spice, Slake, and First Fruits.

Cider: AHHH!!! Apricot Honey Habanero
Cidery: Carlton Cyderworks
Cidery Location: McMinnville Oregon
ABV: 6.9%
How Supplied: 22oz bottles (and kegs)
Style: American craft cider from dessert apples infused with apricot, honey, and habanero peppers

Availability: Oregon and Washington

Cider Description: The award winning AHH!!! starts with tangy Oregon grown apricots and fresh NW apple juice. Whole habanero peppers are added to the ferment, and when it is ready to bottle, we sweeten with honey from the Willamette Valley. Take one sip and you’ll know why we call this cyder “AHH!!!”.

Cidery Description: Family-owned Micro Cidery. We make some traditional cider. We make some modern cider. It’s all good stuff.

Price: $7.50
Where Bought: Full Throttle Bottles in Seattle WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: I saw this was available in the Seattle area on Full Throttle Bottles’ Facebook feed, and decided to give it a try, despite usually not liking spicy ciders, as it sounded really interesting.

First Impression: Hazy straw yellow lemonade hue. Low carbonation with some foam upon pouring. Smells sour, of citrus, honey, and stone fruit.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Light bodied. Low sourness. Moderate tartness and acidity. No bitterness, tannins, or funk. Notes of honey, then stone fruit / apricots, green apple, citrus, and yeast, and finishing with a bit of habanero flavor & heat. The spiciness started rather mild and enjoyable, but the second half of the bottle was more in-line with what I’ve tasted with other spicy ciders, and too much for me and my friend I shared it with. Medium to long finish length. Low to moderate apple influence. Moderate sessionability.

My Opinion: I wasn’t a fan. I was pleased with the low level of spice (more flavor than heat) at first, but it became disappointing. I imagine lightly shaking the bottle before pouring would have more evenly distributed the spice. Also, I think a bit more sweetness and less sourness would have been nice.

Most Similar to: Other spicy ciders such as Sonoma Crowbar, Finnriver Habanero, and Schilling Siracha Lime. My favorite spicy cider remains Elemental Hard Cider’s Margarita (Jalapeno Lime Cilantro), which has only the flavor but not spice from the jalapeno. I’ve had plenty of other light semi-dry ciders with honey, stone fruit, citrus, and green apple notes though.

Closing Notes: I’m glad I tried this one, but its not something I enjoyed. My favorites from Carlton so far are Sugar and Spice and First Fruits.

Have you tried Carlton AHH!!!? What did you think?

Atlas Session Cider

April 5, 2016April 5, 2016 cidersays Avid (prev. Atlas), review atlas, Bend, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, oregon, session cider, sessionable

Review of Atlas Cider Company’s Session Cider. I’ve tried most of their lineup (see here). This is their newest release, their first canned cider, and their first available in a multipack.

Cider: Session Cider
Cidery: Atlas Cider Company
Cidery Location: Bend Oregon
ABV: 5.5%
How Supplied: six pack of 12oz cans
Style: American craft sessionable cider made from dessert apples

Availability: Year round in ID, OR, NV, and WA.

Cider Description: During WW1 British legislation limited drinking to 2 sessions, lunch from 11am-3pm and evening from 7pm -11pm. During these 4 hour sessions workers wanted a highly drinkable beer with a lower abv, around 4-5%, so they could return to work without being drunk and disorderly. Some workers are said to have up to 8 pints per session. A true session drink also does not necessarily mean it will have less flavor like a light beer. We are aware that our session cider does contain 5.5% abv; this is above the threshold of a session beer, but being a cider it is still significantly lighter, just as flavorful, and more drinkable than other craft ciders with higher ABV’s. Thus we thought our apple in 6 pack-cans was the perfect “session cider” Enjoy.

Price: <$2 / single can (retails for $10.99 / six pack)
Where Bought: Special Brews in Lynnwood WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: I had read about its release through Atlas Cider Co.’s Facebook page, but this was the first time I saw single cans available, so I picked one up.

