Kopparberg Naked Apple

We're revisiting a favorite brand with a new variety that I haven't tried yet, Kopparberg Naked Apple!

Kopparberg
The Brewery was reestablished in 1994 but its roots go back to the original brewery founded in 1882. Located in central Sweden, they are the main employer for its town of 4000 people. I first tried Kopparberg in Norway, and I have fond memories of sipping the Strawberry/Lime in Oslo. On their website they describe the Naked Apple cider as "stripped back so it actually looks and tastes like apples, without all the orange colors and oaky flavors found in other apple ciders."

Where Purchased:
Wise Owl Growler's near Town Center in Kennesaw

A locally owned growler store that has a knowledgable staff and a wide selection of beer. They have several ciders available in bottles, and this was a new one from Kopparberg for me.
Setting the Mood:
Our street was a sheet of ice during Atlanta's first 'snow-in' of the seaons, so Tidnab and I enjoyed a day of fur baby snuggles. I decided it was 5 o'clock somewhere at lunchtime. A nice fresh salmon salad and Ghost Hunters on the TV, it was time to enjoy some relaxing and a cider.

Reflections:
This cider is different than the other Kopparbergs I have enjoyed. Less sweet, than others from this brewery, I didn't find anything unique to make this cider stand out and worthy of the $5.99/bottle price tag. At just over a pint (500ml), the bottle is bigger than most and the carbs come in at 25 for the whole bottle.

Tidnab's Sip: Tidnab loves the strawberry/lime Kopparberg but found this one ok. In his words, "not too sweet, has an alcohol taste, definitely a hard cider."

Scoring:
Sweetness: 5/10
Right smack in the middle. Unlike other ciders from Kopparberg, which are much sweeter, it was a refreshing change and fit the name of 'Naked Apple.'

Tartness: 7/10
This cider was on the tart side, but not in an exciting way. I like my ciders more complex, and the 'naked' quality of this cider has it coming up short in complex flavor notes.

Smoothness: 4/10
The alcoholic taste of this cider takes away from the smoothness.

Fruit flavor: 3/10
The apple taste is not distinctive and the most prominent aspect is the tartness. Again, it lives up to the name of "naked apple," but I'm not sure that it is in a good way.

Dryness: 5/10
Not particularly dry, so if that is your thing, you may or may not like this one.

Carbonation: 8/10
Lots of carbonation in this bottled cider. The carbonation is good - maybe too good but would be perfect paired with hot wings.

Container & Size: 500ml bottle

Overall: 5/10

Meh, pretty much sums up this cider for me. It is a good solid cider, but the taste doesn't stand out which makes the price tag a bit too much for my wallet. Spicy food with more complex flavor notes would make the simplicity of this 'naked' cider stand out better. I may try it again, but at the $5.99 price tag it will have to be the perfect setting.

McKenzie's Original On Tap

I went into my first beer growler store - Wise Owl Growlers - in Kennesaw and was pleasantly surprised to find a couple of ciders on tap. After trying their selections I bought a small grower of McKenzie's Original.

Growler & Game Night!

You can find out more about McKenzie's cider at their website. They've been in business since 2011 and are manufactured in upstate New York.

Where Purchased:
Wise Owl Growler's near Town Center in Kennesaw

A locally owned growler store that has a knowledgable staff and a wide selection of beer. They always have two ciders on tap and several others available in bottles. Check them out if you are local!

Setting the Mood:
Time for some RPG'ing as our group of regular suspects gathered together to play Pathfinder. After dinner break, I decided a cider was in order.

Reflections:
I love this cider. It was sweet but not too sweet with just a hint of tartness at the end. It is smooth with hardly any hint that it is alcoholic. Beware, you'll be guzzling this one down before you know it. 

Tidnab's Sip: Because I bought a growler he got more than a sip this time. To say he loved it would be an understatement. His glass was empty before he knew it.

Scoring:
Sweetness: 6/10
Refreshing is the word I would use to describe this cider. It's on the sweet side of neutral, just right for my taste.

Tartness: 4/10
I like a little bit of tartness in my ciders, so for me a 5 is perfect. If you like a tart cider versus a sweet one, you may not be as happy with McKenzie's as I am. For me, this is almost the perfect amount of tartness.

Smoothness: 10/10
 One of the smoothest ciders I have ever had. I could drink it like water, and that would be bad.

Fruit flavor: 7/10
Taste reminds me of honey crisp apples with a second note of granny smith for the tartness.

Dryness: 3/10
If you are looking for a dry cider, you will want to go elsewhere.

Carbonation: 6/10
Good carbonation but not so much you think you are drinking a soda instead of a cider. Since it was a growler, I'm not sure how much this effected the carbonation. We drank it within a few days of purchase. I need to find it in bottles to taste the difference ;)

Alcohol content: 6%

Container & Size: I got a small growler!

Overall: 10/10

The hubby and I loved this one. When we both went to the Wise Owl Growler together we decided to purchase a big growler this time of the same. McKenzie's has several other varieties and I'm anxious to try more.

