When I need a good cider who's quality and taste I can count on to deliver time and again, I turn to Ace Perry Cider. I thought it was about time I reviewed this offering from the California Cider Company.
The company:
California Cider Company maintains the Ace Cider website, sort of. The website needs updating (it talks about the new releases in 2010) and the blog started in 2011 has only two entries. Made in the heart of the Sonoma Valley, Ace produces Apple, Berry and Pear (the Perry) Ciders as well as something called a Joker (which was never well described).
Even though the website was vibrant, I really like new and fresh information. The marketer in me likes websites to be updated on a regular basis (says the woman who took an extended break from her blog - but hey I'm not a company trying to get you to try my product).
What I am the most disappointed in Ace Perry is the ingredients list. The label calls it a "premium hard cider...the first ever perry cider to be made in California." Well, I'm not sure what in their cider actually makes it a 'perry.'Here's the ingredients from the bottle: Fermented Apple Juice, carbonated water, apple concentrate (as a natural sweetener), natural flavors, malic acid, sulfite (perservative)
First disappointment - no pear juice at all. The pear pictured on the label is as close as one got to this cider. Second disappointment - natural flavors. Bah-humbug - there are so many not-so-good things that can be, I just don't want to think about it.
Reflections:
I liked this cider better before I read the lable. LOL. But honestly, I have to say it is one of my favorites. The taste is good and predictable. It isn't what I would call a 'premium' cider - I reserve that term for special runs - but I do think it is an above average cider with good overall taste.
Scoring:
Sweetness: 6
Neither tart nor sweet - this cider has a good balance and would go well with main dishes or dessert. I actually wish I had some cheese to munch with it right now as I think it would be wonderful.
Tartness: 6
I think it is quite refreshing and is good drunk straight from the bottle, rather than over ice how I enjoy most ciders.
Smoothness: 5
It's got a bit of bite to it.
Fruit flavor: 7
A solid cider, but the pear taste is not overly prominent. As the cider warms you do experience more of the pear flavor.
Dryness: 7
Carbonation: 8
Fair amount of carbonation even at the end.
Gluten free: yes!
Alcohol content: 5%
Container & Size: 12oz bottle
Overall: 7.5
I'm still enjoying the taste, if not disappointed by the ingredients. I think I have been spoiled by the more expensive ciders.
I agree with the article's comments about the ingredients... I didn't read the label - bought it soley because of the pear prominently posed on the front label.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Zero pear taste ... or ingredients for that matter. Not totally sure of what it tastes like but it's good. So I would purchase again but not with the expectation of experiencing a true "pear" cider.