#americancider

Angry orchards Iceman

Samuel Adams based in Massachusetts

Produced in Cincinnati, Ohio

Angry Orchards really surprised me with this on, and it's self-description is actually really accurate. I don't read the bottles until after I have tasted and analyzed the cider, and their description is pretty spot on to what I thought. This cider a beautiful deep amber color; it is sweet, "but not cloying.." actually what was said at the table tonight. It has tones of caramel, toffee and vanilla, they make this cider taste almost like whiskey and vermouth-not a combination I've ever tried, but this is what I think it would be like. The whiskey side being the sweet caramel beginning, a the vermouth being the more vanilla/sour end.  Though I don't think vanilla and sour go hand in hand at all. 

Doc's Dry Hopped Hard cider

Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery

Warwick Valley, NY

I am so excited to say that my job now has this limited batch of cider on tap. This was my first experience with hopped cider, and to be honest I was pretty sure it was going to be awful. I am not a big fan of hoppy beers; I can't stand IPAs. Hops tend to be a flavor of bitter I can't stand. And then adding the distinct, sweet flavor of cider: I don't know about this guys. However, this is great. It is well balanced and light; the sweet apple tones blend well with the floral hops and leaves you wanting more. It is refreshing and crisp, this is the perfect time of year for this release. I'm super excited for the other hopped ciders I have lined up to try.