Let me know if you've tried McKenzie's!

Back in the Cider

I can't believe it's been over three years since I reviewed a cider! A lot has happened since then including some major issues with my blood sugar that made drinking cider something that had to wait. I'm happy to say that with some life changes, I'm good-to-go and back in the saddle of drinking an occasional cider.

Me at Disney's Animal Kingdom
with the Tiger that inspired my tattoo

Since I can't drink them very often, I want to make sure I'm getting the best bang for my buck. That means back to reviewing! Tomorrow my first review since November 2015 is going to post. I'm excited and already planning for the next one. A lot has happened in the cider market since 2012 and the brands and varieties available is almost overwhelming, but I'm sure I'll find a way to sort it all out! And if all the different ciders out there weren't enough, I may also throw in a whisk(e)y or Scotch when the time feels right as I have developed an appreciation. And of course, the hubby will be dropping in to give his comments about the refreshing adult beverages under review - if I give him a taste that is!

Until tomorrow - cheers!

Ace Perry Cider - My Go To

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.

After a day of cleaning the garage and celebratory sushi - garage cleaning should always be celebrated - a cider seemed in order.  My friend L grabbed me one out of the fridge and I knew I could count on the taste.

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.

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime Review - sweet time!

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime Cider

While Sitting in our sunroom, my husband and I each doing our own thing on a Thursday night, I popped this cider opened and poured it over some ice (as suggested). I remembered that I was woefully behind on my Cider Bytes blog, and decided it was time to get back into the swing of blogging.  

I first enjoyed Kopparberg cider in Ireland several years ago and then again in Norway in 2010. Until recently I didn't know they made additional flavors. The pear was excellent with a jolly rancher-type flavor to it. We saw the Strawberry and Lime Kopparberg in our local Total Wine and bought one to try.

The company:
Kopparberg proudly claims themselves ün-established since 1882, sold in 40 countries and the best-selling pear cider in the world (or they claim to be, I have no data!).

Reflections:
The flavor is refreshing and sweet, very sweet.  Like the plain pear cider, this one has a jolly rancher taste to it as well.  Actually, I would liken it more to a Sierra Mists - the strawberry kiwi flavor.  I can barely tell that I'm drinking a cider, never mind the like of alcohol taste.  If I didn't know better I would say my husband grabbed a Sierra Mist and splashed some DragonBerry Rum in it.  The thing that is really striking is the color.  When you pour it over ice, it is a pink color reinforcing the strawberry flavor with its color.

Tidnab's sip:
Tidnab fell in love at first sip. He likened the taste to Fanta Strawberry and said it would be easy to drink lots of.
Scoring:
Sweetness: 10 - it's SWEET
Tartness: 2 - there really is no bite to this one
Smoothness: 8 - mostly from the sweetness
Fruit flavor: 2 on the apple taste, 5 on the lime (hint as an after note) but a 9 on the strawberry
Dryness: 3 - not dry at all really
Carbonation: 5 - not too bubble, but not flat, the carbonation isn't punchy in this one
Gluten free:
Alcohol content: 4%
Container & Size: 500ml bottle

Overall: I'd say an 8 if you are looking for a sweet cider that will taste good with most savory items or for sipping. I think it would pair well with salads during the summer also. Not for drinking with dessert unless you want to overdose on sweet. If you like your ciders dry, pass this one up - you will not be impressed.  

Thanks to YouTube, I present to you a two-year-old ad for Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime.

Woodchuck's Barrel Select Private Reserve

Woodchuck's Barrel Select Private Reserve (hence forth WCBSPR) wins the worst name award, luckily what's inside the bottle is better than its name. I do like the label and matching packaging, but it doesn't speak to the complexity of what is inside waiting for you.

Photo from Woodchuck website

Setting the mood:
This review is brought to you by the power outage last night at mine and Tidnab's house.  Originally, I had pulled this one out to enjoy while we played WoW (Sunday nights is raid night for those in the know).  Sometimes being a healer in a group of 25 people is not the most relaxing endeavor, so I thought WCBSPR might help.  Before we had time to start playing, the power suddenly went out.  About half our street was dark, and the power company took two hours to get us back up and running.  By then, we were on our way to bed and I had long finished my WCBSPR.

Photo from Woodchuck webiste

The company:
Woodchuck is a Vermont brewery focused on local sourcing and the environment.  The more I read, the more I liked them.  So, check out their webpage to find out more - but I'll give you the basics.  Water and power conservation are priorities for them.  They are working to use less water (1 gallons/1gallon of cider) and working with the local power company to reduce usage during peak times.  They also buy locally grown apples, print their labels on recycled paper, and use (25% of their total usage) power generated by cow um...patties.  Pretty cool in my book.  They also have a wide variety of products, many of them seasonal, for our enjoyment (well, mostly).  Woodchuck was one of the first ciders I tried years ago.  Their website walks you through how cider is made and links to their store where the metal sign pictured at right can be found along with glasses, t-shirts and how to make custom labels.