First Impression: Pale straw yellow. Low carbonation upon pouring. Smells like crisp apples, citrus, honey, and apricots.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry to semi-sweet. Medium bodied. Nearly still. Low tartness. Moderate acidity. No bitterness, sourness, or funk. Notes of honey, citrus, tropical fruit, green apple, and muscat grapes. Quick finish. Moderate apple influence. Very high sessionability. Best enjoyed very cold.

My Opinion: One of my favorite sessionable/canned ciders so far. It is more flavorful than many are, probably as it is a bit on the sweeter side, and was back sweetened (but avoids the overly apple juice flavor which I’ve often found). For being medium bodied, it still tasted very light (probably due to its crispness and light flavors). It also had some nice complexity and flavor notes, which surprised me. I also found it lacked the watered down type flavor which I often taste with similar ciders.

Most Similar to: Other slightly sweeter flagship/sessionable ciders, such as Atlas Hard Apple Cider (in 22oz bottles, and slightly different than this one…sweeter, less complex, and higher carbonation, Crispin Original, Flatbed Cider Crisp Apple, and Henry Hotspur’s Hard Pressed for Cider.

Closing Notes: I wouldn’t mind keeping this cider in the fridge. Session Cider is a probably a close second to their Apricot as far as my favorite Atlas cider. The only thing I would change is to increase the carbonation.

Have you tried Atlas Session Cider? What did you think?

2 Towns Ciderhouse Sun’s Out Saison

April 4, 2016April 3, 2016 cidersays 2 Towns, review 2 Towns, cider, cider review, cider tasting, Corvallis, hard cider, oregon, peach, saison, Sun's Out Saison

Review of Sun’s Out Saison from 2 Towns, their newest limited release cider with peaches and fermented with Saison beer yeast. I’ve tried a number of ciders from 2 Towns; see here.

Cider: Sun’s Out Saison
Cidery: 2 Towns Ciderhouse
Cidery Location: Corvallis OR
ABV: 5.8%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles and kegs
Style: American craft cider made from dessert apples with peaches added, fermented with Saison beer yeast

Availability: Limited release starting in late March 2016, in AK, CA, HI, ID, IL (Chicago), MN, NV, OR, and WA.

Cider Description: Sun’s Out Saison is made with tart, fresh-pressed Northwest apples fermented on peaches with an authentic French saison yeast. Roll up your sleeves, or better yet, rip ‘em off to get ready for this unfiltered, dry, slightly spicy and phenolic cider, with lots of big, clean, fresh-peach aromatics. Savor liquid sunshine from Oregon’s leading craft cider producer.

Made with over 46 pounds of peaches per barrel (a barrel is 238 bottles of 500ml if my math is right).

Price: $7.59
Where Bought: Chuck’s Hop Shop in Seattle WA (my first time there)
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing. I had seen it mentioned online, but didn’t know it was in stores here yet (and didn’t see it at the other 3 bottle shops I went that week).

First Impression: Hazy light straw yellow lemonade hue. Low carbonation and foam upon pouring. Smells of citrus, peach, green apple, a hint of sour, and yeast.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Light bodied. Low carbonation. Moderate acidity. Mild tartness. A hint of sourness. No tannins, bitterness, or funk. Notes of citrus, peach, green apple, tropical fruit, honey, and yeast. Moderate length finish. Low apple influence. Moderate to high sessionability. Moderate flavor intensity.

My Opinion: Yum! This is a perfect spring and summer cider, as it is light and refreshing. However, I didn’t really pick up “slightly spicy” in it, although there is definitely some bite and tartness. I think I picked up a slight amount of “phenolic” flavor, which I read is described as an herbal flavour primarily produced during the malo-lactic fermentation in ‘bittersweet’ ciders.

Most Similar to: 2 Towns Cidre Moscato and Attila Scourge of God based on being light & fruity, plus other peach ciders I’ve had from Blue Mountain (Peach), Blackfin (Pacific Peach), Finnriver (Country Peach), and Fox Tail (Fuzzy Haven).

Closing Notes: Another tasty cider from 2 Towns. This isn’t my favorite style of cider (I usually prefer something richer), but I quite enjoyed it. Sun’s Out Saison also suited the warm temperatures we’ve been having in Seattle to start out Spring.

