Alpenfire Calypso

Review of Alpenfire Calypso. I’ve had this previously, but never done a full review. I’ve also had Alpenfire’s Dungeness, Spark, Ember, Simple Cider, Calypso, Pirate’s Plank, Glow, Cinders, Shrub, Spiced Tonic Shrub, Traditional Heirloom Cider, Flame, Tempest, Foxwhelp SV, Rosy Pommeau, 3 Pommes, Kingston Black, Golden Fox, Smoke, and Traditional Cuvée.

Cider: Calypso
Cidery: Alpenfire
Cidery Location: Port Townsend WA
ABV: 6.9%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles
Style: American craft cider from Newton Pippin apples and blackberries, rum barrel aged

Availability: likely only in the Northwest, plus online sales

Cider Description: An expression of the Northwest. Organic heirloom apples co-fermented with blackberries, then aged in rum barrels.

Cidery Description: We invite you to experience the distinctive flavors of our estate grown heritage 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! Try Alpenfire Cider today and find your favorite expression of the Northwest.

Price: $11.99
Where Bought: their website – I made a large order when they had a free shipping deal during COVID-19 quarantine
Where Drank: home
How Found: this was one of the first varieties I tried from Alpenfire

First Impression: Vibrant dark red hue. Low carbonation. Smells of mild tart berry.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Light bodied. Moderate to high tartness and acidity. Hints of bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of tart apple reminiscent of granny smith, complex berry, and a hint of oak. Moderate length tart finish. Moderate sessionability, flavor intensity, and apple flavor. Low to moderate overall complexity.

My Opinion: I liked it. Easy to drink, but still with some complexity. However, I’d prefer a bit more sweetness and/or less tartness.

Most Similar to: 2 Towns Boysenbarrel, except without the red wine flavor profile

Closing Notes: Alpenfire consistently makes excellent ciders, and has a huge range of selections too, so there is something for everyone.

Have you tried Alpenfire Calypso? What did you think?

Tieton Hazy Strawberry

May 18, 2020May 14, 2020 cidersays review, Tieton cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, tasting notes, Tieton, Tieton cider, Tieton Cider Works, washington

Review of Tieton’s Hazy Strawberry. It is my first time trying this, but I have had most of their line-up (see here).

Cider: Hazy Strawberry
Cidery: Tieton Cider Works
Cidery Location: Yakima WA
ABV: 6.9%
How Supplied: six pack of 12oz cans (and kegs)
Style: American craft cider from dessert apples with strawberries

Availability: seasonally, around May thru August, at least in AZ, CA, CO, FL, ID, IL, NJ, NM, NV, OR, TX, and WA; check their cider finder

Cider Description: As Washington farmers we like to support local growers and Northwest strawberries are some of the very best! This blend of hand-picked juicy strawberries and fresh-pressed cider pours as a ruby blush. It is unfiltered for added body and accentuated flavors. Enjoy this fruity summer beverage with smoky bar-b-que and fresh cheeses.

Cidery Description: From our orchards to your glass, TCW controls every aspect of the growing and cidermaking process. TCW boasts the largest orchard of cider apple varieties in Washington state and the largest Perry pear orchard in the United States. We blend our cider fruit with all Washington apples. We’ve been growing apples, apricots, cherries and pears on Harmony Orchards – our family farm – since the 1930’s and are thrilled to be involved in Re:interpreting the tradition of cider making.

Price: ~ $2 / single can (runs ~ $11.99 / six pack)
Where Bought: Trader Joes (note that they will sell a single can/bottle of any multi-pack, and don’t mark it up beyond the unit price like most other stores)
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing the store, although I saw it first in the Hard Cider Appreciation Society Facebook group

First Impression: Deep red-pink hue. Very low carbonation. Smells of mild sweet berry.

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

My Opinion: I liked it. Interestingly it tasted much drier than the stated sugar content (19g / can), I’m guessing because of the tartness. Nice real strawberry flavor.

Most Similar to: My list says I’ve only tried four strawberry ciders (from Bull Run, Cider Brothers – William Tell, Longdrop, and Seattle Cider), and the later 2 had additional flavors. Tieton Hazy Strawberry is most like Bull Run Strawberry Fields, with a similar level of sweetness and flavor profile.

Closing Notes: I like being able to pick up single cans/bottles of multipacks, so I don’t get stuck with selections I don’t like, although in this case I wouldn’t have minded having 5 more cans.

Have you tried Tieton Hazy Strawberry? What did you think?

Independent Cider Lavender Perry

July 1, 2019June 29, 2019 cidersays Independent Cider, review Independent Cider, Lavender Perry, pear cider, pear cider review, perry, perry review, tasting notes, washington

Review of Independent Cider Lavender Perry. It is my first time trying anything from this new cidery.

Vocabulary: Opinion varies, but in the U.S., most commonly, fermented pear juice is called ‘perry’, while fermented apple juice flavored with pear juice is called ‘pear cider’.

Cider: Lavender Perry
Cidery: Independent Cider
Cidery Location: Dryden WA
ABV: 5.8%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles
Style: American craft modern perry from estate-grown Anjou (common/dessert) pears

Availability: likely only in Washington

Cider Description: Floral aromatics of rose and honey followed by a clean herbaceous pallet of eucalyptus and pear…Semi Sweet…Two varieties of Lavender harvested down valley from our pear orchards were used to create our first botanical Perry. The blended buds from this mid-summer flower are dried and steeped to contribute subtle lavender notes and flavors.

Cidery Description: Independent Cider juices pears from family orchards planted in the early 1900’s. Our heirloom pears, grown in the Upper Wenatchee Valley near Leavenworth, are harvested, juiced, fermented to dryness and aged in the orchards they grew in.