WCBSPR is a seasonal release for Woodchuck.  Bottled for release in December if you find any hanging out at your local store - buy it now.  They refer to it as their "ultra-limited" cider, and I can see why.  Its aged in white oak Kentucky bourbon barrels, which gives it a unique taste.  I've included their seasonal calendar at the bottom for those that are interested.

Where purchased:
Total Wine - I bought some singles but after trying it grabbed their last six-pack.


Reflections:
WCBSPR has a special place in my cider bytes' heart next to Crispin's Stagger Lee (see my review of it here).  Though I'm not a big fan of Jack Daniels or other Kentucky bourbons my love of Irish whiskey does give me an appreciation for their taste.  The first sip of WCBSPR is like a mellow sip of Kentucky whiskey.  The notes of smell are there - but not in the way where your nose feels like the alcohol will burn it.  It's light and rich and full-flavored.  I adore this cider it's fabulous straight from the bottle and still has a rich taste after it warms up.  I wouldn't call it refreshing or crisp, but I would call it mellow and jazzy.  Since it is made in Kentucky bourbon barrels, maybe I should say bluegrassy, but it can transport you and make your cider sipping feel like a luxury experience.  I have to say sipping it in the dark made the power outage tolerable.

Tidnab's sip:
He didn't get one this time, but last time I had to pry the bottle from his hand.

Scoring:
Sweetness: 8
Tartness: 6
Smoothness: 10
Fruit flavor: 7
Dryness:6
Carbonation: 8
Gluten free: Yes!
Alcohol content: 6.9%

Calories 250
Container & Size:12 oz. bottle
Price: six-pack about $12

Overall:10 - Wonderful - if you don't like bourbon/whiskey you might not be as impressed.

From Woodchuck's website

Blackthorn - I should've known

I'm back in black - well, I should say I'm back drinking Blackthorn cider. This particular cider bytes experience made me realize a few things. First, I don't like dry ciders. Looking at my review template, I realize this shouldn't be shocking as I have no ratings for 'dry.' I'm going to fix that and add one, but I'm a sweet girl - and I like my ciders that way, so read my thoughts and adjust according to your taste! Secondly, I'm not fond of cider being delivered in a can and I will start to note the cider delivery mechanism (aka packaging) as well. Now, on with the review.

Where purchased:
Total wine - my favorite cider purchasing store. 

Setting the mood:
I got home after a long day filled with a workshop that really needed help to a great dinner followed by some WoW time with my husband and friends.  I grabbed a Yuengling for Tidnab and the Blackthron cider for myself.  Now, when I play WoW and enjoy a cider, I usually keep it in the bottle/can because I'll be sipping (unless things are going REALLY bad) and I don't want to have it over ice and have it melting before I'm done.  So, I'm drinking out of a can... blah!

The company:
Blackthron is made in the UK using mostly local products.  Here's what their website says about their apple sourcing - it made me a happy girl!

"We have long term relationships with 68 local growers from Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Herefordshire where all the finest cider apples come from.  We are also the biggest employer in Shepton Mallet and over 90% of our fruit comes from within 50 miles from here."


I really like the local sourcing utilizing so many growers.  They are obviously having an impact on their community and that can play a big factor when I'm choosing a cider.  I like my money to go to companies that care. They also support local sport clubs - another thumbs up for them! 


One thing I can't figure out is who is the company behind Blackthorn.  A brief look at the Wikipedia page about them says they are owned by Constellation Brands, who owns more than 200 spirit brands but Blackthorn is not listed on their website.  A look at the bottom of the Blackthron homepage points to Magners (the name for Irish Bulmers in any country but Ireland), so I wonder if they have been bought.  I'll just have to wait and see.


They have two ciders Blackthorn and Dry Blackthorn.  They describe the apples they use on their website as:
"We use a good number of ‘Bittersweet’ cider apples in our blend. Bittersweet cider apples have low acid levels and high tannins."


This helped explain to me why I'm not a fan of dry ciders anymore than I am of dry white wines - the tannins.  They add carbonated water to their mix along with sulfites.  If you are sensitive to them - skip this cider.  Now, on with my reflection and rating!

Reflections:
I was disappointed whey I popped the top on the cider - there was no sound to indicate any carbonation.  I'm not sure why I expected one, but I did, and I worried from the start my expectations wouldn't be met.  Also, I have discovered that I'm not a big fan of English ciders - my guess is because of the bittersweet apples.  If I want dry, I'll drink wine - which is actually what dry ciders remind me in the mouth feel and after taste.  The apple flavor was there but not over powering and the carbonation was very light.  I will say that as the evening progressed and the cider warmed up, I liked it better.  I might try it again in a bottle or over ice.

Tidnab's sip:
He had a beer and was playing in the other room - no sip for him!

Scoring:
Sweetness: 6
Tartness: 7
Smoothness: 7
Fruit flavor: 6
Dryness: 9

Carbonation: 6
Gluten free: Yes
Alcohol content: 6%
Container type & Size: 16.9 fl oz can
Price: I believe about $2.50

Overall: 6