Spirit Tree: Traditional Pub Cider

I first tried this cider at C'est What in Toronto.  This amazing place serves only craft ciders and beers.  NO big name corporate bigwigs here.  I had my choice of the Traditional Pub cider or their Perry Cider.  I decided to go with the above as I have tried many ciders over the past few years here and abroad.

The Specifics:  6% alc.vol per 341 ml bottle

The Pour:  I was lucky enough to be given a glass, so I will able to pour out this liquid gold on my own.  It was clear, not cloudy, with some carbonation.  No foaming head. 

Aroma:  Distinct apple smell.  I didn't get the chance to smell the cider when the lid was first popped opened.

The Colour:  Well in the pub light it looks crystal clear.  It is light in colour.

Initial Taste:  When I took my first sip, I thought it was very clean, with a hint of citrus.  At first, I thought it was a sweet cider, but as soon as you swallowed it finished off being more on the dry side.

Further Reflection:  After my first few sips, and giving it a swish around the pallet, I picked up a slight creamy texture with a smokey finish.  I found this cider to be very complex in flavour...one moment I pick up citrus tones, then it's creamy then back to citrus.  That's what I call teasing the taste buds.  I am sure, each drinker would pick up different flavours and undertones.  Near the end, I had decided that this is happy medium cider....not overly sweet nor not a overly dry.  The dry taste definitely comes at the end of each sip, especially if there is  long periods in between each sip.

The Verdict:  This is one cider I would recommend to any experienced and first time cider drinker.  It did remind me of the various ciders I tried while over in the UK.  The complex tones of this bevy will have each individual experiencing different tastes.  I found it wasn't too acidic which is what I like. I hope to get my hands on more of this excellent cider. 

History:  Well I won't go into great detail as Spirit Tree has an amazing website.  For further information visit www.spirittreecider.com or on twitter @SpiritTreeCider. 


Rating:  I give this 8.3 out of 10.  

Cheers,

Laurie