Price: $7.49
Where Bought: Total Wine
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing

First Impression: Nearly clear with a hint of purple. Low carbonation. Smells super mild, of lavender and a bit of sweetness.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of dry. Light bodied. Moderate tartness. Low acidity. Hints of bitterness. No tannins, funk, or sourness. Notes of lavender and lemon with hints of canned pear. Moderate tart length finish. Low flavor intensity, complexity, and pear flavor. High sessionability.

My Opinion: I didn’t like or dislike it. I had expected more sweetness (and in turn more flavor), as pears have unfermentable sugars (sorbitol), so usually they are at least semi-dry, but this was definitely dry, and probably the driest perry I’ve ever tried. My husband really liked it, probably as he likes both drier beverages and lavender. He described it as similar to Brut champagne with lavender, while I thought it was more like a hard seltzer with lavender, as it was so mild.

Most Similar to: Seattle Cider Lavender Lemon

Closing Notes: I’d like to try their other varieties and see if any are sweeter and more flavorful, but from their website it looks like they ferment all their perries to dry, but describe some as being perceived sweeter (like this one, marked as semi-sweet). Also, its interesting they went with the name ‘Independent Cider’, as at least for now it looks like they only make perry. However, I guess a lot of folks probably don’t know what perry is.

Have you tried perry? What did you think?

Whiskey Barrel Cider Co. Triple Play

April 22, 2019April 21, 2019 cidersays review, Whiskey Barrel Cider Co. cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Pullman, tasting notes, Triple Play, WA cider, washington, Whiskey Barrel Cider Company

Review of Whiskey Barrel Cider Company’s Triple Play. It is my first time trying this, but I previously had their Dam Fine Cider.

Cider: Triple Play
Cidery: Whiskey Barrel Cider Company
Cidery Location: Pullman WA
ABV: 5.1%
How Supplied: 16oz cans
Style: American craft cider from dessert apples

Availability: likely only in Washington

Cider Description: Triple Play began as our summer seasonal but quickly became so popular that we decided to keep it around all year long. Made from Gala, Red and Golden Delicious apples, Triple Play is our sweetest cider. Enjoy it as you remember the long hot days of summer!

Cidery Description: Former engineer Trent Maier developed the recipe for Whiskey Barrel Cider and approached his friend and fellow engineer, Brian Augdahl, about the idea of building a space to create the recipe using local, Washington grown apples. The operation began with one delicious cider and has since developed into the creation of several signature ciders with the taste of Washington apples in every sip.

Price: probably $2-4 / 1 can
Where Bought: I think either Total Wine in Northgate, or The Cave in Kirkland
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing

First Impression: Medium amber hue. Very low carbonation. A bit of foam. Smells simply of sweet apple juice.

Tasting Notes: On the drier side of semi-sweet. Light to medium bodied. Low tartness and acidity. No bitterness, sourness, funk, or tannins. Notes of just apple juice, although less sweet / a bit watered down. Quick finish. High sessionability and apple flavor. Moderate flavor intensity. Very low complexity.

My Opinion: I enjoyed it. Super easy to drink and all around likable, although fairly simple. It tastes what I imagine folks who have not tried cider would expect all ciders to taste like, of alcoholic apple juice, although this is less sweet than straight apple juice. From the color and flavor, I’m guessing they made a high ABV dry cider, then back-sweetened with a fair bit of apple juice.

Most Similar to: A less sweet and higher quality version of some popular commercial ciders, like Angry Orchard Crisp Apple and Woodchuck Amber.

Side Note: After first trying their cider, I learned that their name came about as their first cider was whiskey barrel aged, but they have since scaled up production, and last I heard, none of their current cider line-up is whiskey barrel aged.

Closing Notes: Hopefully I find more ciders from them soon. I can see why this would be popular, as it is super apple forward and on the sweeter end, but less sweet (and higher quality and more local) than most commercial options.

Have you tried Whiskey Barrel Cider Co. Triple Play? 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?

Finnriver Lavender Black Currant

August 10, 2018August 5, 2018 cidersays Finnriver, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, Finnriver, hard cider, Lavender Black Currant, port townsend, tasting notes, washington

Review of Finnriver Seasonal Botanical Series Lavender Black Currant. I’ve had this at least a few times, but hadn’t done a full review of a bottle. I’ve also tried the majority of their other ciders; see here. They have new labels, which I think look really neat, more high end and sophisticated.

Cider: Lavender Black Currant
Cidery: Finnriver
Cidery Location: Chimacum WA (outside of Port Townsend)
ABV: 6.5%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles (and draft)
Style: American Organic craft cider from dessert apples, with black currant and lavender

Availability: summer seasonal, sold in AZ, CA, CO, IL, MT, NV, NY, OR, TX, WA, and WI in the U.S., plus Alberta and British Columbia Canada (plus online sales, plus they have a plain Black Currant sold year round for $1-2 less)

Cider Description: Farmcrafted in our Chimacum barn with a select blend of Washington organic apples, organic black currant juice, organic lavender flowers from Olympic Peninsula farms (Jardin du Soleil, Wilderbee, and Purple Haze), and organic cane sugar.

Cidery Description: At Finnriver we ferment out dreams and pour our hearts into each bottle. Our Botanical Ciders are rooted in ancient wisdom, inspired by the seasons and crafted with a spirit of adventure! This bottle is an invitation to discover the possibilities of the apple and the earthly abundance of the farmed fields and wild meadows of the Olympic Peninsula. We are glad to share the beauty and county of the land!

Check out their website for more info. They have a tasting room on their farm+orchard outside of Port Townsend WA which is a family friendly destination, with food, games, and more. If you are heading to Port Townsend, also check out Alpenfire and Eaglemount, and I highly recommend staying at the Inn at the Resort at Port Ludlow (check out my review here, which also links to my reviews of all 3 Port Townsend area cideries).

