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CRock303 · 02-20-2013, 03:00 AM

As far as commercial graffs go, there are a few breweries in Colorado that make "Cider" and have to use malt in it due to the fact that they have to because they can't make wine (which is what cider is considered legally here) and have to use a certain amount of malt. Wynkoop makes one every year, there's a micro in Colorado Springs that makes one, Coopersmith's in Fort Collins used to do one when my boss used to be the brewer there and Wit's End made one late last year using some juice from Colorado Cider Company. These are all very small breweries on a national scale though.

WilliamSlayer · 02-21-2013, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UpstateMike

Tonight's review is of McKenzies Hand Pressed Seasonal Reserve.

It is in a tall brown bottle, and unfortunately it's a twistoff.

Nice gold coloring, and a very strong spicy smell.

First taste, again a good strong spice flavor, tart, then followed by an almost citrus finish. It is like a mulled cider on a winters eve.

It is about $8 for a 6 pack, about average.

From their website:
Flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg. Sip, smell and savor the rich, mulled spicy goodness of McKenzie's Seasonal Reserve. Aromatic fall flavors warm you from the inside out, and chase away the chill on those cold nights. Serve warm or cold, but only for a limited time!

Out of a maximum of 5 Dancing Bananas, I will give McKenzies Seasonal Reserve:

Not familiar with the cider, but the spices are similar to what I put in my last batch. I used Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Orange peel. I'm getting much the same reaction from my friends too. This seems like a spice combo that has lots of appeal. I hope to try one!

UpstateMike · 02-21-2013, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilliamSlayer

Not familiar with the cider, but the spices are similar to what I put in my last batch. I used Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Orange peel. I'm getting much the same reaction from my friends too. This seems like a spice combo that has lots of appeal. I hope to try one!

Please post the recipe in the forum, or give me the link if you already have it posted.

UpstateMike · 02-21-2013, 03:28 AM

The last cider of the original 6 is Woodchuck Spring.

Short brown bottle with a pryoff crown cap. It will be added to my other woodchuck bottles for future reuse.

Very light honey coloring. Light carbonation, strong smell of maple syrup.

The smell is very deceptive of the taste. First taste is very tart, with a bitter finish. As usual, this Woodchuck has a thin watery feel.

Average priced, around $8 for a 6 pack.

From their website:
Warm days and cold nights will make the sap flow in the woods, but keeping the cider flowing in your fridge is up to you. Start with our spring cider - the taste and aroma of fresh maple syrup and brown sugar will make you think you're sitting in a warm sugarhouse in the Vermont countryside.

I don't think I will be getting this again anytime soon.

Out of a maximum of 5 Dancing Bananas, I will give Woodchuck Spring:

CRock303 · 02-21-2013, 04:52 AM

Woodchuck's Spring was way better the first year when they used honey instead maple syrup and brown sugar. I was super upset last spring when they made the change and I didn't notice when I bought a six pack. Honey is probably just too expensive for it to make sense for them to use it in a mass produced cider, too bad.

WilliamSlayer · 02-21-2013, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UpstateMike

Please post the recipe in the forum, or give me the link if you already have it posted.

I'll set up a thread now mike. It'll be Subject: Spiced Cider, a little piece of Home.

UpstateMike · 02-21-2013, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRock303

Woodchuck's Spring was way better the first year when they used honey instead maple syrup and brown sugar. I was super upset last spring when they made the change and I didn't notice when I bought a six pack. Honey is probably just too expensive for it to make sense for them to use it in a mass produced cider, too bad.

It's from Vermont, they have more maple trees than they do honey bees.

MagooBrew · 02-22-2013, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UpstateMike

We interrupt the scheduled tasting lineup for Redd's Apple Ale.

It comes in a tall clear glass twistoff bottle, so no bottle reuse here.

Good smell of apples after removing the cap. Good carbonation, good golden color. Nice apple flavor, with an ale aftertaste.

Slightly above average price at $8.50 a 6 pack.

Best way for me to describe this is the bastard child of cider and beer. I may get more, but not right away

Out of a maximum of 5 Dancing Bananas, I will give Redd's Apple Ale:

I actually enjoyed this one. Drank a six pack of it last night. Strong apple flavor bu you still knew you were drinking an ale.

WilliamSlayer · 02-28-2013, 02:49 AM

Mike, Thanks again for the reviews!

**BadgerBrigade** · 02-28-2013, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UpstateMike

A bit slow tonight, so I cracked open another. Woodchuck Raspberry.

Nice short brown bottle (Is woodchuck no longer using green bottles?), pryoff crown cap, and will be reused in my future ciders.

No bud, no more green. Executive decision based on ???