Hello, folks! Yes, yes, yes it is that wonderful prelude to the weekend again: Thirsty Thursday! Tonight we depart from the local microbrew scene for the northern climes of Minneapolis, Minnesota, from whence this week's featured brew comes: Crispin Natural Hard Apple Cider! And with the coming change from summer to fall, what better time to break out the cider?
Statistics
Style: Hard Apple Cider
Alcohol by Volume: 5%
Calories: 170
Naturally Fermented: Yes
Glass Used: Pint
Food Pairings: Turkey and Swiss on Italian bread with lettuce, mayo, and applewood smoked bacon with tomato bisque soup
Cellaring Notes: Enjoyed 89 days before Best By date
Reading Material: George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones
The thing I like about reviewing a hard cider is there's no discussing hops or color or aroma. You know what you're going to get from the jump. Apples. Crushed in a press and fermented into alcohol. I knew going in that Crispin was going to have tough competition. See, I don't always drink hard cider but when I do, I prefer Woodchuck Hard Cider. Woodchuck's had my loyalty for years. You know something? It still does. While Crispin offered a light, refreshing, season-appropriate appley tang, it just didn't have the same full flavor that belongs to its superior counterpart. Nonetheless, it poured nicely over ice, possessed a crisp bite, and served to acceptably cleanse the palate. I wouldn't sit down and drink a six-pack of it, but it was a pleasant complement to a meal.
Grade: B
For more information, visit www.crispincider.com
