Dominion Magic Hour

December 21, 2018December 16, 2018 cidersays Dominion, review British Columbia, Canada, cider, cider review, cider tasting, Dominion, hard cider, Magic Hour, tasting notes

Review of Dominion’s Magic Hour. It is my first time trying anything from this cidery.

Cider: Magic Hour
Cidery: Dominion Cider
Cidery Location: Summerland British Columbia Canada
ABV: 6.6%
How Supplied: 16oz cans
Style: Canadian craft cider from heirloom, bittersweet, & crab apples

Availability: probably only in parts of B.C. (they have a list here), year round, since summer 2018

Cider Description: A refreshing session cider made with our first-press of early season apples blended with French bittersweets and foraged crabapples. Featuring bright acidity and mellow tannins, this cider is best shared with friends in the afternoon sun.

Cidery Description: Dominion is a name that means heritage, collaboration, and innovation — values that inspire us in our orcharding and cidermaking.

Price: ~ $4 CAN / 1 can ?
Where Bought: Victoria B.C.
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing, on a cruise port stop

First Impression: Light straw yellow hue. Low carbonation. Smells mild, of tart heirloom apple.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of dry. Light bodied. High tartness and acidity. Hints of bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of sharp & tart green apple and crab apple, lemon, mineral, and pineapple. Moderate length finish. Low to moderate flavor intensity. Low apple flavor and complexity. Moderate sessionability.

My Opinion: I wasn’t a fan of this, but only because I don’t like super dry & tart ciders. My husband enjoyed this though, as he loves those types of ciders.

Most Similar to: a more tart version of Eden Heritage Cider

Closing Notes: My husband and I visited several shops in the tourist area of Victoria, and I picked up a number of single cans, so I’ll have more reviews of Canadian ciders soon.

Have you tried Dominion cider? What did you think?

Bishop Nectar

December 19, 2018February 16, 2019 cidersays Bishop, review Bishop, cider, cider review, cider tasting, Dallas, hard cider, Nectar, tasting notes, Texas

Review of Bishop Cider’s Nectar. It is my first time trying anything from this cidery.

Cider: Nectar!
Cidery: Bishop Cider
Cidery Location: Dallas TX
ABV: 6.5%
How Supplied: six pack of 12oz cans
Style: American modern cider from dessert apples, with honey

(sorry these photos are pretty bad – I had to use my phone camera flash since the power was out during a wind storm here)

Availability: probably only in Texas, plus online sales

Cider Description: It was good enough for the gods and it’s good enough for you. Nectar is a filtered, semi-sweet apple cider made from different varietals of Pacific Northwest Apples and a touch of Texas honey to usher in divine intervention.

Note that it doesn’t appear they are currently producing this variety, as I didn’t see it on their website.

Cidery Description: When our founders, Joel and Laura Malone, started making cider at home, it was out of necessity. The commercially available cider in Texas was trash. Just plain awful. Overly sweet, artificial candy drinks. They sought to redeem cider. At Bishop, we make cider with ingredients that we can stand behind, rather than hide from. We do not add additional sugar to our ciders. No cane sugar, fructose syrup, brown sugar, or even honey. The only form of “sugar” is juice and it is all sourced domestically from the Pacific Northwest. All of our ciders are gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and made by Texans. They are currently available across all of Texas. To find the locations nearest you- Cider Finder.

They have a tasting room.

Price: ~$2 / can (runs $9.99 / six pack)
Where Bought: Total Wine
Where Drank: home
How Found: my husband picked this up when he was in Texas for business

First Impression: Hazy light pumpkin hue. Low carbonation with foam. Smells of sweet rich apple with a hint of honey.

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

My Opinion: I enjoyed this. It had some uniqueness (reminded me of both beer and French cider), more complexity than expected, and was flavorful but not too sweet.

Most Similar to: a cross between Downeast (sweeter apple forward unfiltered ciders) and French cider (apple and yeast forward)

Closing Notes: Craft ciders seem to be cheaper in Texas than they are here in Washington, by a few dollars per six pack, at least from Austin Eastciders and Bishop, despite them having to transport in the apples or juice from Washington. Strange. I’m guessing it mostly comes down to the cost of doing business being higher here (like employee wages and building rent), and that we probably tax alcohol higher.

Have you tried Bishop Nectar? What did you think?

Eden Ezekiel Kingston Black

December 17, 2018December 16, 2018 cidersays Eden, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, Eden, Eden Specialty Ciders, Ezekiel, hard cider, Kingston Black, single varietal, tasting notes

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

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

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

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

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

Cidery Description: Eden Orchards and Eden Ice Cider began on a trip to Montreal in 2006 when we first tasted ice cider and wondered why nobody was making it on our side of the border. We had dreamed for years of working together on a farm in the Northeast Kingdom; it was a dream that had vague outlines including an apple orchard, cider, and fermentation of some sort. That night we looked at each other and knew ice cider was it. In April 2007, we bought an abandoned dairy farm in West Charleston, Vermont and got to work. Since then we have planted over 1,000 apple trees, created 5 vintages of Eden Vermont Ice Ciders, and have introduced a new line of Orleans Apertif Ciders. Out goals are to create healthy soils and trees in our own orchard, to support out Vermont apple orchard partners who do the same, to minimize our carbon footprint, to contribute to the economic and environmental health of our employees and our Northeast Kingdom community, and most of all to make world-class unique ciders that truly reflect our Vermont terroir.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Austin Eastciders Texas Honey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you tried Austin Eastciders? What did you think?

