Schilling Cider House Visit 31 Tasting Notes

January 10, 2018January 10, 2018 cidersays review, Schilling cider, cider bar, cider flight, cider house, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Schilling Cider House, tasting notes

Tasting notes from my 31st visit to the Schilling Cider House in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle WA. Check out my past posts with tasting notes here.

I was there on a Tuesday afternoon with my husband, during our Winter Break. I got a flight, as usual.

Dragon’s Head (Vashon WA) Manchurian (6.9% ABV): This is made from Manchurian Crabapples, and also available in bottles. Dry. Moderate tartness and high acidity. Mild flavor, with notes of citrus, honey, stone fruit, and floral.

Number 6 (Seattle WA) Peach (unknown ABV): This appears to be a draft-only cider, but I couldn’t find anything online about it. Semi-sweet to semi-dry. Definite moderate peach flavor, but it finished with an odd sourness I wasn’t a fan of.

Sea Cider (Saanichton, B.C., Canada) Sassamanash (9.9% ABV): This is a new seasonal release, with cranberry and hibiscus, and also available in bottles. On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Mild cranberry flavor with a hint of floral. I enjoyed this more once it warmed up a bit, and you’d never guess it was nearly 10% ABV.

Alpenfire (Port Townsend WA) Traditional Heirloom (6.9% ABV): This is the name for their rotating draft-only cider from heirloom apples. Dry. Low tartness and moderate acidity, with some mild tannins. The flavor was very mild, mostly citrus with some floral. This one was also more enjoyable once it warmed up a bit, as it was less sharp. I’ve had this previously, but it was likely a different batch; see here.

Elemental (Woodinville WA) Acai (6.0% ABV): This appears to be a tap-only release. Semi-dry. I don’t know what acai tastes like, but I found it to have a mild pomegranate-cranberry flavor. Moderate tartness and acidity.

2 Towns (Corvallis OR) Nice & Naughty (10.5% ABV): This is an imperial spiced cider, also available in bottles. Semi-dry. Apple-forward with some mild pie spices. I’ve had this before, see here (and I’ve also had the draft-only barrel aged version of it; see here).

I also got a larger pour of Reverend Nat’s The Passion, which I’ve had previously (see here). Then, my friend and manager of the cider house Sarah shared some ciders.

Reverend Nat’s (Portland OR) The Passion (6.9% ABV): This cider is made using passion fruit juice, coconut, and vanilla, and also available in bottles. On the drier side of semi-sweet. Moderate tartness. Moderate passion fruit flavor with hints of coconut, vanilla, and pineapple. Yummy!

Carlton Cyderworks (McMinnville OR) Summer Set (7.1% ABV): This is made from heirloom apples. Semi-dry. Moderate tartness and high acidity. Sharp heirloom apple flavor, with notes of citrus, floral, and honey.

Oliver’s (Hereford UK) Desire (4.2% ABV): This is a keeved English cider, which drank similar to a French cider, except it was still. Semi-sweet. Lovely rich bittersweet apple flavor with some caramel and brown sugar notes, and even some tannins. Awesome!

My favorites were the selections from Sea Cider, Alpenfire, Reverend Nat’s, and Oliver’s.

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

Central City Limited Edition Imperial Cider

January 8, 2018December 27, 2017 cidersays Central City, review barrel aged, Canada, Canadian cider, Central City, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, tasting notes

Review of Central City Brewers and Distillers’ Brewer’s Reserve Small Batch Series Limited Edition Imperial Cider. It is my first time trying anything from this cidery. I picked it up in Victoria in September, when we were in port for a cruise.

Cider: Limited Edition Imperial Cider
Cidery: Central City Brewing
Cidery Location: Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
ABV: 11.0%
How Supplied: 750ml bottles
Style: Canadian cider from local apples, bourbon barrel aged

Availability: limited seasonal release, since fall 2016, only in British Columbia (although in general their products are available throughout Canada; see here)

Cider Description: Central City Brewers & Distillers’ Oak Aged Craft Cider is a limited edition, small batch apple cider. Made from 100% Okanangan Valley apples, oak aged with subtle bourbon tones. The resulting flavour is complex with notes of vanilla bringing balance to a rich, crisp apple character. The effervescent finish makes for a refreshing and flavourful cider experience.

Cidery Description: This brewery opened in 2003. In addition to beer, they also produce spirits and cider.

