Where purchased:
I picked up a four pack of these at Total Wine. The price was moderate, about what I would expect for a four pack of craft ciders.
I picked up a four pack of these at Total Wine. The price was moderate, about what I would expect for a four pack of craft ciders.
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| From the Fox Barrel Website |
The Company - Fox Barrel:
Earlier this month, I reviewed the Fox Barrel Blackberry Pear cider. The company stresses its use of only pear cider with no additional additives. I also like the lack of preservatives as well. And, of course, it is gluten free. Here's a quote from their site about the differences with their cider: "Filtered cold for extra purity and infused with natural apricot juice. With no added malt, spirit, grape or apple alcohols colorants, sugar, sorbate or benzoate preservatives."
Earlier this month, I reviewed the Fox Barrel Blackberry Pear cider. The company stresses its use of only pear cider with no additional additives. I also like the lack of preservatives as well. And, of course, it is gluten free. Here's a quote from their site about the differences with their cider: "Filtered cold for extra purity and infused with natural apricot juice. With no added malt, spirit, grape or apple alcohols colorants, sugar, sorbate or benzoate preservatives."
I wanted to enjoy this cider in several different circumstances before I reviewed it. Fox Barrel's Blackberry Pear while a delightful cider was a bit harsh unless over ice and I was not sure it would go with most meals. This time, I wanted to try the Apricot Pear cider both with and without food. I drank a bottle while gaming one night and consumed two on different nights during dinner.
Reflections:
I found this cider to be different in several ways from the Fox Barrel Blackberry Pear cider. First, this one is great right from the bottle. When I game, I prefer the ease of grabbing a cider from the fridge and going to play. The carbonation is not overwhelming and the flavors are easily discernible without a glass and ice.
I found this cider to be different in several ways from the Fox Barrel Blackberry Pear cider. First, this one is great right from the bottle. When I game, I prefer the ease of grabbing a cider from the fridge and going to play. The carbonation is not overwhelming and the flavors are easily discernible without a glass and ice.
Second, I found that this cider's flavor pairs better with food than the Blackberry. The apricot was good with the spicy brats we had as well as pizza. I could taste the apricot but it didn't over-power my pallet and actually added a nice dimension. Many ciders are not good with food because of their sweetness - this one was just right and I would definitely stock it in the fridge again for a 'with dinner' adult beverage.
I look forward to more flavor-infusions from Fox Barrel as I prefer pear ciders to apple, and they do a great job making a pure-pear one.
Tidnab's sip: He enjoyed it. I'm probably going to have to hide my last bottle.
Scoring:
Sweetness: 7
Tartness: 8
Smoothness: 7
Fruit flavor: 9
Carbonation: 7
Alcohol content: 5.5%
Bottle Size: 12 Fl Oz
Price: Medium
Overall: 8
Scoring:
Sweetness: 7
Tartness: 8
Smoothness: 7
Fruit flavor: 9
Carbonation: 7
Alcohol content: 5.5%
Bottle Size: 12 Fl Oz
Price: Medium
Overall: 8
A great tasting pear cider for multiple situations.