Eden Cellar Series #9 Siren Song

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Similar to: Liberty Ciderworks Hewe’s Crab SV

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

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

South City Ciderworks Original Blend

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

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

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

Availability: probably only in Northern California, plus online sales

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Similar to: a bit like Blackfin Splash

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

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

Cidrerie Milton CID Original Cider

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

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

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

Availability: unknown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you tried Canadian cider? What did you think?

Hard Row to Hoe The Other Cider of the Lake

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

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

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

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

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

Cidery Description: Making Serious Wines with a Lighthearted Approach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sicera Cidre de Normandie Florentin

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

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

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

Availability: unknown

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Similar to: Kystin Opalyne

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

Have you tried French cider? What did you think?

Newton’s Folly Semi-Dry Barrel Select

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

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

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

Availability: only at Trader Joe’s

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Embark Dream Cicle Field of Dreams

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

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

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

Availability: likely limited

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

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

They have a tap room in Williamson NY.

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

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

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

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

Most Similar to: nothing I’ve had!

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

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

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

Woodchuck 802 Collection Lil’ Dry

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

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

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

Cider: 802 Collection Lil’ Dry
Cidery: Woodchuck
Cidery Location: Middlebury VT
ABV: 5.1%
How Supplied: four pack of 16oz cans
Style: American commercial cider from fresh-pressed Vermont apples

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

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

See this article for detailed info.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hérout Coup de Foudre Cidre Biologique

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See here for more information on the cidery.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you tried French cidre? What did you think?

Alpenfire 3 Pommes (Apple, Pear, Quince)

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

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

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

Availability: likely limited to Western Washington, plus online sales

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

Cidery Description: We invite you to experience the distinctive flavors of our estate grown ciders. Shaped by our maritime climate’s mild summers and tempered by the foggy mist rolling off of Discovery Bay, our apples maintain the qualities they’ve been treasured for by generations of cider lovers. Soft tannins, high sugars, hints of bitterness, and an incredible flavor range are the tools the apples bring us. Slow, cool fermentation, lengthy maturation, and attention to detail is the way we say thank you!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Le Pere Jules Cidre de Normandie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schilling Cider House Visit 34 Tasting Notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Portland Cider Cranberry 2018

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

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

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

Availability: seasonably (~ Nov-Jan), in Oregon and Washington

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you like cranberry cider? What did you think?

Fresh Cut Watermelon Cider

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

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

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

Availability: likely only in British Columbia

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Similar to: Locust Watermelon

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

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

Heidrun Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Honey Mead

October 29, 2018October 28, 2018 cidersays Heidrun Meadery, not cider, review Heidrun, honey wine, mead, mead review, meadery, tasting notes

Review of Heidrun Meadery’s Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Varietal Honey Naturally Sparkling Mead. It is my first time trying anything from this meadery. Not cider, I know, but mead is another alternative beverage I enjoy.

Mead: Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Varietal Honey Naturally Sparkling Mead
Meadery: Heidrun
Meadery Location: Point Reyes Station, CA
ABV: 12.5%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged champagne bottle
Style: American craft mead from Hawaiian macadamia nut honey (and water), dry, naturally sparkling (methode champenoise)

Availability: likely limited to Northern California (although they have online sales – this one is currently listed at $25 + shipping of course)

Mead Description: A few years ago, we had the pleasure of visiting an apiary on the Big Island of Hawaii. Beekeepers here alternate between pollinating cultivated crops and allowing their bees to forage freely in the native tropical flora. The Macadamia is a cultivated tree, of course, and honey produced from its nectar is as succulent and rich as the macadamia nut itself. That richness results in a full-bodied, brut dry mead of subtle complexity and exceptional balance that pairs with a wide variety of foods, from raw oysters to smoked duck.

Meadery Description: We produce naturally sparkling varietal meads using the traditional French Méthode Champenoise. Our trademark Champagne-style of mead is light, dry, delicate and refreshing, with subtle exotic aromas and flavors found
only in the essence of honey. The Meadery was founded in 1997 in Arcata, California. In 2011, the meadery relocated to a farm in Point Reyes Station (just across the
Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco) to develop its botanical and agicultural programs.

Price: $21.99
Where Bought: The Jug Shop in San Francisco CA
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing – they had a large selection of meads from this meadery, from just under $20 up to $50

First Impression: Very high carbonation. Light caramel hue. Smells of tart burnt honey.

Tasting Notes: It was very difficult to determine the perceived sweetness level with the high carbonation & tartness and sweet flavor notes, but I settled on dry to semi-dry. Light boded with a fluffy texture. High tartness. Moderate acidity. Hints of bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of honey, caramel, wood, nut, citrus, and burnt/smoke. Moderate length finish. Moderate honey flavor and flavor intensity. High complexity. Low sessionability.

My Opinion: I liked the flavor, but with the tartness, carbonation, and dryness, it was a bit much for me. It mellowed out a bit the next day though (less carbonation and tartness). My husband was a bigger fan. This was super complex and interesting, and a memorable purchase, but I usually prefer the sweeter still meads.

Most Similar to: The complexity of a fine mead (such as from Superstition Meadery in AZ), except methode champenoise (a labor intensive method for natural carbonation).

Closing Notes: This is my first methode champenoise mead – all the others I’ve tried have been either still (usually sweeter and higher ABV) or force carbonated (usually drier and lower ABV, “session” style).

Have you tried mead? What did you think?

Eric Bordelet Sidre Brut Tendre

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

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

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

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

Cider Description: Traditional semi dry cider.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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