Price: $16.44 CAD (~ $13.00 U.S.)
Where Bought: The Strath in Victoria B.C.
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing. I had never heard of this producer, and it sounded like a cider I’d like.

First Impression: Medium straw yellow hue. Still (no carbonation). Smells of alcohol, oak, and honey.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry to semi-sweet. Light to medium bodied. Low to moderate tartness. Moderate acidity. Low tannins. Hints of bitterness. No sourness or funk. Notes of honey, lemon, bourbon, oak, and caramelized sugar. Long boozy finish. Low oak influence, apple flavor, and sessionability. Moderate bourbon flavor, flavor intensity, and complexity.

My Opinion: Awesome! I loved the flavor profile of this cider. It was quite alcoholic, but well balanced and tasty. The bourbon was definitely noticeable, which I liked, but not overwhelming. I shared it with a friend on Christmas day, and it was a great choice. The high quality surprised me, as I haven’t enjoyed too many ciders from breweries. Often they are rather beer-like.

Most Similar to: (1) Moonlight Meadery Little Apples (the new canned version like this, but without the first batch can liner issue; it remains much drier than their previous draft version); (2) Eden Specialty Ciders Cellar Series Guinevere’s Pearls (except it lacks bourbon); and (3) 2 Towns Bad Apple (except it also lacks bourbon)

Closing Notes: I hope to be able to find this again. It was an awesome value too!

Have you tried Central City’s Imperial Cider? 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.

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: 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?

Sancho Libre Peach Sangria

January 3, 2018December 24, 2017 cidersays Boonville, review Bite Hard, Boonville, cider, cider review, cider sangria, cider tasting, hard cider, peach sangria, tasting notes

Review of Bite Hard’s Sancho Libre Peach Sangria. It is my first time trying this, but I’ve had their regular Bite Hard cider.

Cider: Sancho Libre Peach Sangria
Cidery: Bite Hard Cider
Cidery Location: Boonville CA
ABV: 6.5%
How Supplied: four pack of 12 or 16oz cans (I got a single 16oz can, but they appear to have since moved on to 12oz cans)
Style: peach flavored cider-based beverage

Availability: unknown

Cider Description: Crisp and refreshing, Sancho Libre Peach blends citrus tang with stone fruit sweetness. Slightly sparkling and refreshing.

Cidery Description: Welcome to the world of Sancho! It gives me great pleasure to know you want to learn more about my sangria. I have crafted them special just for you. Be sure to tell your friends just how much you enjoy your Sancho.

Price: ~ $12.99 / four 12oz cans
Where Bought: a bottle shop in San Francisco CA
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing

First Impression: Pale peach hue. Very low carbonation. Smells of peach-flavored candy.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry to semi-sweet. Medium bodied. Low tartness and acidity. No bitterness, sourness, funk, or tannins. Notes of peach, mango, lime, and strawberry. Quick finish. Low apple flavor and complexity. Moderate flavor intensity. High sessionability.

My Opinion: I liked it. However, this is something best drank quickly on a hot day, not savored in the evening with dinner. It tastes rather commercial, which is how I’d describe it, as they add sugar and flavor.

Most Similar to: Portland Cider’s Sangria, although that is more natural tasting, and I preferred its flavor.

Closing Notes: They also have a “Red” variety of this sangria.

Have you tried Sancho Libre? What did you think?

Cockrell Colonial Winter

January 1, 2018January 1, 2018 cidersays Cockrell, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, Cockrell, Colonial Winter, hard cider, new england style, Puyallup, tasting notes

Review of Cockrell Brewing’s Colonial Winter, a New England style cider. It is my first time trying this, but I’ve previously had their Valley Red, Original, Edgewood Heirloom, Pub Cider, Johanna Star, Call Me Dusty, and Raspberry Habanero.

Cider: Colonial Winter
Cidery: Cockrell Brewing
Cidery Location: Puyallup WA
ABV: 9.5%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles
Style: American craft New England style cider (fermented with brown sugar and raisins)

Availability: seasonably, in winter, likely only in WA (in general their ciders are sold at locations such as these)

Cider Description: This traditional New England cider is produced with brown sugar and raisins for a full bodied winter warmer. Think of our forefathers and enjoy!

Cidery Description: Hand crafted Hard Apple Cider from our farm to your table.
They have a tasting room on their farm in Puyallup WA. Also, here is an article on their opening in 2014.