Price: $9.99
Where Bought: Whole Foods
Where Drank: home
How Found: I first tried this on draft at Schilling Cider House

First Impression: Deep purple-red hue. Low carbonation. Smells rich, fruity, and of lavender.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry to semi-sweet. Light bodied. Moderate to high tartness and acidity. Hints of bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of grape, pomegranate, and blueberry (all three of which I imagine are the black currant flavor – I actually have never tried currants outside of cider so couldn’t really identify their flavor), plus hints of lavender especially on the finish. Moderate length finish. Low apple flavor. Moderate to high flavor intensity and sessionability. Low to moderate complexity.

My Opinion: I really enjoy this one. I usually don’t go for something this tart, but the sweetness helps balance that. It has some complexity beyond what you’d typically see for a flavored cider from dessert apples. Its also pretty neat that they can make Organic cider from local ingredients for only $10 / bottle (even less on draft).

Most Similar to: their plain Black Currant cider, except with lavender

Closing Notes: This is my favorite cider from Finnriver’s regular lineup. My other favorites are Fire Barrel (especially the previous recipe – I wasn’t nearly as big of a fan of the latest release), Farmstead, Oak & Apple, and Honey Meadow. Both this and their regular year-round Black Currant are even better on Nitro draft, tasting crazy smooth.

Have you tried any of Finnriver’s botanical ciders? What did you think?

Barns Etc / Hard Cider Shed’s Country Elegance Heirloom Blend Medium

July 31, 2018April 15, 2019 cidersays Country Elegance, review cider, cider review, Cider Shed, cider tasting, Country Elegance, hard cider, heirloom, tasting notes, washington, Wenatchee

Review of Barns Etc (Hard Cider Shed) Counry Elegance Heirloom Blend cider, Medium sweet. “Barns Etc” is the cidery in Wenatchee WA, and they have a tasting room called “The Cider Shed” in Cashmere WA. This is my first time trying anything from this cidery.

Cider: Country Elegance Heirloom Blend, Medium
Cidery: Barns Etc / Hard Cider Shed
Cidery Location: Wenatchee/Cashmere WA
ABV: 7.0%
How Supplied: 750ml bottles
Style: American craft cider from heirloom cider apples

Availability: very limited (see here), mostly only through their tasting room, plus local delivery for large orders, a few shops in the Cashmere / Wenatchee / Leavenworth WA area, and possibly shipping

Cider Description: Our attention to blending sweet and tart heirloom apples provides this wonderful cider. Grilled salmon pairs nicely with our Country Elegance Heirloom blend ~ medium.

Cidery Description: Country Elegance artisan hard ciders are hand crafted using all natural fresh pressed heirloom apples from Cashmere and Wenatchee, Washington family orchards. The delicate blending of sweet and tart apples provide a pure and uniquely flavorful blend of ciders.

Price: $22
Where Bought: Broken Barrel, a bottle shop + tasting room with wine & cider in Leavenworth WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing, when we were in town for a few days in early December 2017; see my Leavenworth cider roundup post here

First Impression: Light gold hue. Very low carbonation. Smells of acidic heirloom apple cider.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light bodied. Moderate tartness and acidity. Hints of tannins and sourness. No funk or bitterness. Notes of heirloom apple juice & pomace, caramel, orange, and grapefruit. Moderate length finish. Moderate apple flavor and flavor intensity. Moderate to high sessionability and complexity.

My Opinion: I liked it. Nice flavor and complexity. A perfect amount of sweetness for my tastes. Not super tart/acidic like so many heirloom apple ciders (likely balanced by the additional sweetness, as so often they go fully dry). However, it would have been awesome without that hint of sour (I’m really sensitive to it and it just hits my taste buds wrong). Also, at $22, I think it is a bit spendy, costing more than most all other local ciders I’ve bought, even those from cider apples, which usually run ~ $15-20, like from Alpenfire, Snowdrift, Liberty, Dragon’s Head, and Whitewood. Although 750ml can look like a lot, its only 25.4 oz, and at only 7% ABV, it was easy for me to finish the bottle by myself in one night. Its always great to see ciders made from heirloom and/or cider apples, instead of the flavored ciders from dessert apples which make up the majority of the market.

Most Similar to: nothing really, as it had a different flavor profile than most heirloom apple ciders I’ve had, but it was a bit similar to Frecon Farms Scrumpy and Eden Guinevere’s Pearls

Closing Notes: They also have dry and sweet versions of this heirloom cider, as well as a cherry cider and a perry, all retailing for $22.

Have you tried any cider from north central Washington? What did you think?

Locust Watermelon

June 14, 2018June 10, 2018 cidersays Locust, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Locust, tasting notes, washington, watermelon, Woodinville

Review of Locust’s Watermelon cider. I previously tried this on draft (see here), but this time I am doing a full review of a can. I’ve also previously tried Locust’s Sweet Dark Cherry, Original Dry, Green Tea Infused, Washington Dessert Apple, Bittersweet Reserve, Pumpkin, Thai Ginger, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Winesap, Alder Smoked Apple, Mango, Elder & Oak, Wabi Sabi, Apricot 1, Sweet Aged Apple, Berry Session, Smoked Blueberry, Vanilla Bean, Winter Banana, Chili Pineapple, Seckel Perry, Hibiscus, Honey Pear (drier), Apricot 2, Pineapple, Honey Pear (sweeter)

Cider: Watermelon
Cidery: Locust
Cidery Location: Woodinville WA
ABV: 5.0%
How Supplied: four pack of 12oz cans (and draft)
Style: American craft cider from dessert apples with watermelon juice

Availability: likely at least in Washington, Oregon, Chicago, Florida, California, and Texas

Cider Description: Washington apples, watermelon juice, & that’s all

Cidery Description: My brother Patrick and I founded Locust Cider in March 2015 with the mission of making outstanding hard cider using the fruit that is most available in Washington- the eating apple. Washington growers produce 60% of the apples in the United States, and cider-specific varieties are in a major shortage, so we set out to put innovative spins on classic cider-making methods to bring out the best in the everyday apple. Our delicious ciders begin with great fruit- we primarily use “cull” apples- those that are not pretty enough or are too small or large to make it to grocery stores- diverting them from destruction because their juice is still great. Our unique process then transforms the apples into great cider through methodical yeast selection, meticulous temperature control, slow aging, and creative and deliberate blending.

