Cider Thoughts

Well, this summer I have been drinking some of my favourites that I have already reviewed so hence the lack of activity in reviewing ciders.  I have been enjoying the different flavours of Growers cider, Thornbury and Waupoos Cider (have to admit I haven't done a review of the later).

I am impressed that more restaurants, bars, pubs are carrying more cider and not just the imports such as Strongbow.  Canadian Cider is growing and becoming more popular among cider drinkers.  Various establishments are recognizing this and are starting to go Canadian and that is a good thing.

I am heading over to the UK, and I am looking forward to trying the different ciders over there.  They are home to the big boys such as Strongbow, Blackthorn etc, but there is a wide variety of the small independent companies as well.  I will be taking my notes, to compare the various styles of British ciders with the Canadian ciders.  I know, my introduction to cider was with Strongbow, Magners and Bulmers (which you can no longer get in Ontario....don't get me started on that).  If you enjoy something, you expand your horizons and hence my venture into ciders made in my own backyard (a very big back yard!).  I can honestly say I rank Canadian Cider right up there with British ciders.

On that note, is there any recommendations out there for ciders I should try when over in the UK (London) and any pubs I should visit?

Until then, may the ciders you drink bring you pleasure and joy!

Cheers,

Laurie

Crispin Natural Hard Apple Cider - Artisanal Reserve Lansdowne

Alc/Vol - 6.9%
Size - 650 ml (22 Fl.Oz.)
Carbohydrates - 17g
Gluten Free - Yes
Calories - 190




This hard apple cider is currently available in the United States only.  This tasty treat was brought back by my friend James who is a craft beer and football fanatic (check out his blog http://sportingvents.blogspot.ca/ )

My friend Jo who is also a cider fan, cracked this puppy open and so this review contains both our opinions. 

Colour:  Cloudy
Pour:  No head appeared with the pour, no carbonation

Smell:  It didn't smell like your traditional hard apple cider.  It smelled like a good strong stout.  At first I was worried as being Celiac, I cannot have malt or any ingredients that contain gluten.  The bottle confirmed it was gluten free.  I was intrigued that a cider could smell like a stout.  My friend Jo was never a beer/stout drinker so this was a new experience for her as well. 

Taste:  Our first impression, was that we were not drinking a cider but a stout.  This hard cider does not have a hint of apple at all.  Upon reflection, this bevy has a hint of butterscotch tones with a dry crisp finish.

Final Thoughts:  Well my friend Jo liked the unique flavour.  As for me, I enjoyed it as I use to be a beer drinker, before being diagnosed with Celiac.  I found that it didn't leave a strong taste that gluten free beer leaves on the taste buds.  I recommend this hard cider if you are craving that "beer taste and aroma"and if your travels take you the USA.  For further information on this cider and other ciders produced by Crispin Cider you can visit their website at www.crispincider.com  This cider contains no added preservatives, sugars or colourants.  What gives this cider it's stout taste is that one of the ingredients is Irish Stout Yeast.  As recommend on the bottle, give it a full bottoms-up tilt and swirl to experience the full flavour of this beauty.  As normal, I had this cider chilled, but not over ice.  Thanks James for bringing back this tasty treat!

Rating:  We give this cider a 7.6 out of 10. 

As I always say this is my opinion (shared this time) and not an expert one.  So give it try and see for yourself if this stout flavoured cider is for you.

Cheers!!

Laurie