Price: ~ $11 ?
Where Bought: Schilling Cider House in Seattle WA

Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing, last year (this year’s release is available now).

First Impression: Moderate caramel amber hue. Still (no carbonation). Smells rich and sweet, of caramel, brown sugar, and raisins.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry (but I’m guessing it would measure higher and the acidity is balancing some of the sugar). Medium bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. Hints of tannins and bitterness. No sourness or funk. Notes of caramel, brown sugar, baked apple, raisins, orange, and a hint of oak. Long warming acidic finish. Moderate to high flavor intensity. Moderate complexity and apple flavor. Low sessionability.

My Opinion: I enjoyed it. The flavor was especially awesome. My only note would be that I would have preferred less tartness, but I think then the perceived sweetness would have ticked up.

Most Similar to: Seattle Cider’s New England style cider, although that one wasn’t as intensely flavorful. Also, Reverend Nat’s Winter Abbey Spice, although it had a bit of an odd sourness. Or, for a much drier, modern, and subtle example of the style, Tilted Shed’s Barred Rock Barrel Aged.

Closing Notes: This was a great cider choice for winter, and an excellent value too. The next New England style cider I’d like to try is Alpenfire’s new release, “Tempest”.

Have you tried a New England style cider? What did you think?

My Favorite Ciders of 2017

December 29, 2017February 3, 2019 cidersays 2 Towns, Alpenfire, Angry Orchard, Cidrerie du Vulcain, Cockrell, Dan Armor, Domaine de la Minotiere, Eden, Eve's Cidery, favorite ciders, Finnegan, Finnriver, Henney's, L’Hermitiére, Newton Court, Pierre Huet, Ramborn, review, Schilling, Snowdrift, Spire Mountain, Woodbox 2017, cider, cider list, cider review, cider tasting, favorite cider list, favorite ciders, hard cider, tasting notes

Happy New Year! Now that it is 2018, it is time for a list of some of my favorite ciders of 2017. This is becoming a tradition; see here for my list from 2016 and here for my list from 2015. To make it a bit different and easier, I put them into categories instead of trying to do a top ten list or similar.

Note that I wouldn’t try to make a list of the best ciders, just those I enjoy, as it would be an impossible task to try every cider out there and be impartial. The cider world is very regional, so likely only readers in the NW would have a similar selection. My only criteria for this list is that I drank the cider in 2017. Some of the categories overlap. Truth be told, for the most part, I made the list first, then determined categories to put them in!

Budget-Friendly French Cidre: Dan Armor Cuvée Spéciale Cidre Brut (Brittany) or L’Hermitiére Cidre Brut (Normandy) – These selections retail for $4.99 and $7.99 respectively. The Dan Armor is only sold at Trader Joe’s. Both are on the sweeter side of semi-dry and are true to their respective styles (although the Normandy one is more beginner friendly than many others, as it lacks sourness and only has minimal funk). The Dan Armor is one of my top picks to introduce folks to good cider with, as it is different from sweet commercial selections, but not so out there as to turn folks off to it. Its also a nice gauge on sweetness, as it is in the middle of the range.

Fancy French Cidre: Domaine de la Minotiere Cidre Fermier Bio Doux or Pierre Huet AOC Pays D’Auge Cidre – I tried so many amazing French cidres this year that I had to include more than one! These selections cost a tad more than the previous two, $12 and $19.99 respectively, but also have more complexity. Both of these are low ABV selections, and the Doux was significantly sweeter, as expected for the classification.

English Cidre: Newton Court Gasping Goose (330ml bottles) or Henney’s Vintage (500ml bottles) – Both of these English imports are very budget friendly and tasty. A bit sweeter than some English ciders (on the sweeter side of semi-dry), rich, and tannic, but not bitter. Newton Court is available in Seattle, but I’ve only seen the Henney’s in Portland (and only tried the one bottle).

Swiss cider: Cidrerie du Vulcain Premiers Emois – This cider from Switzerland reminds me of French cidre, but has a style all its own. It was made from Organic native heirloom apples, and wild yeast fermented using traditional methods. The result was a semi-sweet cider with an awesome fluffy texture and complex fruitiness (but with less apple and yeast forward flavor as most French cidres).

European-Style U.S. cider: 2 Towns Traditions Cidre Bouche – This cider is by far the closest to a French cidre than any other U.S. cider I’ve tried. It was a noticeable improvement from last year’s vintage as well. Lots of rich ripe bittersweet apple flavor. Unfortunately it costs more than most French cidres, as even with the import cost, their production costs are lower, as cider apple varieties aren’t rare like they are here.

