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