They have tap rooms in Woodinville WA, Seattle WA (Ballard), Tacoma WA, and Ft. Worth TX.

Price: $9.99 / four pack
Where Bought: PCC in Fremont Seattle WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing, after visiting the Schilling Cider House

First Impression: Hazy light pink-orange hue. Very low carbonation. Smells very mildly of watermelon.

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

My Opinion: I like it, especially as I’m a huge watermelon fan. Its a nice light option for spring & summer, less sweet, but still fairly flavorful, although fairly simple.

Most Similar to: The only other watermelon beverages I’ve tried are a watermelon perry (from pears) from NV Cider and a watermelon session mead (from honey) from Bee Haven.

Closing Notes: Locust has a great lineup of flavorful ciders, from dry to sweet, although my favorites from them are on the sweeter end (this one, Bittersweet Reserve, Sweet Aged Apple, and Vanilla Bean + Smoked Blueberry)

Have you tried Locust Watermelon? What did you think?

One Tree Staycation

April 25, 2018May 28, 2018 cidersays One Tree, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, One Tree, Pineapple Mango, Spokane, Staycation, tasting notes, washington

Review of One Tree’s Staycation, a new ish pineapple mango cider. It is my first time trying this, but I have also had their Lemon Basil, Caramel Cinnamon, Huckleberry, Dark Cherry, Crisp Apple, Raspberry, and Pina Colada.

Cider: Staycation (Pineapple Mango)
Cidery: One Tree
Cidery Location: Spokane WA
ABV: 5.6%
How Supplied: four pack of 16oz cans
Style: American craft cider from dessert apples, with pineapple and mango

Availability: Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Illinois, since October 2017, plus limited online sales

Cider Description:
Tropical Vacations are overrated.
-Sharks eat people, period. End of story
-Vog, It’s volcanic fog… Seriously look it up
-In the rain forest, all it does is rain ALL.DAY.LONG
-Sally doesn’t really sell seashells by the sea shore
-When a jellyfish stings you, there’s only one solution…

Cidery Description: It all started with a love for the Washington apple and a father’s day gift of an at home cider kit … and the rest is history. One Tree Hard Cider is made from locally grown ingredients right here in Washington State. When we started on the journey we wanted to use a wide range of ingredients and flavors in our hard ciders to show that it all starts with apples but it doesn’t end there! Our core ciders are Lemon Basil, Caramel Cinnamon, Huckleberry, and Raspberry. We also release seasonal ciders such as Peach Tea, Ginger Apricot, Pumpkin and Cranberry, and keep your eye out for special draft-only limited release ciders! Whether you like your cider sweet or tart, you’ll find a One Tree Hard Cider just for you!

They have a cider house in Spokane Washington.

Price: $3.99 / single can ($11.99 / four pack)
Where Bought: Total Wine
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing (although I had been on the lookout for a single can, as I had seen it in four-packs)

First Impression: Hazy lemonade hue. Still (no carbonation). Smells of pineapple with hints of coconut and mango.

Tasting Notes: Semi-sweet to semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Low tartness and acidity. No bitterness, sourness, funk, or tannins. Notes of pineapple, coconut, mango, and lime. Quick finish. Low apple flavor. Low to moderate flavor intensity and complexity. High sessionability.

My Opinion: Great! I can’t remember the last time I tried a flavored cider I liked this much; so many are too dry or too sweet, barely flavorful, one dimensional, etc. I loved the coconut flavor, although they didn’t say they added any, so maybe its just me? Update – It has become a staple in my cider fridge, and unlike many other ciders, I liked it just as much (or even more) the second time I tried it.

Most Similar to: One Tree Pina Colada, except more pineapple than coconut, and much less sweet.

Closing Notes: This appears to be a year round release – yay.

Have you tried One Tree Staycation? What did you think?

Alpenfire Tempest New England Style

March 19, 2018March 17, 2018 cidersays Alpenfire, review Alpenfire, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, new england style, port townsend, tasting notes, Tempest, washington

Review of Alpenfire Tempest, a newish special release, New England Style (with raisins & brown sugar, high ABV, aged). It is my first time trying this, although I’ve had other New England Style ciders, and tried most of Alpenfire’s line-up (see here).

Cider: Tempest
Cidery: Alpenfire
Cidery Location: Port Townsend WA
ABV: 10%
How Supplied: 500ml bottles
Style: American artisan New England Style cider (4 week fermentation, tank aged 5 months, bottle conditioned)

Availability: special release in fall 2017 (55 cases), likely only available in Western WA, although they have online sales (but I didn’t see this one at the time of review)

Cider Description: Alpenfire’s Tempest, a new release from the 2016 harvest. Phenolic and spiritous, rounded and warming. A proper fall cider, estate apples refermented with raisins and brown sugar. Create your own tempest in a tea cup with this winter warmer.

Apple Varieties: Muscadet de dieppe, Kingston Black, Liberty, Republican, Democrat, plus many more

Cidery Description: Alpenfire Cider, the West’s first certified organic cidery, growing traditional cider apples since 2003. Family owned and operated.

Price: $15
Where Bought: Schilling Cider House in Seattle WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: browsing

First Impression: Medium pumpkin orange amber. Still. Smells of bittersweet & heirloom apples with a hint of funk.