Perry: Ramborn Perry – I tried two selections from Ramborn Cider in Luxembourg. This perry was complex and amazing, with notes of canned pear, dried pear, mango, pineapple, and guava. Like most perries, as pears have unfermentable sugars, it was a bit sweeter, semi-sweet to semi-dry.

New England style: Cockrell Colonial Winter – This cider is of true New England style, a high ABV cider with the addition to raisins and brown sugar. Rich, complex, and perfect for winter. It is my favorite version of this style so far.

Food-Friendly Cider: Eden Semi-Dry or Eden Guineveres Pearls – Of these, the Semi-Dry is drier, much easier to find, and less expensive. Both however are excellent selections, quite flavorful, but without anything that would overwhelm or clash with most meals. They are also some of the most tannic on this list, same as the English selections.

Rosé: Alpenfire Glow – This sweet cider is made from rare red fleshed apples, and similar to Eve’s Rustica (listed below), is amazingly fruity, with a high flavor intensity. Here the flavor notes were watermelon, strawberry, and rhubarb. It was a perfect Valentine’s Day cider (a gift from my husband – he knows me well)!

Barrel Aged: Finnriver Fire Barrel – Note that this pertains to the previous releases of this cider. I haven’t been nearly as big of a fan of Fire Barrel once they moved to 750ml bottles, as it was not nearly as flavorful (plus the price increased significantly). In the older version, I love the complexity, intense barrel aged flavor (which is rarely found in cider), and high tannins.

Fruity: 2 Towns Prickle Me Pink ^2 – This cider was made using prickly pear cactus fruit, plus, new for this year, watermelon. The result is a fluorescent pink fruity cider which is surprisingly complex and flavorful, yet fairly dry.

Rich: Angry Orchard Maple Wooden Sleeper – This cider was made from bittersweet apples, with Crown maple syrup, then bourbon barrel aged for 12 months. It resulted in a 12% ABV cider, super rich and complex, with a flavor profile including caramel, brown sugar, maple, oak, vanilla, bourbon, and molasses. This was a truly artisan small batch cider, worlds away from their typical commercial releases.

Spicy: 2 Towns Man Gogh – I’ve never been a fan of spicy ciders, but I finally found one I could enjoy! Here the hint of spice (from habaneros) was balanced by the fruitiness, sweetness, and acidity of the cider with mango. This was an imperial cider, but way too easy to drink.

Commercial: Spire Mountain Dark & Dry – I typically drink craft ciders, but I still drink commercial ciders from time to time. This one is far from dry (more like semi-sweet), but is dark, and has some great molasses flavor. It pairs really well with greasy food, like a burger or fish & chips.

Unique: Eve’s Rustica – This is Eve’s sweetest cider (besides their ice cider), and my favorite. I loved all the flavor they were able to showcase without any additions (just apples & yeast), with notes of honey, cream, vanilla, melon, strawberry, watermelon, pineapple, and peach.

Unexpected: Snowdrift Cidermaker’s Reserve – This cider was made from heirloom & cider apples, but in contrast had a very unique unexpected flavor profile, with pomegranate, white grape, stone fruit, leather, butterscotch, and citrus notes. It is unique, complex, and bubbly. My husband is also an especially big fan of this cider.

Value: Schilling King’s Shilling – I’ve picked up a 22oz bottle of this for as low as $4 (at Total Wine, actually cheaper than at the Cider House), which is a steal for a tasty barrel aged brandy infused cider. This is more sessionable than you’d expect too. Semi-dry and semi-sweet, with notes of honey and citrus, plus hints of maple syrup, oak, and spice.

Unexpected & Value: Finnegan Cider Harvest Blend – This was another unexpectedly awesome cider which was also a great value. I picked this up in Portland, for just over $7 for 500ml of cider from cider apples. Semi-dry, with richness, high carbonation, and notes of rich ripe apples, caramel, leather, orange, stone fruit, honey, oak, and apple brandy.

Favorite from a New-to-Me cidery: Woodbox Double Barrel Whiskey Barrel Ice Cider – This was the first (and only) cider I have tried from Woodbox, at Cider Rite of Spring in Portland. I bought a bottle, but haven’t wanted to open it yet. Lots of whiskey flavor in addition to caramel, vanilla, oak, and more. It was rather budget-friendly for an ice cider too, at $17 / 375ml.