Have you tried 2 Towns Sun’s Out Saison? What did you think?

2 Towns Pommeau – 2013 Harvest / 2015 Release

March 18, 2016March 18, 2016 cidersays 2 Towns, review 2 Towns, brandy, Calvados, cider, cider review, Corvallis, hard cider, oregon, Pommeau

Review of the 2013 harvest / 2015 release of Pommeau from 2 Towns. This is their third release (the first two were under their Traditions Ciderworks brand), discussed in this article. I’ve also tried their 2011 harvest / 2013 release of Pommeau under their Traditions Ciderworks brand, and previously reviewed a number of ciders from 2 Towns.

Pommeau is a port-style apple wine related to cider. It is made from apple brandy (a spirit from distilling apple cider) with either unfermented apple juice or lightly fermented apple cider blended in (cider in this case), then barrel aged. It is called Calvados when made in Normandy France.

Cider: Pommeau (2013 harvest / 2015 release)
Cidery: 2 Towns Ciderhouse
Cidery Location: Corvallis OR
ABV: 19%
How Supplied: 375 ml tall frosted glass bottle, wax sealed
Style: American craft Pommeau made from apple brandy and lightly fermented cider, barrel aged in French oak for 1 year

Availability: Limited release (500 cases of 12 bottles made), distributed to CA, ID, IL, MN, NV, OR, and WA.

Cider Description: Our Pommeau is made from locally grown traditional bittersweet cider apples which are hand-harvested and ‘sweated’ at cool temperatures. After the apples have sweetened, the fresh-pressed juice is lightly fermented and then aged with Clear Creek apple eau de vie. Our Pommeau is then matured in French oak barrels for one year. The result is a tremendously complex apple Pommeau that blossoms with aromas of fresh-pressed cider, dried fruit, and wood. This bottle will improve with cellaring for up to 20 years.

Cidery Description: 2 Towns Ciderhouse was founded in Corvallis, Oregon, in 2010 with the mission of bringing cider back to the people. 2 Towns Ciderhouse is a proud pioneer in the resurgence of America’s first beverage of choice. We planted our own orchard in 2012 to help revitalize old-world heirloom apples. We are committed to supporting local apple growers by insisting on using the finest fresh-pressed 100 percent Northwest apples and never take shortcuts in the cider-making process. Our process includes careful fermentation and no added sugar or essence flavorings, allowing the naturally fermented ingredients to speak for themselves. Named for two towns in our locale, Corvallis and Eugene, 2 Towns Ciderhouse has become one of the most award-winning and recognized ciders in the West.

Price: $25
Where Bought: Schilling Cider House
Where Drank: home
How Found: I had heard awhile back that 2 Towns made Pommeau, and read an article on their 2015 release in the Fall, so I started looking. At first I only found their 2013 release, but then the Schilling Cider House decided to carry the 2015 release.

First Impression: Rich amber orange hue. Still (no carbonation). Smells alcohol-forward, of rich ripe apples, oak, dried fruit, leather, brown sugar, caramel, burnt sugar, and vanilla.

Tasting Notes: Semi-sweet to semi-dry. Low acidity and tartness. A hint of tannins. No sourness, bitterness, or funk. Notes of rich ripe apples, oak, dried fruit, leather, brown sugar, caramel, burnt sugar, vanilla, tropical fruit, and peaches. Medium to full bodied. Very long warming finish. Moderate to strong apple influence. Low to moderate barrel influence. Very low sessionability.

My Opinion: Amazing! I love how flavorful this is.

Most Similar to: I’ve only had four Pommeaux (the plural of Pommeau), so I don’t have much to compare to. However, I really enjoy this 2 Towns Pommeau, as well as the Finnriver Pommeau. The Finnriver Pommeau (reviewed here) is also quite flavorful and fuller bodied.

Closing Notes: Pommeau is a unique cider related beverage to try, and I look forward to trying more. This is my favorite Pommeau so far! I plan to buy at least one more bottle to “cellar” for awhile.

Have you tried 2 Towns Pommeau? What did you think?

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