Tasting Notes: On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Low tartness. Low to moderate acidity. Low funk and tannins. Hints of bitterness. Notes of bittersweet apple, apple pomace, must, orange, and leather. Long finish with a hint of sourness and an herbal quality. Moderate apple flavor. Moderate to high flavor intensity and complexity. Low sessionability.

My Opinion: Awesome! This really reminded me of English cider, with the cider apple flavor, slightly higher sweetness, and funk. I loved the flavor and style. It really had all my favorites qualities all in one package, which is rare (rich, complex, flavorful, mid level sweetness, cider apples, and higher ABV). I’m also a fan of the 500ml bottles, as I’m more likely to buy them (plus it probably reduced the price of this cider from ~$20 to $15).

Most Similar to: New England style cider isn’t too common so I’ve only tried four others that I can remember, but this is my favorite by far, likely due to its similarity to English cider. Otherwise, Alpenfire Tempest was similar to Cockrell’s Colonial Winter, more flavorful & complex than Seattle Cider’s New England Style, less sour than Reverend Nat’s Providence, and more traditional than Tilted Shed’s Barred Rock.

Closing Notes: I am really excited to try more of Alpenfire’s new releases, which have been very plentiful of late, as they are are my favorite Washington cidery.

Have you tried New England Style cider? What did you think?

Manchester Road 42

March 16, 2018March 10, 2018 cidersays Manchester Road, review british style, Chelan, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Manchester Road, tasting notes, washington

Review of Manchester Road’s “42”. It is my first time trying anything from this cidery. They appear relatively new, only available in a limited area of Washington, and to only have released this one cider. Despite the name and theming, this is a locally owned and operated cidery, although the cidermaker is British.

Cider: 42
Cidery: Manchester Road Cider Co.
Cidery Location: Chelan WA
ABV: 5.0%
How Supplied: 22oz bottles (and draft)
Style: American cider from dessert apples, medium sweet

Availability: Very limited, in parts of WA, such as Chelan, Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Orondo, and Cashmere (see here)

Cider Description: 42 is Manchester Road’s leading cider and our first to bring to market. This cider is light and refreshing with full apple flavor. The recipe was developed over the last decade reminiscent of a modern, British draft, style cider. 42 tastes great with all types of food and is especially delicious on a warm, summer afternoon. 42 – a smooth, medium sweet, sparkling cider.

Cidery Description: Our production facility sits in the heart of Washington’s apple country with over 170,000 acres of orchards surrounding us. We are able to make our cider locally and with the best apples in the world. What truly makes us unique is the combination of Washington apples and a British cider maker. With over 30 years of experience enjoying and making cider and growing up where cider originated, our cider maker was inspired by north central Washington apples to create a modern, refreshing cider that is popular today in British pubs.

Price: ~$5.99
Where Bought: Dan’s Food Market in Leavenworth WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: Browsing, when we visited in early Dec 2017

First Impression: Light amber hue. Nearly still. Smells of sweet apple juice.

Tasting Notes: On the drier side of semi-sweet. Medium bodied. Low tartness and acidity. Hints of bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of concentrated baked apple with honey and pear, and hints of spice. Quick finish length. High sessionability. Moderate to high apple flavor. Moderate flavor intensity. Low complexity.

My Opinion: I really enjoyed it. However, it didn’t remind me of English cider in the least. English cider would typically be made from bittersweet cider apples, and thus have their characteristic flavor (plus it is often drier and higher in tannins). The flavor was most similar to a typical American craft cider from dessert apples.

I did however notice “natural flavoring” on the ingredient list, which puzzled me, as it is typically only found in commercial cider. Maybe apple flavor? This was quite apple-forward, but ciders of this style are often significantly back sweetened with unfermented apple juice, to impart an apple-forward flavor which can be muted when using dessert apples and fermenting to dryness (which is the easiest way to make cider), add sweetness, and reach a target lower ABV.

Most Similar to: a mix of Locust Honey Pear and Locust Aged Apple

Closing Notes: I’m interested to see what they release next.

Have you tried Manchester Road Cider? What did you think?

Finnriver Fire Barrel

March 8, 2018March 8, 2018 cidersays Finnriver, review barrel aged, cider, cider review, cider tasting, Finnriver, Fire Barrel, hard cider, tasting notes, washington

Review of Finnriver Fire Barrel. I’ve tried the previous version of this (see here) as well as this new version on tap (see here), but now I’m reviewing a new bottle in more detail. I’ve also tried most of Finnriver’s lineup (see here).

Cider: Fire Barrel
Cidery: Finnriver
Cidery Location: Chimacum WA
ABV: 9.0%
How Supplied: 750ml bottle (and draft)

Availability: Limited release. Finnriver ciders are sold in WA, OR, CA, AZ, NV, TX, IL, CO, and Alberta & BC Canada (detailed info here). They also have an online store (which can ship to WA, OR, CA, AK, CO, MN, FL, & WA D.C.), but I didn’t see this one at the time of review.

Cider Description: A robust, bold and balanced taste of traditional cider apples— with a whisper of whiskey and rye spice; smoky aromas; notes of caramel and vanilla; and a mature, tannic finish.

100% Finnriver orchard organic cider apples: Chisel Jersey, Brown Snout, Harry Master’s Jersey, Medaille d’Or, Frequin rouge, Dabinette & Major.

Carefully farmcrafted and fermented with a blend of homegrown Finnriver orchard organic cider apples and white wine yeast in stainless steel tanks. Once the fermentation is complete, we cask the cider in Washington rye whiskey barrels for 5 months to impart depth and character. This award-winning cider was inspired by PNW cidermaker Drew Zimmerman, whose mentorship and cider apple trees helped us establish our orchard.