Pommeau: 2 Towns Pommeau – This remains my favorite Pommeau. Super flavorful, rich, and complex, with notes of ripe apples, oak, dried fruit, leather, brown sugar, caramel, burnt sugar, vanilla, tropical fruit, and peaches.

Ice Cider: Eden Cellar Series The Falstaff – This year I was spoiled with an amazing treat, a bottle of Eden’s 7! year barrel aged ice cider. This ties with Alpenfire Smoke for the most complex cider I’ve ever drank. The flavor was all over the place, from molasses, caramel, and brown sugar, to tart green apple and lemon, to raisin, to pie spices.

Overall: Alpenfire Smoke – This 16% ABV sipping cider has an amazing complexity, with rich oaky smokey flavor. If I had to name just one favorite cider, this would be it. However, it is not an everyday sort of cider. They recently released a new batch of it, but I haven’t tried it yet (I’m still working on my stockpile of the old version).

Other: Also, while I’m at it, my favorite cider event in 2017 was Cider Summit Seattle, my favorite (and only) class was by Rev Nat, and my favorite bottle shop & bar was Schilling Cider House.

Well, there you have it, a list of 26 of my favorite ciders from 2017. They have a lot in common–most are rich and full-flavored. What are some of your favorite ciders?

Cidrerie du Vulcain Premiers Emois

December 27, 2017December 24, 2017 cidersays Cidrerie du Vulcain, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, Cidrerie du Vulcain, hard cider, Swiss, Swiss cider, Switzerland, tasting notes, Vulcain

Review of Cidrerie du Vulcain’s Premiers Emois, from Switzerland. Its my first time trying this cider, but I have previously tasted their Transparente.

Cider:  Premiers Emois
Cidery:  Cidrerie du Vulcain
Cidery Location:  Le Mouret, Switzerland
ABV: 7.1%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged bottles
Style: Swiss Doux (sweet) sparkling cider, with Organic native heirloom apples, wild yeast fermented, made using traditional methods

Availability: unknown

Cider Description: Delicate aromas of apples. A note of ash. A note of something the color green: mountain plants that change with air into walnut husk. But everything is hinted at. It’s aptly named. Premiers Emois: the first stirrings of love, of infatuation. It’s a blushing bouquet. On the front palate it is a little weightier than Transparente and it is a tad sweeter. But even though it says doux, it tastes demi-sec. It is the softest of the bunch, with great fruit, no astringency, and the least pronounced saltiness. Lovely, affectionate, secretive. It’s like holding hands, like one’s premiers emois. Pair after winter with the first warm rays of sun, and with all spring afternoons thereafter.

Here is more info on the cider.

Apple Varieties: Bohnapfel, Pomme Raisin, Boskop, and Engishofer

Cidery Description: Cidrerie du Vulcain was started in 2006 by Jacques Perritaz. The cidery’s name is from the local Vulcan butterfly that feeds on the juice of fallen apples. Here is a more info on the cidery.

Price: 50% off $18.99
Where Bought: Downtown Spirits in Seattle WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing, after Rev Nat’s cider class during WA Cider Week 2017. They had a great selection of ciders on a 50% off shelf, and I bought most of them (including Eric Bordelet, Slyboro, Alpenfire, and this one).

First Impression: Light orange gold hue. Moderate to high carbonation, tiny bubbles, with some foam. Smells fruity, of yeast, with a hint of funk.

Tasting Notes: On the drier side of semi-sweet. Medium bodied with a fluffy texture. Low tartness. Low to moderate acidity. Hints of tannins and funk. No bitterness or sourness. Notes of pear, pineapple, strawberry, mango, and a hint of creaminess. Moderate length finish. Moderate apple flavor. High sessionability. Moderate to high flavor intensity and and complexity.

My Opinion: Awesome! I drank this entire bottle by myself, and it disappeared way too quickly. I especially loved the flavor and texture. It was very complex and immensely fruity.

Most Similar to: The texture (natural high carbonation) and scent reminded me of French cider, but it was missing the apple and yeast forward flavor of a French cider. The most similar U.S. cider I’ve had is Eve’s Rustica, which I also really enjoyed.

Closing Notes: This is the only Swiss cidery I’ve seen ciders from in the U.S.

Have you tried any Swiss ciders, such as from Cidrerie du Vulcain? What did you think?

