Carrick Old Boys Cider

My friend Ruth and myself went to this cider event in Toronto being held at Tequila Bookworm.  Put on by @CiderToronto, it was showcasing 12 different Ontario ciders. My mission was to try something that wasn't available at the LCBO.  After browsing the list, Ruth and I decided to split a bottle of Carrick Old Boys Cider.  I wish I had remembered to take a picture, but by the time I remembered it was mostly consumed.

Carrick Wines:  Located in Carrick Township, in Bruce County, Carrick Wines produces cider and other goods using local produce.  They have a really neat website.  They offer tours and you can place an order on line.  A minimum of 3 bottles is required.  Of course there is a delivery charge.  Their website is www.carrickwines.ca  Their twitter handle is @Carrick_Wines

The Scoop:  The alcohol content is 6.3% per 750ml bottle.  To quote the information found on the list provided "Old Boys Cider is a slight off dry still cider, produced in the traditional way, using a high quality apple blend."

The Pour:  What I liked was that there was low carbonation. 

Aroma:  No matter how hard we tried, we could not get a distinct smell of apples. 

The Taste:  This cider produced a great conversation between the two of us.  We both agreed it had a light, dry, crisp and clean tart taste.  Obviously it was made from apples but it wasn't in your face. 

Synopsis:  I had noted that I really enjoyed it but, wasn't the type of cider I would crack open after work or on a hot summers day.  What we did decide is that this would be an excellent choice to have in place of wine when serving a meal.  Though it is sweeter than most wines, it is mellow and sophisticated enough to please your guests.  Why not bring a bottle instead of wine at your next dinner engagement!  This is the type of cider, I would have a special occasions, but not for everyday consumption.  Overall it was a great cider and we enjoyed it!!

Rating:  Ruth gave it an 8 out of 10.  Me:  7.8 out of 10

On another note, it was a pleasure meeting @OnCraftCider and @Pommiesdry.  Thanks to @tequilabookworm for hosting this great event.  We need more businesses in Ontario to start supporting our local cider makers. 

Cheers!

Laurie

GrandeTentation Rose Cider

 Size:  330ml bottle
Alc/vol:  6.4%

I have been very lax lately (3 months almost) in writing my thoughts about various ciders I have had the opportunity to try.  I have been sampling many but instead of writing my thoughts down I was too busy enjoying myself.

On my visit to Montreal way back in October, I happened to pick up a bottle of Michel Jodoin carbonated crackling rose cider Grand Tentation.  The fact as the name suggests it was rose in colour was enough for me to give it a try.

The pour:  No foaming head but very carbonated.  Minutes after the pour the little tiny bubbles were still jumping away in the glass. 

The Taste:  Now unlike your traditional apple ciders, this bevy was very fruity.  In fact, I couldn't taste any apple at all.  Yet according to their website it is is made from Geneva and McIntosh apples. Wow, if you can hide the tones of apples then it is a great job.  My first impression was that it was more of a wine than cider.   At the same time, it was very enjoyable and a great change to your apple tasting hard core ciders.  It did have a bit of a sour bite too it.  Credit to the the cider maker for making this unique drink.

The Verdict:  I really did enjoy this and would have it again.  The downside is that the carbonation got the stomach growling and rolling away.  Would this be an everyday cider one would have at the pub?.....No.  It it is the type of cider that could be served in place of wine at dinner or just to have as a variation from your traditional ciders.  It is for this reason I give it 7.8 out of 10.

For more information on this specific cider or other products available visit their website at:  http://www.micheljodoin.ca/en