After chilling, allow the cider to warm slightly and serve; we favor Fire Barrel in a Belgian-style tulip glass. Try it with roasted pork, slow roasted brisket, a blue cheese burger, cured meats, smoked cheeses or any other hearty, savory fare. Caramelize an onion with Firebarrel cider and add to a dish for a feisty meal.

Cidery Description: At Finnriver we gather and ferment the flavors of the land to offer you farmcrafted hard ciders and spirited fruit wines. We are inspired by the allure of the fruit, the ancient history of the craft of fermentation and the lively traditions we now seek to revive. Our mission is to inspire a deeper connection to the land that sustains us….Some of these ciders are small-batch, seasonal and labor-intensive. Others are produced with contemporary methods and more readily available year-round…Finnriver grows over twenty varieties of traditional and heirloom apples in our organic orchard, to feature in our traditional and specialty ciders.

Finnriver has a great illustrated product guide (see here). They have a tasting room and are on the Olympic Pennsylvania cider route, along with the Eaglemount and Alpenfire cideries.

Price: $25
Where Bought: Special Brews in Lynnwood WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: My husband got this for me for Christmas! He didn’t know I had already tried this new release, but had remembered me loving the old one.

First Impression: Light caramel amber hue. Nearly still. Smells of cider apples, caramel, and bourbon.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Very light bodied. Low tartness and acidity. Low to moderate bitterness and tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of bittersweet cider apples, caramel, brown sugar, leather, orange, bourbon, smoke, and oak. Long bitter finish. Moderate apple flavor and flavor intensity. Low barrel influence and sessionability. Low to moderate bourbon influence. Moderate to high complexity.

Opinion: I enjoyed it. However, compared to the old release, this is a disappointment. The price is significantly higher, it is drier, less flavorful, more bitter, and thinner bodied. I agree to serve this at cellar temperature (between fridge & room temp), as colder would mute the flavor. I even enjoy ciders of this style at room temperature.

Most Similar to: Other ciders from bittersweet cider apples. This reminds me of English cider, but with the added bourbon and oak.

Closing Notes: I am curious about next year’s release, and if it will be more like the previous version that I absolutely love.

Have you tried Finnriver Fire Barrel? 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?

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?

Liberty Ciderworks English Style

October 31, 2017October 31, 2017 cidersays Liberty, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, English Style, hard cider, liberty, Liberty Ciderworks, Spokane, tasting notes, washington

Review of Liberty Ciderworks’ English Style. I previously tried this at events such as Cider Summit Seattle 2015 (see here), but I haven’t reviewed a bottle. I’ve also tried Liberty’s Manchurian Crabapple SV, Crabenstein, Abbess, Stonewall, Gravenstein, Cellar Series #G15, New World Style, Cellar Series (# unknown), McIntosh, Golden Russet SV, and Spokane Scrumpy.

>>This is a review of a sample bottle provided to Cider Says by Liberty Ciderworks. 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: English Style
Cidery: Liberty Ciderworks
Cidery Location: Spokane WA
ABV: 8.0%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged bottles
Style: American craft cider from cider apples, English style

Availability: Year round, in Washington and Oregon (see a list of locations here). They also have online sales through Vino Shipper.

Cider Description: Classic cider varietals from the mother country – including Dabinett, Yarlington Mill and Ashton Bitter – come together for this dry, English-style cider. Complex, layered aromas, a hint of bittersweet apple flavor, balanced acidity, tannins and residual sweetness: it’s the perfect accompaniment for both appetizers and dinner. And like all of Liberty’s ciders, it’s made entirely by hand.

Cidery Description: Located in the largest apple-growing region on the continent, Liberty Ciderworks is all about the apple, showcasing the diversity and wonders of locally grown fruit. From well known apples like McIntosh and Jonathan to rare, cider-specific fruit like Kingston Black and Dabinett, Liberty ciders put apples in their proper place: Front and center. We started Liberty Ciderworks in 2013 with a simple, two-part mission: 1) Using apples from local farms and fields to create unique, wonderful ciders, and 2) Sharing them with friends and neighbors across the great Pacific Northwest. Welcome to the cider revolution.

They have a tap room in Spokane WA, which also now has a bottle shop of selections from around the world.

Price: n/a (retails for ~ $12.99)
Where Bought: n/a
Where Drank: home
How Found: one of the co-owners/cidermakers contacted me, Rick Hastings

First Impression: Light amber hue. Still. Smells of rich cider apples.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry to dry. Moderate tartness. High acidity. Low bitterness. Low tannins. No sourness or funk. Notes of caramel, leather, butterscotch, earth, orange, and lemon. Moderate apple flavor, complexity, and flavor intensity. Low sessionability.

My Opinion: Great! This was a fun combination between a high acidity U.S. cider from heirloom apples and a rich tannic English cider. However, it seemes a bit drier and more acidic/sharp than previously. I preferred it slightly sweeter and less acidic, so the tannins and richness could better shine through.

Most Similar to: Eve’s Autumns Gold

Closing Notes: This cider is an awesome value, as cider apples are expensive, and ciders made from them usually cost more than this. However, my favorite remains their Manchurian Crabapple – a flavorful high ABV cider you’d think was brandy fortified, but is not. Next up I’ll be reviewing Liberty’s Hewes Crab cider.

Have you tried Liberty’s English Style cider? What did you think?

Snowdrift Cidermaker’s Reserve

August 28, 2017August 28, 2017 cidersays Snowdrift cider, cider review, cider tasting, Cidermaker's Reserve, hard cider, Snowdrift, tasting notes, washington, Wenatchee

Review of Snowdrift’s Cidermaker’s Reserve. I have sampled it twice before (see here and here), but I’m doing a full review this time. I’ve also tried most of Snowdrift’s line-up: Cornice, Red, Perry, Cliffbreaks Blend, Dry, Semi-Dry, Seckel Perry, and Orchard Select.