Slyboro Night Pasture

December 22, 2017December 20, 2017 cidersays review, Slyboro cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Hicks Orchard, New York, Night Pasture, Slyboro, tasting notes

Review of Slyboro’s Night Pasture. It is my first time trying this, but I have had their Old Sin and Hidden Star.

Cider: Night Pasture
Cidery: Slyboro
Cidery Location: Granville NY
ABV: 8.0%
How Supplied: 750ml corked bottles
Style: American artisan cider from heirloom & cider apple varieties, still, dry

Availability: Currently sold out for the year, but typically sold year-round, in limited markets

Cider Description: Subtly complex, dry, with hints of spice and caramel, made from Golden Delicious, English Bittersweet varieties and Northern Spy apples. Named after our oldest orchard, where earlier farmers once turned out their livestock at the end of the workday. Now a favorite spot for painters, dancers, apple pickers, skiers and red foxes.

Cidery Description: Named for the centuries-old hamlet that is home to Hicks Orchard, Slyboro Ciderhouse re-introduces the lost craft of traditional American ciders. Just as grapes are transformed into wine, our ciders are fermented from our own orchard-grown apples; unlocking the full potential of the apple by creatively blending a a distinctive range of delicious, award-winning ciders. We at Slyboro Ciderhouse are dedicated to reclaiming cider – “true cider” – as America’s favorite drink. We invite you to explore and discover the flavors and delights of Slyboro Ciders. In any season, for special occasions, or to enrich the moment, “consider cider.”

Slyboro has a tasting room open seasonally, July through Christmas.

Price: $10 (50% off of $20, although the cidery lists it for $11.99, now sold out)
Where Bought: Downtown Spirits in Seattle WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing. I visited the store for a cider class taught by Rev Nat during WA Cider Week 2017, and stocked up on all the awesome ciders on their 50% off shelf. Unfortunately the higher end ciders from cider apples can sell slowly even where cider is popular, such as here in the Seattle area.

First Impression: Dark straw yellow hue, with some particulates. Still (no carbonation). Smells mild, of rich caramel and earth.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of dry (but that was just perceived, likely due to the ‘juiciness’, as their website says 0% residual sugar). Light bodied. Low to moderate tartness. Moderate acidity. Low tannins. Hints of bitterness and funk. No sourness. Notes of caramel, earth, smoke, wax, cork, lemon, and a hint of herbs. Long slightly warming acidic finish. Low to moderate apple flavor, flavor intensity, and sessionability. Moderate to high complexity.

My Opinion: I liked it. This was much more doable for me than many of the other dry East Coast ciders I’ve tried, which tend to be much more acidic and less intense in flavor than the Washington ciders I am used to. This would be very food friendly, and likely appeal to wine lovers as well. It had a really unique flavor profile.

Most Similar to: Understood in Motion 02 and Farnum Hill Kingston Black

Closing Notes: My favorite from Slyboro remains their Old Sin, due to its higher flavor intensity, richness, and sweetness.

Have you tried Slyboro Night Pasture? What did you think?

Pear Up Pearjito Colada

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

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

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

Availability: Washington and Oregon; see here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leavenworth Cider Tasting

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

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

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

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

Here is what I tried:

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

Swift Cider Peach Oak

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

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

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

Whiskey Barrel Cider Company Dam Fine Cider

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

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

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

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

Do you enjoy trying new ciders on vacation?

Slopeswell Cider Mystrale

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alpenfire Ember

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you tried Alpenfire Ember? What did you think?

Virtue Cider Michigan Brut

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

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

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

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

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

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

See here for more info on the cider.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Similar to: Seattle Cider Dry and Ace Joker

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

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

2 Towns Man Gogh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Citizen Cider Mr. & Ms. Burlington

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closing Notes: These were some fun creations.

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

Portland Cider Cranberry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you like cranberry cider? What did you think?

Lefevre Winter Cidre

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

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

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

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

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

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

See here for more information on the cider.

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

See here for more information on the cidery.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you tried Lefevre cidre? What did you think?

Herout AOC Cotentin Extra-Brut

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

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

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

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

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

See here for more information on the cider.

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

See here for more information on the cidery.

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

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

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

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

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

Have you tried Herout cidre? What did you think?

Pierre Huet AOC Pays D’Auge Cidre

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

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

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

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

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

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

See here for more information on the cider.

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

See here for more information on the cidery.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reverend Nat’s Viva La Pineapple

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: