Vermont Sparkling Organic Hard Cyder

Thanks to JoeMcphee for sharing - I kind of like the fact that it’s become a tradition to have at least one cider at our tastings - it really breaks things up - hazy golden, fairly fizzy pour - aroma of funk ’n’ fruit skin, with some phenolic notes and a mild sour/tart (brett?) character - the flavor is more mild than the aroma suggests, with some light acidity, whole apple tartness (with the skins really coming through), and background funkiness - it sure hides that alcohol well though - I’d still take this over champagne.

750mL bottle from the cider-meister, JoeMcPhee. Pours a clear golden color with a medium head. Smells faintly wild with sweet apples and granny smith apple edges. Strong on apple skins in the aroma as well. Taste is slightly astringent alcohol that makes the apple seem very strong. The alcohol actually provides a good base for the cider, not making it seem weak or watery. Has a very bubbly feel and a pretty thick body for a cider. I would call this the poor man’s Etienne Dupont, with a stronger alcohol kick.

April 2004. Sweet apple like Granny smiths. Dry sour taste leaving a long layer of sourness on the tongue. Very sparkly indeed.