Cider: Cidermaker’s Reserve
Cidery: Snowdrift
Cidery Location: East Wenatchee WA
ABV: 9.0%
How Supplied: 750ml corked & caged champagne bottles
Style: American artisan cider from heirloom & bittersweet apples (2014 harvest), Methode Champenoise, aged 3 years

Availability: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey (see here), although this is a more limited release. They also have an online store

Cider Description: Taking the best of the best of our ciders, Cidermaker’s Reserve is a celebration of all the rich complexity cider apples have to offer. After a year of maturation, this cider then begins the full Méthode Champenoise process of in-bottle fermentation, which develops further layers of nuance. The labor of love pays off; its months of conditioning, riddling, and finishing yield a dry cider with continuously unfolding layers of spicy bittersweet apple character, citrusy brightness, and subtleties of toffee, aromatic wood and earth.

Cidery Description: We craft our ciders from great cider apples that we grow on our orchard in sunny East Wenatchee, WA. Our incredible region gives our trees the ideal conditions to grow apples packed with the flavors necessary to produce fine ciders. Hot sunny summers and cold snowy winters result in apples that mature with incredible aromatics and delicious flavors. When ripened to perfection, we pick these apples and craft them with the utmost care into fine cider blends, resulting in rich ciders full of delicious complexity.

Price: $19
Where Bought: Schilling Cider House in Seattle WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: I had tried it before, but my husband really wanted a bottle (this is probably his all time favorite cider).

First Impression: Light gold amber hue. High carbonation. Smells acidic and fruity/grapey.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Light to medium bodied with a fluffy fizzy texture. Moderate tartness. Moderate to high acidity. Low bitterness. Low to moderate tannins. No sourness. Hints of funk. Notes of pomegranate, white grape, stone fruit, leather, butterscotch, lemon, and orange. Moderate to long warming finish, the only time when the 9% ABV is noticeable. Low apple flavor. Moderate sessionability and flavor intensity. Moderate to high complexity.

My Opinion: Great! I enjoy this cider. Unique, complex, and bubbly, whats not to like? However, to me it almost tastes more like champagne than sparkling cider, except for the tannins.

Most Similar to: Nothing all that close, but in the same ballpark is AEppeltreow Appley Doux (slightly sweeter, and more green apple & floral), Alpenfire Cinders (much drier), and 2 Towns Traditions Riverwood Brut (more subtle)

Closing Notes: My favorites from Snowdrift are the Red, Cornice, Cliffbreaks Blend, and Cidermaker’s Reserve.

Have you tried Snowdrift Cidermaker’s Reserve? What did you think?

Ulee’s Light Cider Dry

August 4, 2017July 30, 2017 cidersays review, Ulee's Auburn, cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, tasting notes, Ulee's, Ulee's Cider, Ulee's Light Cider, washington

Review of Ulee’s Light Cider’s Dry. It is my first time trying this cider, which just launched this month. This is described as the first cidery focusing on light cider (although some other cideries also offer something similar, such as Dry 99 by Number Six.

Cider: Dry
Cidery: Ulee’s Light Cider
Cidery Location: Auburn WA (at the Schilling facility)
ABV: 4.0%
How Supplied: six packs of 12oz slim cans (and kegs)
Style: American craft low-calorie cider from dessert apples

Availability: Western Washington (mostly in the greater Seattle area) and Portland Oregon

Cider Description: All of Ulee’s Light Ciders are created with 100% all natural ingredients from the Northwest. Our juice is fresh-pressed from Washington apples and then fermented, filtered and blended with Cascadia water. They are vegan, naturally gluten-free and only 99 calories per can.

Cidery Description: Ulee’s Light Cider was founded in 2016 by three guys who love cider, but hate calories. The journey started ten years ago when founder Scott Gallagher first began visiting Iceland. During his trips he discovered that many of the locals drank hard cider instead of beer. Scott liked the flavor but after sampling many of the European varieties, he acquired a particular taste for Dry-Style ciders. After returning home to Portland, OR, he found that locally available ciders tended to be overly sweet with lots of calories.

Scott and his two buddies, Don Forsythe and Matt Thompson, were drinking cider around the fire-pit—the place where great ideas are born—and started brainstorming what they would like in a cider. It had to by dry but flavorful, locally sourced and all natural, gluten-free, light in calories, and very, very drinkable. It took a while but after working with expert cidermakers and experimenting with 25 different recipes, they finally came up with two ciders that exceeded their expectations.

Price: $1.83 / single can (runs $9.99 / six pack)
Where Bought: Special Brews in Lynnwood WA
Where Drank: home
How Found: On Facebook, as they had a launch party at the Schilling Cider House

First Impression: Light straw yellow. Low carbonation. Almost no scent.

Tasting Notes: Dry to semi-dry. Light bodied. Low to moderate tartness. Moderate acidity. Hints of bitterness. No tannins, sourness, or funk. Notes of green apple, citrus, and mineral. Moderate length finish. Low to moderate apple flavor. Very low flavor intensity. Low complexity. Very high sessionability.

My Opinion: Meh. This tastes like watered down cider (which it is). I’d rather drink a less of a more flavorful cider, especially considering these cost the same as other ciders yet are only 4.0% instead of 5.0-5.9%+ ABV. Its a bit more flavorful though if you drink it in gulps rather than sips.

Most Similar to: Number Six Dry 99 and Seattle Cider Dry. For a dry canned cider, my favorite is probably Original Sin Extra Dry (which isn’t yet sold in the PNW). Or, for a dry cider which is more widely distributed (and more highly carbonated), Ace Joker.

Closing Notes: I don’t really get the point of this (I bought it only out of curiosity), but it is doing pretty well on untappd and such. It also got into a lot of stores very quickly, so they must have some connections. Ulee’s also launched with a second hopped variety, called “Citra”.

Have you tried Ulee’s Light Cider? What did you think?

Locust Honey Pear

July 26, 2017July 22, 2017 cidersays Locust, review cider, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Honey Pear, Locust, Locust Cider, tasting notes, washington, Woodinville

Review of Locust’s Honey Pear cider. It is my first time trying this cider, but I’ve previously had their Original Dry, Green Tea Infused, Sweet Dark Cherry, Washington Dessert Apple, Bittersweet Reserve, Pumpkin, Thai Ginger, Bourbon Barrel Aged, Winesap, Alder Smoked Apple, Mango, Elder & Oak, Wabi Sabi, Apricot, Sweet Aged Apple, Berry Session, Smoked Blueberry, Vanilla Bean, Winter Banana, Chili Pineapple, Seckel Perry, and Hibiscus.

Cider: Honey Pear
Cidery: Locust Cider
Cidery Location: Woodinville WA
ABV: 6.0%
How Supplied: draft only
Style: American craft cider from dessert apples, with honey and pear juice

Availability: Likely only in bars & restaurants in the Seattle area (including Locust’s tap room), although in general their ciders are sold in CA, ID, OR, TX, and WA.

Cider Description: none given

Our delicious ciders begin with great fruit- we primarily use “cull” apples- those that are not pretty enough or are too small or large to make it to grocery stores, diverting these from destruction because their juice is still great! Our unique process then transforms them into great cider- methodical yeast selection, meticulous temperature control, slow aging, and creative and deliberate blending.

We are now made up a great small team: Chelsea, head cidermaker, Ryan, cellar manager, Shenna, tap room manager, Spring, events manager, and Chris, sales manager. We are a “family” passionate about cider, and we thank you for visiting our tasting room, and being part of our family! -Jason Spears, founder of locust cider

Their Woodinville cidery has a tap room.

Price: $6.50 / pint
Where Bought & Drank: Tipsy Cow in Woodinville WA (an awesome burger restaurant)
How Found: This was one of two ciders on draft at the restaurant (they also had D’s Baked Apple).

First Impression: Light straw yellow hue. Low to moderate carbonation. Smells very mild, slightly of tart apple juice.

Tasting Notes: Semi-dry. Light bodied. Moderate to high tartness. Moderate acidity. Hints of bitterness. No tannins, sourness, or funk. Notes of green apple, pear, honey, and citrus. Quick finish. Low complexity. Moderate apple flavor. Low flavor intensity. High sessionability.

My Opinion: I thought this was very average. I liked that it wasn’t very sweet (which most of Locust’s recent releases have been, and is common with draft cider at restaurants & bars in my area as it sells well). However, I actually think the dryness was too much for this cider, as it was very tart and not very flavorful. Also, both pear and honey ciders are typically sweeter, so that would be expected.

Most Similar to: Longdrop Tanager Pear Cider

Closing Notes: I always like finding local cider on tap to go with a nice meal, even if the offering isn’t a favorite of mine.

Have you tried Locust Honey Pear? What did you think?

Schilling Cider House Visit 28 Tasting Notes

July 7, 2017July 7, 2017 cidersays Aspall, Finnriver, Incline, NV Cider, Portland Cider, review, Snowdrift cider, cider bar, cider review, cider tasting, hard cider, Schilling Cider House, seattle, tasting notes, washington

Tasting notes from my 28th 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 random Friday afternoon. There were only 2 ciders on the board out of 32 that I hadn’t tried, so that meant I got to order some of my favorites.

Incline (Auburn WA) Compass Rosé (6.5% ABV): This was the only new-to-me cider in my flight. It appears to be a year round release, and is also available in cans. Like all their ciders, it is hopped, plus hibiscus, elderflower, ginger, and rose petals were added (no grape, which is typical for a rosé). Pale pink hue. Very mild fruity scent. Notes of grape, watermelon, and strawberry to start. As it warmed up, I got a hint of hops and some floral & herbal flavor. I didn’t pick up any ginger (which is good, as I don’t like it). On the sweeter side of semi-dry. Light to medium bodied. Low tartness. Moderate acidity. No bitterness, sourness, tannins, or funk. Mild flavor intensity. Interesting that I found it more fruity than floral, but maybe I was tasting what I expected (I only found out later what was added). I enjoyed it.

Finnriver (Chimacum WA) Lavender Black Currant (6.9% ABV): This is a special release, also available in bottles, which I’ve tried previously (see here), similar to their regular Black Currant (see here). This batch seemed a bit less sweet, with more lavender. Too bad it wasn’t on one of their 2 Nitro taps, as that is a special treat. I enjoyed it.

Portland Cider (Portland OR) Sangria (5.5% ABV): This is a relatively new year round release, also available in bottles, which I’ve tried previously (see here). This batch was a bit less flavorful and a bit fuller bodied, but still plenty fruity. I enjoyed it.

Pear Up / NV Cider (East Wenatchee WA) Watermelon Pear (5.3% ABV): This is a year round release, also available in bottles, which I’ve tried previously (see here). This batch had much more pear than watermelon flavor, and had a hint of vinegar flavor & sourness. I didn’t really care for it this time around with the slightly off flavor. Their raspberry perry is my favorite so far (see here).

Aspall (Suffolk England) Dry (6.8% ABV): This is an English import, available year round, also in bottles, which I’ve tried previously (see here). Their Dry is actually my least favorite of their line-up, but still plenty good. Their Imperial is my favorite so far (see here); too bad they stopped selling the black label version of it though, as that was a truly amazing cider.

Snowdrift (Wenatchee WA) Cornice (7.5% ABV): This is a year round release, also available in bottles, which I’ve tried previously see here). This batch of this barrel agsed cider was a bit more fruity / less rich. I enjoyed it.

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

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